Niagara College looks forward to training more aspiring personal support workers after the province’s unveiling of a new, accelerated PSW program today.

The new program significantly expands training opportunities at Niagara so that participants can graduate with full credentials within five months (20 consecutive weeks) and help fill demand for more PSWs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The College will begin accepting applications in early March for programs starting May 10 and June 14.

“We welcome this ministerial announcement, which allows us to further support our local community partners in the training and education of PSWs,” said Carolyn Triemstra, Niagara College’s dean of Health and Community Studies. “Niagara College has a long history of providing high quality, hands-on training for Personal Support Workers through our School of Nursing and Personal Support Worker Studies. We’re well-positioned to leverage this important initiative to educate highly-trained, much-needed PSWs.”

This new rapid training program fulfills professional requirements by increasing the number of study hours per week using online and in-person learning. Students will complete courses online and participate in labs on campus or in care settings. The program will provide further hands-on learning by offering volunteer opportunities early in the program and paid work placements after three months of enrolment. All in, students will have 300 hours of practical experience when they graduate.

Tuition and ancillary fees will be fully funded for program participants. There will also be some financial support for textbooks, uniforms, transit and vaccinations. Students already enrolled in a PSW training program will receive $2,000 in tuition assistance.

Participants in the Niagara College accelerated program will graduate with two additional certificates: Managing Food Safety, which focuses on safe food preparation; and Gentle Persuasive Approach focused on caring for individuals with dementia and other cognitive diseases.

PSWs are skilled and compassionate health care providers who help some of the most vulnerable populations with physical and psychosocial challenges at all stages of life. Standard PSW programs offered at Niagara take eight months to complete.

“Personal support workers have been frontline heroes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical care to those who most need it right now,” said Sean Kennedy, Niagara College president. “Niagara College is proud to collaborate with the province to increase access to education and training for much-needed PSWs.”

Visit niagaracollege.ca/nursing/programs/psw-accelerated-draft/ to learn more.

Photo cutline: Niagara College will offer the accelerated PSW program starting in May. The condensed program will include hands-on work through volunteer opportunities, paid placements, and in classroom labs like this one.

The Niagara College School of Nursing and PSW prepares students for rewarding careers in several health-care disciplines. Courses are taught by supportive faculty with significant expertise in their respective fields with a strong emphasis on providing students with access to hands-on learning experiences via NC’s state-of-the-art lab facilities as well as field placements and practicums. Students can also earn additional certifications along with their credential; access unique bridging opportunities; have the option to apply for professional certifications post-graduation; and enjoy a unique inter-professional educational experience that focuses on integrating several health-care professionals into a single team to provide the best possible patient care.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.