Choosing the right career path in healthcare can feel overwhelming — especially for students, professionals seeking career change, and parents supporting a learner. Many people want a career that is stable, meaningful, and in demand, yet traditional programs like nursing or medical school can take years to complete. This is where the Personal Support Worker (PSW) career stands out: it offers a fast path to entering the healthcare sector while making a difference in people’s lives.
One of the most common questions future students ask is:
“How long is the PSW program, and what can I expect from the training?”
If you’re considering a career in healthcare, Central College, Mississauga offers high-quality training that blends hands-on experience, clinical preparation, and theory backed by Ontario’s healthcare system standards. With growing demand across long-term care, hospitals, retirement homes, and home care agencies, PSWs play a critical role in helping clients live safely, comfortably, and with dignity.
How Long Is the PSW program at Central College?
The PSW program at Central College is typically completed within one academic year, making it one of the fastest and most accessible pathways into the healthcare sector. Students earn an Ontario College Certificate / PSW certificate upon completion of this Certificate Program.
The program length includes:
- Theoretical coursework
- Simulation Lab training
- Living Classroom
- Clinical placement / Field Placement
- Externship hours for real-world experience
Unlike many traditional career paths, the PSW programs structure allows students to become job-ready in under a year — whether studying online, on campus, or through in-person learning.
What Does the PSW Course Include? — Breakdown of Training
To prepare graduates for the realities of the healthcare workforce, Central College offers a comprehensive curriculum aligned with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Ministry of Health, and Ontario Government requirements.
Key Academic and Practical Training Areas
Students gain knowledge and experience in areas such as:
- Client-centred care & person-centred care
- Palliative Care, Mental Health & Palliative Care, and Geriatric Nursing
- Restorative Care and Care Planning
- Human Structure and Function
- Health Conditions & Pathophysiology
- Nutrition
- Body Systems & medical terminology
- Emergency and first aid procedures
- Infection prevention and control
- Home management & medication management
Courses are carefully structured to build the full scope of PSW practice. Examples include:
- PSW 1001 Role of the PSW in Client Care
- PSW 1022 Fundamentals of the Human Body
To support critical thinking, communication, and personal growth, students also take courses like:
- Thought Patterns for High Performance
- communication essentials
- Electronic Medical Records Management
Hands-On Experience: A Core Part of the PSW Program
A Personal Support Worker must be prepared to provide safe and compassionate support for clients across various healthcare environments. That’s why Central College emphasizes clinical placement and Field Placement learning.
Training Includes
- Simulation Lab and simulation learning labs
- lab experiences
- Living Classroom model
- Real-world clinical practicum in:
- Long-term Care Facilities
- retirement residences
- hospitals
- supportive housing
- group homes
- home care settings
- adult day programs
- acute care facilities
Students gain hands-on experience assisting with:
- Patient Care
- client safety
- health-care team communication
- Client information documentation
- Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Insulin Administration
- medication assistance
The College partners with well-known healthcare organizations in the Greater Toronto Area, including Nursing Homes, long term care, and retirement homes, giving students excellent exposure.
Admission Requirements for the PSW Course
Prospective students must meet basic academic and safety requirements, including:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Canadian Adult Education Credential
- English Language Proficiency or IELTS for international learners
- Criminal Record Check / Police Records Check
- Vulnerable Sector Check / Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Immunizations, including COVID-19 Vaccine, Hep B blood test reports, and Two-Step TB Skin Test
- Standard First Aid Certificate and First Aid
Some applicants may need:
- Wonderlic test / Wonderlic SLE
- Clinical Preparedness Permit
- Preplacement Services
Financial assistance options include OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program), Diversity Grant, scholarships, and funding eligibility depending on status.
Learning Experience and Program Delivery
Central College integrates modern teaching and real-world readiness into the PSW program.
Program Delivery Highlights
- Online Coursework
- In-person Learning
- Living Classroom
- Canvas Learning Management System
- Support from instructors with industry experience
Students benefit from:
- interprofessional Education
- Professional development such as LinkedIn profile development
- Resume and Career Support after graduation
Real-World Success: Job Market Insights for PSW Graduates
Demand for PSWs has increased dramatically in Ontario — driven by aging populations, chronic disease management, and post-pandemic staffing needs across the healthcare system.
PSW graduates now work in:
- Long-term Care Facilities
- retirement residences
- hospitals
- home care agencies
- supportive housing
- community health organizations
Employers value PSWs because they support clients with dignity, empathy, and medical awareness. Many graduates also choose to advance specializations in Gerontology, Restorative Care, community health, and even further studies in Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing.
Institutions that deliver strong PSW education — like Central College, Mississauga — are consistently recognized among the best training institute options for skill development, career courses, and online learning in the region.
Why Central College Stands Out Among PSW Schools
While some learners compare programs at triOS College, Medix College, Alpha Career College, Mohawk College, Seneca Polytechnic, and others — Central College offers unique strengths:
What Sets Central College Apart
✔ Direct alignment with Ontario’s PSW education standards
✔ Small class sizes with personalized attention
✔ Strong Living Classroom partnerships
✔ Highly trained faculty with real healthcare experience
✔ Accessible schedules for workers, parents, and mature learners
✔ Support for OSAP and Ontario Student Assistance Program pathways
✔ Clinical networking opportunities for future hiring
✔ Bridges to Canadian Healthcare Career advancement
Graduates leave with the confidence and clinical readiness required to support clients in every healthcare setting.
Success Stories & Student Outcomes
Central College PSW graduates have gone on to rewarding careers across Ontario. Many report that the program not only changed their professional life but also their personal growth — building empathy, confidence, critical thinking, and a passion for serving others.
Graduates are working across:
- Hospitals in the GTA
- Senior living communities
- Home care providers
- Mental health care programs
- Non-profit agencies
- Specialized palliative teams
Their success proves that the PSW career opens the door to a meaningful, respected profession with long-term job security.
Conclusion — Start Your Career in Healthcare Today
The PSW course at Central College, Mississauga offers a fast, practical, and rewarding pathway into the healthcare field — blending clinical training, theoretical learning, and hands-on application within one academic year.
If you’re ready to build a compassionate career supporting individuals across long-term care, hospitals, and home care settings, this program will help you get there with confidence.
🔥 Enroll today and take the next step toward your future success.
Admissions advisors are available to guide you through program details, OSAP support, and class schedules — your journey toward a fulfilling healthcare career begins now.