Certificate Program · Healthcare

NACC Personal Support Worker

Start a Career That Makes a Difference

Prepare for national certification with Elite College’s NACC Personal Support Worker Program, developed to the Dementia Education (DE 2022) National Association of Career Colleges standard. This program combines the core PSW curriculum , personal care, mobility assistance, infection control, nutrition, and client communication , with specialized training in dementia care, equipping graduates to confidently support clients living with cognitive impairments in home care, long-term care, and hospital settings. 

  28 Weeks
  Hybrid Learning
  300 Hours Practical
  Certificate
Government Approved
This Program Is Approved As a Vocational Program Under The Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005

28 Weeks

Duration

Hybrid

Delivery

400 Theory + 300 Practical

Training Hours

Certificate

Credential

~$46k
Potential Annual Earnings
About the Program

One of the Most Rewarding Careers in Ontario Healthcare

Students complete hands-on clinical placement alongside classroom instruction, gaining real-world experience working with diverse client populations under the guidance of experienced healthcare instructors. The dementia-focused curriculum prepares graduates for the growing number of PSW roles specifically supporting Ontario’s aging population, including in specialized memory care units and long-term care facilities. Graduates are eligible to write the NACC certification exam, giving them a recognized, portable credential valued by employers across Canada. With healthcare employers actively seeking PSWs trained in dementia care, this program offers strong job prospects for career changers, newcomers to Canada, and healthcare-focused graduates alike. 

Elite College’s supportive learning environment and experienced faculty make this an excellent choice for anyone seeking a meaningful, in-demand healthcare career. Second Career funding may be available for eligible applicants.

Funding Support

Government Incentives & Financial Aid

The Government of Ontario has introduced incentives to support students entering the PSW field.

Our team will guide you in accessing the government incentives and financial aid you may be eligible for — so you can focus on your future, not the finances.

Learn from Nurses

Taught by Working Registered Nurses

All our instructors are currently working Registered Nurses (RNs), bringing today’s real-world experience straight to your training.

  • Learn the exact skills Ontario healthcare employers want
  • Practise with equipment used in real clinics and care homes
  • Build confidence with a “see one, do one, teach one” approach
What You'll Learn

Everything You Need to Care with Confidence

A curriculum designed to prepare you to enter the workforce in a compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional capacity.

Key Learning Areas

Role of the PSW

Your responsibilities, boundaries, and place within the healthcare team.

Health, Safety & Mobility

Keeping clients and yourself safe, and assisting with safe movement.

Care for Patients

Delivering respectful, person-centred care every day.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Communicating clearly with clients, families, and the care team.

Health Conditions

Understanding common health conditions and how they affect care.

Caring for Vulnerable Populations

Supporting seniors, persons with disabilities, and people in recovery.

Practical Care Skills

Care & Companionship

Supporting individuals and families during illness, recovery, or transition.

Bedside & Personal Care

Assisting with mobility, bathing, dressing, and hygiene needs.

Meal Preparation & Feeding

Preparing nutritious meals and accommodating dietary requirements.

Health-Related Duties

Medication assistance, non-sterile dressing changes, and specimen collection under supervision.

Household Assistance

Light housekeeping and laundry for a safe, comfortable living environment.

300 Hours Practical Experience

Supervised practical experience working directly in real care environments.

Why Choose This Program

Why Choose Elite College?

If you are compassionate, caring, and want to make a difference, this is your pathway to a fulfilling career.

Registered Nurse Instructors

Learn from working RNs and veteran PSWs who teach real-world skills, not just textbooks.

Hands-On Training

Practise in simulated healthcare environments with hospital-grade equipment.

300 Hours Supervised Practical

Work directly in real care environments before you graduate.

Small Class Sizes

Personalized support throughout your program.

Funding Guidance

Help accessing government incentives and financial aid.

Flexible Hybrid Learning

Blended classroom and online learning over 28 weeks.

Career Opportunities

Strong Job Prospects in Ontario Healthcare

With Ontario’s healthcare sector facing urgent demand for PSWs, this program opens the door to a stable, meaningful career.

Personal Support Worker

Home Support Worker

Nursing Assistant

Caregiver in Long-Term Care

Health Aide in Private Homes

Hospice Care Worker

Palliative Care Assistant

Community Health Support

Where You Can Work

  Long-Term Care & Retirement Homes
  Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centres
  Community Health Agencies
  Private Home Care Services
  Assisted Living Centres
  Hospice & Palliative Care
Student Stories

What Our PSW Students Say

  Rated 4.8 of 5  ·  85 Google reviews
★★★★★

“I had an amazing experience studying as a PSW student at Elite College. The program was comprehensive, practical, and truly prepared me for the realities of working in healthcare. My instructor was knowledgeable and passionate about the subject.”

R
Rose Querubin
  Posted on Google
★★★★★

“An awesome school that helps me a lot! My professor teaches the practical lessons in detail — she gives us real situations to discuss in groups first, then teaches us what we missed and what’s important.”

M
May Tan
  Posted on Google
★★★★★

“Thank you Elite College for the nice and learnable experience. Special thanks to the principal for the inspiring leadership, and to the staff for their constant support and care. Highly recommended school!”

R
Ritchelle Brua
  Posted on Google
Financial Aid

Financial Barriers Shouldn’t Hold You Back

Eligible students may qualify for government funding, grants, or fee discounts. Our team will help you explore your options and guide you through the process.

OSAP

Ontario Student Assistance Program for eligible students.

Better Jobs Ontario

Funding support for eligible career changers.

CTC

Ask our advisors about CTC eligibility.

Flexible Payment Plans

Spread your tuition into manageable payments.

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Get the Complete Course Outline

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The program runs for 28 weeks, with 400 hours of theory and 300 hours of practical experience.

Hybrid — blended classroom and online learning, plus supervised practical placement.

A NACC Personal Support Worker (DE 2022) Certificate. This program is approved as a vocational program under the ontario career colleges act, 2005.

No. We train you from the ground up — all you need is the heart to care.

The program is delivered at our Richmond Hill campus, 9861 Leslie St, Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Long-term care and retirement homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centres, community health agencies, private home care, assisted living, and hospice and palliative care.

Eligible students may qualify for government incentives and financial aid, including OSAP, Better Jobs Ontario, CTC, and flexible payment plans. Our team will guide you.

Click Apply Now or call (905) 554-8882 for start dates and admissions information. Seats are limited.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Our Admissions team is here to support you and ensure that your academic and career goals become a reality. Contact us today and take the first step towards a brighter future!