Personal Support Worker Certificate (NACC)
- Certificate
- Duration: under 6 months
- Next class: November 2026
- Live online classes on weekday evenings
- Part-time option available
- Total hours: 700 (Theory: 400 hrs, Internship: 300 hrs)
Looking for a fulfilling and in-demand career that makes a difference in people's personal lives? Consider becoming a Personal Support Worker! Our Personal Support Worker program combines live online theory classes with in-person hands-on lab sessions and 300 hours of clinical placement at healthcare facilities across Toronto & GTA. You will be equipped to work in long-term care facilities, home care settings, hospitals, and more. Join a supportive community of professionals who make a positive impact every day.
This PSW course is certified by NACC, a national association representing 550 regulated career colleges across Canada, and is widely acknowledged both nationally and internationally.
Why Students Choose CanNorth PSW Program
Flexible learning, real-world placement, and payment options that work for you
Live Online Classes — No Commute, Learn from Home
Attend theory classes live online from home — no need to commute to campus for lectures. Only 300 hours of clinical placement and a few hands-on lab sessions require in-person attendance.
- Live online classes — attend from anywhere
- Save time and money on commuting
- In-person only for placement and essential skills labs
Real Placement at Leading GTA Facilities
Complete 300 hours of clinical placement at major long-term care facilities and healthcare centres across Markham, Richmond Hill, and Toronto. This is real work experience — many students receive job offers before their placement ends.
- Placement sites in Markham, Richmond Hill & Toronto
- Work alongside experienced healthcare professionals
- Many students get hired before graduation
Payment Plans & Financial Aid Support
We offer monthly payment plans for most students to make tuition manageable. CanNorth College does not provide OSAP funding. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and meet eligibility requirements, our team can help you understand Better Jobs Ontario (BJO), which may help cover tuition and living expenses.
- Monthly payment plans available for most students
- Better Jobs Ontario application support
- BJO may be available if you are a Canadian citizen/PR and meet requirements
Highlights
This program provides hands-on training and real clinical placement experience to prepare you for a career in personal support. High demand across Ontario means strong job prospects upon graduation.
Employment Opportunities
Long-term care homes, hospitals, home care agencies, retirement residences, and community support programs.
Potential Future Title
Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Program Details
What You Will Learn
The Course consists of 15 modules. These modules are covered in the classroom and in the practicum.
- PSW Foundations
- Safety and Mobility
- Body Systems
- Assisting with Personal Hygiene
- Abuse and Neglect
- Household Management, Nutrition and Hydration
- Care Planning, Restorative Care, Documentation, Working in the Community
- Assisting the Family, Growth and Development
- Assisting the Dying Person
- Assisting with Medications
- Cognitive and Mental Health Issues and Brain Injuries
- Health Conditions
- Gentle Persuasive Approaches in Dementia Care
- Clinical Placement (Facility)
- Clinical Placement (Community)
Admission Requirements
- An Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
- English Preparation Program - Advanced Level or Academic Preparation Program Required for Certain International students
Salary
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the PSW course?
Under 6 months. The course has 700 hours in total: 400 hours of theory and 300 hours of in-person clinical placement at healthcare facilities in Markham, Richmond Hill and Toronto. Theory is taught in live online classes on weekday evenings.
How much does the PSW course cost?
Tuition is paid in six monthly instalments: CAD $600+ per month for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and refugees, and CAD $1,000 per month for work permit holders. Your written quote confirms the exact tuition total, payment dates, included items and any applicable additional fees before enrolment. CanNorth does not offer OSAP. Exclusive online offer: fill in the form on this page to get an extra tuition credit. The amount depends on your status in Canada and is confirmed with your documents at enrolment. One credit per person; not combinable with Better Jobs Ontario funding.
Is the PSW course free in Ontario?
No, CanNorth's PSW course is not free. Tuition is paid in monthly instalments, and CanNorth does not offer OSAP. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario (BJO), which may help cover tuition and living expenses. BJO decisions are made by the Government of Ontario through Employment Ontario, not by CanNorth.
Is the PSW course online?
Partly. It is not a fully online course. Theory is taught in live online classes on weekday evenings, so you can attend from home. Clinical placement and some hands-on lab sessions are in person.
Can I take the PSW course in the evening while I work?
Theory classes are live online on weekday evenings, so you can attend them after a daytime job. Skills labs are hands-on sessions that require in-person attendance. Placement shifts depend on your assigned facility, so evening-only placement is not guaranteed. Ask admissions for the timetable of your intake before planning around work or family.
Can work permit holders take this PSW course?
Yes, if you live in Canada. For work permit holders, tuition is CAD $1,000 per month in six monthly instalments. IRCC rules and the conditions on your permit decide whether you can study while on a work permit, so check them before you enrol. Our admissions team can give you the class dates for your intake.
Can I take this PSW course if I live outside Markham?
Yes. Students from across Toronto and the GTA, including Scarborough, North York, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Pickering and Ajax, can attend the live online theory classes from home. You will need to travel to the in-person skills labs and to your clinical placement, which is arranged at healthcare facilities mainly in Markham, Richmond Hill and Toronto. Our campus is in Markham.
How is the placement arranged?
Clinical placement is a required 300-hour part of the PSW Certificate (NACC). Our team matches students with healthcare facilities mainly in Markham, Richmond Hill and Toronto, based on location and site availability. You must be able to travel to your placement and attend the facility's scheduled shifts. Placement and career support help you prepare for PSW work; employment is not guaranteed.
What are the entry requirements?
You need a high school diploma (or equivalent) and English proficiency. No prior healthcare experience required.
What certification will I receive?
Graduates receive a college certificate and a NACC PSW certificate. The program meets Ontario's 2022 Personal Support Worker Program Standard, and CanNorth College is a private career college registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
Do you help with job placement?
Our placement program gives you real hands-on experience at actual healthcare facilities. Many students get hired at their placement sites before graduation, and the school also provides career support to help you find employment. Employment is not guaranteed.
How to Apply?
Get in Touch with Us
Meet With an Education Counselor
Come and Explore Our Campus
Get Accepted and Enroll