Learn from experienced instructors who deliver both classroom-based healthcare theory and hands-on practical training through clinical practicum and co-operative education placements.
Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate Program
Starting in February 2026, the Halton District School Board is offering a Personal Support Worker (PSW) certificate program.
Information Session - Tuesday, Dec. 16
A virtual Information Session will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. through Google Meet, offering prospective students an opportunity to learn more about the PSW Certificate Program, how to apply and ask questions directly to program staff.
To register for the information session, attendees are asked to complete the Expression of Interest Form by Monday, Dec. 15. A link to join the virtual session will be emailed to you.
This session takes place ahead of the application intake period, which runs from Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 to Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. It’s an excellent way to get informed, prepare your application and determine whether the program is the right fit for you.
Why become a PSW?
Personal Support Workers provide essential support in long-term care settings, supporting individuals who need assistance with daily living. As a PSW, you will have a direct impact on quality of life and contribute to the well-being of the people you care for.
Research shows that over the next three years there will be an estimated need of 150,000 PSWs to support the healthcare sector across the province of Ontario. The field offers stable employment, diverse work environments and opportunities for continued growth within the healthcare sector. For those who enjoy helping others and want a rewarding, people-focused career, becoming a PSW is a fulfilling and impactful choice.
Why Choose the HDSB PSW Certificate Program?
Professionally Recognized Program
This PSW program is offered in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Long-Term Care to help address the provincial PSW shortage and ensure employers across the healthcare sector value your training.
Offered at a significantly lower cost than comparable programs. There is a $300 non-refundable application fee and $2,500 program fee. For the February 2026 cohort, $2,000 of the $2,500 program fee is covered by the Ministry of Education. Future intakes will be $2,500.
Gain secondary school credits that can count toward high school completion or help boost your transcript for future post-secondary opportunities. No OSSD is required to start the program.
Complete your clinical hours in the community through partnerships with long-term care homes, assisted living residences, group homes and community health organizations, giving you real-world experience and workplace readiness.
PSWs are in high demand across Ontario. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for the workforce and often secure employment quickly after certification due to the recognized training, practical experience and ongoing need for qualified PSWs.
Program Schedule
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The PSW Certificate Program is delivered in person at the Robert Bateman Community Centre (5151 New St., Burlington).
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The program runs for 19 weeks and offers two cohort entry points each year: Fall (September) and Winter (February).
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Classes run Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Placement hours are scheduled between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. to accommodate typical healthcare shift times.
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The February 2026 cohort will complete their placement in March at Extendicare Long-Term Care Home – Burloak (5959 New Street, Burlington).
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February 2026 Application and Orientation Timeline
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Application Intake: Tuesday Dec. 16, 2025 - Friday, Jan. 9, 2026
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Student Orientation: Feb. 2 - 6 (in-person program orientation and onboarding)
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Program Launch: Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 (first day of classes)
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Program Completion and Certification
Students who successfully complete the program will earn healthcare-specific secondary school credits through a combination of technical healthcare courses, clinical practicum and co-operative education placements. To obtain their certification and enter the workplace, students must successfully pass the PSW certification exam with a minimum score of 70%. Graduates will receive a certificate recognized by the Long Term Care Association of Ontario and have the option of registering with the new Health and Supportive Care Providers Regulatory Oversight Authority (HSCPOA).
Admission Requirements
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Eligible students must have earned a minimum of 24 secondary school credits.
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A high school diploma is not required to enter the program.
Successfully completed credits can contribute toward a high school diploma or improve overall averages, which can support post-secondary applications. -
Students must be 18 years of age or older by the first day of classes.
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Identification Requirements:
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Proof of residency in Canada, such as: PR card, Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, Status card, or Refugee status documentation.
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Note: International students must have a study permit and pay full tuition fees.
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Photo identification (driver’s license, passport, or health card).
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High school transcript or credit consolidation summary from an Ontario institution.
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Proof of address, such as a utility bill, bank/mortgage statement, or signed rental/purchase/lease agreement.
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- For students whose first language is not English, or who have taken/currently take LINC/ESL classes, verification of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 is required in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
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