Personal Support Worker - 110
OSAP Eligible
Overview
Program Highlights
- Program is taught using a variety of methods including online, classroom lecture, clinical and lab experiences and field placement.
- Collaborative learning environment where you and your peers will experience simulated and real-life opportunities in state-of-the-art labs.
- Online theory classes to support study-life balance.
- Complete your certificate with a focus in gerontology by working with adults at the new training facility at The Village of Wentworth Heights.
What you'll learn
- Apply combined theoretical knowledge with practical skills to work as a team member with clients, families, nurses, physicians and other support services.
- Hands-on experience through professional practice placements in health care agencies under the supervision of instructors and preceptors.
- Provide service to a wide variety of clients.
- Recognize legislation that is relevant to the role including the Human Rights Code, Child and Family Services Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workers’ Compensation Act, and the Long Term Care Homes Amendment Act and the acts it amends.
- Apply theoretical learning in an authentic, real-world setting when you study in the Living Classroom at the Tansley Woods or Wentworth Heights campuses.
Program Length
1 academic year (period of 8 months)
View the Exceptions Calendar for start dates and semester break information.
Students in the PSW program must complete the program within 2.5 years from when they started to graduate (max 8 terms). Failure to complete within this timeline will result in having to reapply to semester 1 through OCAS and restart the program. Programs are often reviewed to ensure that they are current and meet industry standards. If any changes are made to the program of studies there could be additional courses that are needed for out-of-synch students to graduate.
Admission
Admission
- OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
- Grade 12 English, C or U or equivalent
- Please see Experiential Learning tab for important information on first semester pre-placement requirements
Language Requirements for Applicants with English as a Second Language
- See below for accepted equivalents for Grade 12 English:
- Successful completion of the GAS-English for Academic Purposes (478) program
- TOEFL minimum score of 550 (80 Internet based)
- or IELTS Academic minimum score of 6.0 overall with no band less than 5.5
- More information about acceptable certificates, can be found on the International Admission Requirements
Options are available for mature applicants.
Don't have the necessary requirements?
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and Fees
2024 - 2025 Domestic Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Ancillary Fees | $881.96 | $785.16 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Compulsory Program Fees | $121.00 | $0.00 |
| Domestic Tuition | $1,354.04 | $1,354.04 |
| Total Domestic Charges Per Semester | $2,357.00 | $2,139.20 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $4,496.20 | |
Above fees based on full-time September program start date. Contact Student Services to confirm fees for other start dates or semesters.
- Full Cost Breakdown
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the McMaster Campus Store
- If your program includes a clinical, practicum, or field placement, you may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services webpage.
- You will also be required to purchase various supplies to fulfill your program requirements. Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
2023 - 2024 International Tuition and Fees
| Description | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tuition & Ancillary Fee | $8,525.00 | $8,525.00 |
| Co-op Fees | N/A | N/A |
| Program Compulsory Fees | $121.00 | $0.00 |
| International Tax Recovery | $450.00 | $375.00 |
| Total International Charges Per Semester | $9,096.00 | $8,900.00 |
| Total 1st Year Fees | $17,996.00 | |
If you pay by wire transfer, please note your bank might charge you a fee to transfer money. Make sure your transfer includes the Mohawk payment and the wire transfer fee. This applies to each wire transfer payment you make.
- Explore payment options
- Book costs for your program can be found through the McMaster Campus Store
- If your program includes a clinical, practicum, or field placement, you may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services webpage.
- You will also be required to purchase various supplies to fulfill your program requirements. Full details will be provided in your classes. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks).
Additional Information
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
When it comes to paying for your education, investing in your future can be more affordable than you think. A Mohawk education is one of the most cost-effective means of acquiring the skills and knowledge you need to have a prosperous and rewarding career.
As you start on your chosen career path, it's important to have a realistic set of expectations regarding the expenses associated with attending college. In addition to your tuition fees, you will also need to budget for books, supplies, housing, and other related living expenses. You may be able to supplement your income and savings with scholarships, bursaries, or loans. It pays to do some research into what types of financial assistance you may qualify for.
Available Financial Assistance Resources:
- OSAP Eligible. Learn about Ontario Student Assistance Program - OSAP (domestic students only)
- Working on Campus
- Additional Sources of Funding
- Financial Assistance Home Page
Apply for Awards:
By submitting a Scholarships and Bursaries Application every semester, students have access to over $3 million in Mohawk College scholarships, bursaries and Ministry-partnered funding to help meet their financial needs.
Financial Literacy:
Whether saving for school, sticking to a budget, or planning for a major purchase, financial literacy affects us all. That's why Mohawk College is dedicated to helping students improve their financial literacy and become more confident in managing their money.
