COURSE CURRICULUM

The Personal Support Worker program consists of two semesters designed to prepare students for safe and effective care in diverse healthcare settings. In the first semester, students begin with foundational courses such as PSWO 1500, which introduces the roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations of PSWs across various environments. PSWO 1600 covers human body structure and function, emphasizing anatomy, physiology, nutrition, hygiene, and infection control. Communication and professionalism are developed in PSWO 1700 through interactive activities to enhance interpersonal skills with clients and healthcare teams. PSWO 1701 addresses palliative and end-of-life care, focusing on emotional support and self-awareness. Practical skills are emphasized in PSWO 1800 through supervised lab simulations where students practice personal care, mobility, and safe meal assistance, which are then applied during clinical practice in PSWO 1801 within healthcare settings. The second semester builds on this foundation with PSWO 1501, which offers practical healthcare experience alongside classroom learning. Mental health and dementia care are explored in PSWO 1601, including caregiving approaches and the PSW’s role in the care team. PSWO 1702 focuses on medication management, teaching students about medication types, safe administration, and collaboration with healthcare professionals. Advanced practical skills are refined in PSWO 1803, which includes topics like wound care, vital signs, and pregnancy care, complemented by PSWO 1804 clinical practice where students apply these skills in real-world settings. The program culminates in PSWO 1901, a practice consolidation course where students function as entry-level PSWs, working under supervision in facility and community settings to meet client needs while integrating into healthcare teams. This comprehensive curriculum balances theory, hands-on training, and clinical experience to prepare students for a successful career as Personal Support Workers.