Personal Support Worker

PSW Program Overview

The Start Date is a unique date that the student and ACAHS staff select based on that best “start date” for the student. Once the student begins the program, they will have 52 weeks to complete the certification.

The last 15 weeks will comprise the clinical practicum (450 Hours).  Prior to beginning their practicum they must successfully complete the online theory and labs (925 hours) and the prerequisites stated in the registration process (ie. CPR, immunizations, etc). Virtual lab sessions are synced with corresponding theory throughout the program. Students also have the option of attending a physical lab site.

Upon successful completion of the theory, lab and clinical practicum, student will qualify to write their exam, online with a virtual proctor. The student must obtain a score of 70% or more in order to receive their PSW Diploma.

Once the new graduate obtains their PSW Diploma, they will be certified to work in all PSW environments. Furthermore, their PSW education with ACAHS meets and/or exceeds PSW education standards in all provinces (except Quebec). This gives the graduate PSW the opportunity to be considered for PSW employment outside of New Brunswick.

Text book: Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker”  5th Edition.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Admission requirements for Personal Support Worker program:

1. High school diploma or GED certificate (If under 21 years of age).
2. 18 years of age at time of graduation.  You may take the program prior to age 18 but will not be able to be certified as a PSW until age 18.
3. Personal learning device.
4. Proficient in English.

English Language Testing If English is your second language, you must provide confirmation of your English proficiency. The following four services evaluate language skills of people whose first language is not English.

1. Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Website: ets.org/toefl Telephone: 1.877.863.3546
2. International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) Website: ielts.org OR ieltscanada.ca
3. Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) Website: michiganassessment.org/test-takers/tests/melab Telephone: 1.866.696.3522
4. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Website: cael.ca Telephone: 1.855.520.2235.

If you have taken language tests other than those listed above, please contact the college to determine whether they will meet language testing requirements.

Our Lab

In addition to our virtual simulation labs we offer you the option and/or addition of physically attending our lab in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Our lab is complete with the equipment, environment and staff to insure you have the best opportunity to practice all your core skills.