- Complete the free online Money Matters Module to earn Co-Curricular Credit!
- Financial Resources and Calculators
Program of Studies
Course Overview & Descriptions
Click on the course title for a course description.
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
How you'll gain skills
- Experience interactive simulations, structured lab activities and supervised placements.
- By applying combined theoretical knowledge with practical skills during clinical placements.
To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning.
Pre-clinical requirements
All accepted applicants are required to complete certain requirements prior to clinical placement and are responsible for the associated costs. Details about pre-placement requirements will be emailed to you once you accept your offer of admission.
Please note: If a student is unable to meet the Non-Academic Requirements for clinical placements, including immunization requirements, regardless of the reason, the placement setting may decline the request for placement as a result of the incomplete requirements. If there is an inability to complete the placement requirements of the program, progression in the program is not possible. For further details on specific requirements, please contact Preplacement Services at preplacementservices [at] mohawkcollege.ca (preplacementservices[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca).
Professional Practice placements
Clinical placements may occur at locations that are not accessible by public transit. Students should expect to either have access to a car or the ability to supply their own transportation when attending clinical placements in our catchment area that includes Hamilton, Brantford, Halton, Niagara, Norfolk and surrounding regions.
Placements are assigned using randomization software based on placement options and students indicating preferences. Unfortunately, not everyone gets placed where they want as it is not logistically possible. We do not move students after the randomization process has been completed.
Students are responsible for their own travel and costs to clinical placements.
First semester clinical placements run two weeks at the end of the semester, Monday to Friday. Shifts start as early as 6 am.
Second semester clinical placements can include days, evenings and weekend shifts. We recommend and encourage students to be flexible with placement hours as the placement facility will arrange and schedule their shifts. ONLY students who have successfully completed all theory classes and non-academic requirements (NARs) will be eligible for clinical placement.
For more information regarding the Personal Support Worker clinical placement, please contact kaleigh.best [at] mohawkcollege.ca (the clinical placement specialist).
Successful completion of Professional Practice
Successful completion of Professional Practice clinical placement is a requirement for graduation from the Personal Support Worker program. Professional Practice is an academic requirement across all semesters of the program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). As such, to be eligible for placement, you must submit proof of a clear PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement.
If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS, and, as a result, are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to progress in the program. A Clear PRCVS, completed within last 6 months and valid for full upcoming semester is required.
Non-academic requirements (NARs)
Students are responsible to cover all costs associated with non-academic requirements (NARs). Students must have the following non-academic requirements (NARs) submitted by week 5 for first semester and prior to the start of second semester. Please note that all requirements below must be valid for the full clinical placement in order to start your clinical placement.
- Clear PRCVS, completed within last 6 months and valid for full upcoming semester
- Immunizations - Tdap, Varicella, Hep B, MMR
- Tuberculin skin test
- Flu (Recommended, mandatory in some clinical settings)
- COVID-19 Vaccine (third vaccination dose mandatory in some clinical settings)
- Standard first aid and CPR-Level BLS/HCP
- Mask fit
- WSIB Consent
- Fire safety
- WHMIS
- AODA
- Workplace violence and workplace harassment
- Worker health and safety awareness in 4 steps - BILL 18
- Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA®) in Dementia Care in-person is recommended and encouraged for PSW students
- Student consent and waiver for clinical placements
To learn more, please visit the Centre for Experiential Learning.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes, often referred to as ‘Program Standards', set out the essential learning that a student must achieve before being deemed ready to graduate.
In many cases these program learning outcomes were developed by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) in consultation with employers and educators who are experts in the program field. To ensure the outcomes remain current and in line with industry needs, we invite our employers, graduates working in the field and current students to re-examine and update them during regular, ongoing program review focus groups.
Career Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Your future career options
- Personal Support Workers
Where you could work includes:
- Home Care Agencies and Long Term Care Homes
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
- Hospitals
Educational Pathways
Educational Pathways
Pathways to Mohawk
If you've successfully taken a course at another post-secondary institution, you may be able to earn course exemptions toward your credential here at Mohawk.
If you have successfully completed one of the following programs at Mohawk, you may be eligible to receive transfer credit in this program. To start a new program at Mohawk, you must apply via ontariocolleges.ca.
Transfer from
You can transfer to the Personal Support Worker - 110 from the following programs:
Career Pathways
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees
Receiving Program
Personal Support Worker
Mohawk College makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of each transfer opportunity. Please note that changes may occur in program offerings, admission requirements, and transfer credits granted by the receiving institutions. We advise all students to check with the receiving institution directly for the most up-to-date information.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Search ONTransfer.ca for more pathways with Ontario public colleges and universities.
