Personal Support Worker (PSW)

You can get your PSW certificate from:

• Publicly-assisted colleges
• District school boards
• Indigenous institutes

Training involves classroom learning and clinical placement. Some programs can be completed in as little as 5-7 months.

Find Jobs:

• Long-term care home associations:
  • AdvantAge Ontario
  • The Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA)
• PSW association:
  • Ontario Personal Support Workers Association
• Other organizations:
  • Home and Community Care Support Services

In British Columbia, the equivalent of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) is referred to as a Health Care Assistant (HCA). HCAs play a similar role to PSWs in other provinces, providing essential support with personal care, mobility, and emotional support in settings such as long-term care facilities, home care, and hospitals.

HCAs must complete a recognized training program at an approved post-secondary institution and register with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry to work in publicly funded healthcare settings. This registration ensures HCAs meet provincial standards and can deliver high-quality, person-centered care.

For additional details on training pathways and job opportunities, see the Choose2Care BC website and the BC Care Providers Association.

In Alberta, Personal Support Workers are known as Health Care Aides (HCAs). Certification is required, and programs are offered through Alberta Health Services-approved institutions. HCAs work in hospitals, long-term care, and home care settings, providing essential support for daily living and personal care needs.

• Training Information: To learn more about the Health Care Aide certification and approved programs in Alberta, visit the official page on Health Care Aide Programs.
• Job Opportunities: Explore job listings through Alberta Health Services Careers and Alberta Continuing Care Association.

In Manitoba, Personal Support Workers are known as Health Care Aides (HCAs).

• Training Programs:

  • Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) – Offers combined Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker programs.
  • Louis Riel Vocational College (LRVC) – Provides Health Care Aide training with a focus on clinical care skills.
  • Herzing College – Offers a Health Care Aide program covering patient care fundamentals.

• Job Opportunities: HCAs in Manitoba find roles in various settings, including acute care, long-term care, and community care. More details can be found on Health Careers Manitoba

In New Brunswick, PSWs are essential in providing care across long-term care, home care, and hospitals.

• Training Programs:

  • Eastern College – Offers hands-on training with placements in PSW roles.
  • New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) – Provides a PSW program that includes classroom instruction and field placements.
  • Atlantic Business College – Focuses on practical skills for long-term and home care settings.

• Job Opportunities: Demand for PSWs is high across New Brunswick, with job openings in hospitals, nursing homes, and community agencies.

In Saskatchewan, PSWs are known as Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs).

• Training Programs:
  • Saskatchewan Polytechnic – Offers a one-year CCA program that combines classroom learning and clinical practicums.
• Job Opportunities: CCAs are employed in long-term care, home care, and acute care settings. Job postings can be found with the Saskatchewan Health Authority

In PEI, PSWs play a critical role in providing care for the elderly and those in need of support.

• Training Programs:

  • Holland College – Offers a PSW program with options for personalized training.

• Job Opportunities: PSWs can find opportunities through Health PEI in long-term and home care facilities. More details are available on Health PEI.

In Nova Scotia, PSWs are known as Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs). CCAs are trained to support individuals in long-term care, home care, and community settings.

• Training Programs: CCA programs are offered at several institutions, including:
  • Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
  • CBBC Career College
  • Futureworx Career College
  • or information specific to careers and job listings for CCAs in Nova Scotia, including current positions, the best source is the Continuing Care Assistant Program section under Nova Scotia Health, which links to broader job boards and licensing. Visit Nova Scotia Health Careers for job opportunities.
• Job Opportunities: CCAs work across Nova Scotia in hospitals, long-term care, and home care facilities. For more information, visit the Nova Scotia Health Careers.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, PSWs are often referred to as Personal Care Attendants (PCAs). PCAs assist with daily living tasks for clients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care.

• Training Programs:

  • College of the North Atlantic – Offers a Personal Care Attendant program with clinical training.

• Job Opportunities: PCAs are in demand in long-term care homes, hospitals, and home care services throughout the province. Job listings are available at Health Careers Newfoundland and Labrador​

In Quebec, PSWs are known as Préposés aux bénéficiaires (PABs). PABs are essential in supporting patients with daily care needs in hospital and long-term care settings.

• Training Programs:

  • PAB programs are offered at vocational institutions across Quebec, including various CEGEPs and specialized private colleges.

• Job Opportunities: PABs are employed in healthcare facilities across the province. Job postings can be found on Emploi Québec.

In Yukon, PSWs are referred to as Home Support Workers (HSWs) and play a vital role in assisting residents in their homes and community settings.

• Training Programs:

  • Yukon University offers relevant courses and certifications for those pursuing a career in home support.

• Job Opportunities: Home Support Workers are in demand for home care services and community health positions across the territory. Visit Yukon Government Jobs for job openings

In the Northwest Territories, PSWs are known as Home Support Workers and assist with essential personal care and support services.

• Training Programs:

  • Aurora College provides training programs for individuals interested in home support and personal care roles.

• Job Opportunities: Home Support Workers are employed in community health and home care settings throughout the Northwest Territories. More information is available on the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services site

In Nunavut, PSWs are referred to as Personal Care Workers. They provide essential support in home and community settings, often under challenging conditions.

• Training Programs:

  • Nunavut Arctic College offers training for Personal Care Workers in Nunavut.

• Job Opportunities: Positions are available in home care and community care services across Nunavut. Check job openings on the Government of Nunavut Jobs page.