Become a Personal Support Worker with Academy of Learning
Over the past year, it’s become more apparent than ever before that there is a significant need for Personal Support Workers and Health Care Aides – commonly known as PSWs and HCAs – who can handle the challenges of caring for Canada’s elderly community. PSWs and HCAs not only help people with physical disabilities and mental health needs to live their lives more independently and support them to reach their potential by providing both physical and emotional support, but they also contribute greatly to the client’s overall quality of life. So, if you’re looking to take up a rewarding role as a PSW or HCA, Academy of Learning Career College is here to help.
Academy of Learning’s Personal Support Worker and Health Care Aide Certificates are designed to help motivated, cheerful and empathetic individuals pursue their goals in becoming a PSW or HCA by giving them the skills, training and experience required to find a rewarding career in various healthcare settings. So, whether you’re looking for a role in a hospital, retirement home, nursing facility or community healthcare agency, this certificate is perfect for you.
About the programs
The Personal Support Worker and Health Care Aide Certificates provide a solid educational base for those who provide long-term care and support services to individuals in both institutional and community settings. The program is delivered through a combination of instructor-led training, integrated learning system training facilitated by Academy of Learning Career College facilitators and instructors and a range of clinical placements.
Students who complete the program are equipped to deal with the day-to-day challenges faced by a PSW or HCA. For example, students learn how to help a client with routine activities of living such as personal care, mobility, home management, meal preparation, family care, and assisting with social and recreational activities. Because the attitude, abilities and approach of PSWs and HCAs are critical to the wellbeing and health of the people they support, the program also teaches students to recognize not only the comfort, safety and wellbeing of their clients, but also to demonstrate sensitivity and respect for those in their care.
The skills learned on a Personal Support Worker program
Training on the PSW and HCA programs provide the opportunity for students to develop basic caretaking and personal service training skills necessary for employment in homes in the community, long-term residential facilities, congregate housing settings or day programs. These skills include:
- Solid organizational skills
- A superior ability to multi-task
- A friendly and cheerful demeanor, even under challenging circumstances
- Empathy and compassion for clients
- Good communication skills
- Respect for all aspects of client confidentiality
- Confidence and initiative
- A desire to contribute to the safety and dignity of clients.
The funding options for a PSW or HCA program
At Academy of Learning, we make sure students’ financial concerns do not stand between them and their education. We help our students in exploring the available funding and financing options, which may include bank solutions, student loans, other interest-free financing, lifelong learning plans, registered education savings plans and third-party fully funded or partially funded programs through disability programs or unemployment programs such as Second Career financial support. We have helped thousands of students secure the funding they needed to graduate and start new careers in less than a year! Our free assessment helps determine how much financial assistance a student requires, how much they are eligible for and which option best suits their circumstances. So, no matter what challenges you’re facing, we’ll find an option to get you enrolled and in the classroom faster than you thought possible. We’ll even guide you through the application process to ensure that all forms are filled out correctly and that all necessary documentation is submitted.
An additional bonus for PSW students in Ontario, you may be eligible for 100% free tuition and a paid practicum because PSWs are in such high demand. HealthForceOntario is also providing a $5,000 incentive to graduates in exchange for a six-month commitment to an eligible long-term care provider or home & community care agencies in greatest need. So, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
Even though PSW and HCA roles are often challenging, making a positive difference in someone’s life and helping them become more independent brings an unrivalled feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. So, if you’re interested in a great career with a varied job role and lots of interaction with others, why not consider getting in touch with your local Academy of Learning to help you take the next step?