Mohawk College makes no warranty or endorsement of material contained within links to external websites, nor does the College assume any responsibility for the linked website or its contents.
Additional Information
Additional Information
Other expenses:
Non-academic requirements (NARs), uniforms, textbooks and lab kits.
Minimum technical and software requirements for Online Learning courses
Computer and Internet Connection:
You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High-speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) is highly recommended for the optimal learning experience. Some courses have more advanced system requirements.
Software:
- Individual courses may have additional software requirements. This may include video or audio playing software or a specific software application.
- Most courses require word processing software.
- In some instances, it may be necessary for some users to upgrade their Flash or Java versions.
- Please ensure you are using an updated web browser such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, as most videos and resources are compatible with these.
- This program uses online proctoring software for one or more assessment(s) to uphold academic quality and maintain academic integrity. This software requires students to turn on their video camera, present identification, monitor and record their computer activities, and/or lock/restrict their browser or other applications/software during online virtual tests, quizzes, or exams. The proctored software is required to be installed before the assessment begins. Additional information will be provided by your professor/instructor at the beginning of the term in your MyCanvas course regarding remote proctoring tools being used.
The following items may also be required for some courses:
- One of the following: Desktop/ laptop/ Chrome Book.
- Speakers/Headphones.
- Web Camera and Microphone.
Learning Management System:
Mohawk College uses Canvas as a Learning Management System (LMS). You will interact with this platform in all your course at Mohawk. Below is the Canvas community guide for browser requirements. To access press CTRL on your computer then click on the link. The link will walk you through computer specifications, Operating Systems, Internet speed, and screen readers needed to run Canvas both on your computer and a mobile device. Visit Canvas for more information.
Canvas student guide provides links and resources to help you navigate any issues you may have.
You can also visit the student tech support on your My Mohawk page or by pressing CTRL on your computer and clicking on the link below. Here you will find support for all Technological resources such as Zoom Web Conferencing, Office 365 and Mohawk Apps. Visit Student Techincal Support.
Contact Us
Contact us
Domestic Canadian Students
Contact Student Recruitment
Haven’t applied yet and have questions?
Contact our Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and more.
Contact Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact Admissions
Phone: 1-844-767-6871
International Students
Contact International Student Recruitment
Contact our International Student Recruitment team for information on programs, how to apply, and student life.
Contact International
Email: intl.representatives@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
Toll free phone numbers:
For general questions: 1-888-Mohawk9 (1-888-664-2959)
North China: 10-800-714-2521
South China: 10-800-140-2541
Brazil: 0800-022-7408
Philippines: 180011102544
Contact International Admissions
Contact our Admissions advisors for help with your application.
Contact International Admissions
Phone: 1-905-575-2254
*Not all programs are international eligible. Please see our programs available for international students.
Accessible Learning Services
Are you a student with a confirmed or suspected disability? Visit our Accessible Learning Services website to discover how we can help you.
jordana.taylor [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Jordana Taylor)
tiffany.iles [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Tiffany Iles)
amber.skye [at] snpolytechnic.com (Amber Skye (Six Nations Brantford))
Canadian Domestic Students
International Students
Create your personalized viewbook
Build (and share) your online Mohawk College experience.
Stay Connected!
Join our email list to learn about our recruitment process, college and program updates, and upcoming events.
Future Ready Blogs
Living Classrooms: A Fusion of Theory and Practice
Compassion and Caring: A PSW's Story
Personal Support Worker earns trust with stellar care
Discover our campuses
Get Future Ready for a career in senior living at Tansley Woods
Mohawk College's new campus located at The Village of Tansley Woods provides students the opportunity to study and learn in a retirement and long term care environment.
The Village of Wentworth Heights, Hamilton
Complete your Personal Support Worker Certificate with a focus in gerontology by working with older adults at the new training facility at The Village of Wentworth Heights.
Six Nations Polytechnic - Brantford
Six Nations Polytechnic, Brantford Campus, gives students the opportunity to study the Mohawk College Personal Support Worker program while staying close to home.
Discover the Institute for Applied Health Sciences at McMaster
The Institute for Applied Health Sciences (IAHS) is located in West Hamilton on the McMaster campus. The IAHS campus is where the majority (but not all) of our health programs are taught. Learn more about the IAHS:
We're here to help
We’re here for you to support applications and admissions by providing online and virtual service.
Applied and have questions?
The admissions team is available to help, you can contact them via Admissions or by phone at 1-844-767-6871.
Haven’t applied and need help?
Contact us or phone 1-844-767-6871.
Program delivery
Learn about program delivery terms.
Please note: in-person, virtual, and hybrid classes vary according to the program and some programs may be in-person only. Refer to the Program Overview for more information.
