Personal Support Worker Certificate Program

This course introduces the role and responsibilities of the Personal Support Worker in long term care, rest homes, community, and hospital settings. The role and scope of practice of the PSW is examined in depth. The student will develop knowledge and a better understanding of the role of cultural diversity in communication, health and illness. Elements of communication (verbal and written), therapeutic skills, relationships, communication concepts and strategies, reading, listening, and exposure to computer documentation will be discussed.

This course examines the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. It will look at basic assessment skills and observations to determine normal function of the different systems.

This course will examine the physical changes of aging and how they relate to common health disorders. Basic assessment and observation skills will be examined as well as interventions to help meet the needs of the client’s changing condition.

This course assists students in assessing and responding to the physical, social and emotional needs of clients. It enables students to develop the knowledge and skills to support a client’s personal care requirements, assess aspects of safety as it relates to both client and worker, and identify concepts of abuse.

This course applies theoretic knowledge to practical application in the lab and Long Term Care settings. This is a supervised and evaluated experience.

This course will introduce students to common conditions of cognitive impairment, substance abuse and mental illness. Students will also learn to apply basic approaches and techniques to assist the client with these conditions.

This course is designed to assist students to understand characteristics of today’s families. The student will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to family’s reactions to the worker’s presence, family routines, effects of illness, stress and disability on family relationships, preferences and involvement in family decision making, approaches in balancing caregiving and rest, skills related to infant, child care, and assisting a child with special needs. The student will also assist the client with household activities according to client preferences, comfort and safety.

This course will introduce the student to concepts of prevention, maintenance, rehabilitation/restoration, palliation in supporting maximum function and comfort of the client. The student will develop an understanding of the concept of terminal illness and dying as part of life and its impact on the client/family and health care professional.

This is an introductory course in Pharmacology. It will familiarize students with drug classifications, highlighting general characteristics of each class. A general explanation of how medications act on the body will be provided. Pertinent information regarding medication administration, routes and strengths of medications, and terminology will also be covered.

This course will emphasize the importance of self-evaluation and recognize the need for fostering professional growth for the PSW through lifelong learning. The student will examine how personal characteristics influence career choices and personal development.

This course is a continuation of Practicum I – Lab and applies theoretical knowledge to a practical setting in long term care. This is a supervised and evaluated experience.

This is a preceptored clinical experience focusing on the application of skills learned in all previous courses. The continuous clinical practice in the LTC facility and/or hospital setting provides opportunity for students to provide holistic care to clients and their significant others. Students will demonstrate accountability and professional conduct within the policies and procedures of their placement facility with a preceptor. The student will consult with their supervisor and other health professionals and act as an advocate for clients and their families. During the practicum, the student will provide client centered, safe, knowledgeable, empathetic, and efficient care.

This is a preceptored clinical experience focusing on the application of skills learned in all previous courses. The continuous clinical practice in the Community setting provides opportunity for students to provide holistic care to clients and their significant others. Students will demonstrate accountability and professional conduct within the policies and procedures of their community placement with a preceptor. The student will consult with their supervisor and other health professionals and act as an advocate for clients/ families. During the practicum, the student will provide client-centered, safe, knowledgeable, empathetic and efficient care.