Ontario Launches New Tuition-Free Personal Support Worker (PSW) Training

Ontario colleges will offer an accelerated PSW training program starting in April, May, and June.

Update: the program has launched!

The new tuition-free PSW program has officially launched in Ontario!

Students can begin applying for the accelerated personal support worker program starting today, March 8. Entry dates for the program are the following:

• April 5
• May 10
• June 14

Please visit the Ontario Colleges website to browse openings at colleges across the province for the accelerated personal support worker program.

It's tuition-free and takes only six months, so what do you have to lose?

Previously:

The Ontario government has announced a $115 million investment to help students studying to become personal support workers (PSW) for in-demand roles in health and long-term care.

Accelerated PSW training

Each of Ontario's 24 public colleges — including Algonquin, Cambrian, and George Brown, will offer a new, accelerated program for PSWs, totally tuition free.

Not only will this give an opportunity to 6,000 new students to pursue a dynamic career in a thriving industry, the Accelerated PSW Training can be completed in only six months, rather than the usual eight.

Students will pursue three months of coursework and experiential learning in a clinical environment. The final three months will consist of paid, onsite training in a community setting or long-term care home.

Registration for this exciting tuition-free program will open soon through the Ontario Colleges Application Service. The program begins in April and is fully funded by government support.

$2,000 in tuition support for current PSW students

Students currently working towards a PSW diploma at Ontario colleges are also getting support. 2,200 current students will get a $2,000 tuition grant to help them finish their program.

They'll also receive a stipend to support them during their clinical placement.

Healthcare support during the pandemic and beyond

This investment is part of Ontario's plan to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and support the residents of long-term care homes.

If you're interested in a rewarding career in healthcare, keep your eyes open for the opening of the Accelerated PSW training pathway. To stay in the loop, you can email ask-us@ontariocolleges.ca, and you'll be notified when the application process begins.