Program Description Humber’s Personal Support Worker certificate program gives you the skills you need for a career in this in-demand health-care field. Begin a rewarding career helping people in need such as the elderly, the chronically ill and people with physical disabilities. The program is designed in collaboration with industry, ensuring you are learning current and relevant material. In this program, you will learn:
The developmental stages across the lifespan, and the communication and interpersonal skills needed for effective client relationships The essentials of providing personal care, applying mobility techniques (lifting and transferring clients), and household management and safety About mental health disorders Skills in dealing with common medical conditions including facilitating rehabilitation exercises and assisting with medications Clinical practicums give you valuable first-hand experience in the field which will serve you well when beginning your career. Through assisting individuals at a long-term care facility and in other settings, you will learn to recognize the physical and emotional changes of aging and illness, and become familiar with the restorative techniques used to maximize independence.
Two work placements take place in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In Semester 1, the practicum is completed in a controlled lab environment for six hours per week. This practicum is fully supervised by one instructor per group of approximately ten students. In Semester 2, the practicum is completed at a variety of agencies and facilities. The Semester 2 practicum is divided into two rotations over the 15 weeks: 160 hours in a long-term care facility and 120 hours in a community agency. Hours and number of days per week vary depending on the type of facility and shifts assigned; most range from six to eight hours per day or evening. Students begin placement in the first week of January.
Provide compassionate care to those in need with a career as a personal support worker. As a result of an aging population and increased government focus on home and long-term care, the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reports the need for personal support workers is increasing. With your knowledge of common diseases and disabilities, you will be well-equipped to assist with providing safe and effective support. Your personal care and household maintenance abilities will allow you to aid clients with a variety of tasks related to daily living. You will be qualified to provide services to clients and their families in a variety of health-care settings such as long-term care facilities, palliative care centres, hospitals and clients’ homes.
