Registration for Fall 2026 programs and courses is now open. Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Fall 2026. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.
To ensure that the Personal Support Worker Standard remains appropriate and relevant to the needs of students and employers across the Province of Ontario, the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security has updated the curriculum. The new Ministry approved standards for the Personal Support Worker Certificate Program in part-time studies will be implemented in January 2024 semester. New students who are interested in enrolling in the program starting winter 2024 are encouraged to attend an information session as announced on the website.
This program is designed to teach individuals to give consumers/clients and their families the care and assistance needed to live fulfilling lives in the community and in institutions. The students in this program develop a broad range of abilities which emphasize the value of their role and reflects true sensitivity and respect for the individuality of each consumer/client. Some of the personal support workers' activities include providing their clients with personal care and hygiene, household and family management, meal preparation, assisting clients with their medications, palliative and restorative activities.
The Personal Support Worker Certificate (PSW) is composed of 8 courses plus 2 field placements. This program has been designed to meet the PSW program standards set by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. Personal Support Workers work in both community and facility settings.
You can enrol in courses that are part of this program as a declared or undeclared student. Program declaration is the process of identifying the program you plan to complete and graduate with.
Declared Students
Declaring your program helps ensure your academic record accurately reflects your educational goals and supports your academic progression toward a credential.
By declaring your program, you'll be able to:
Undeclared Students
If you have not declared a program, Seneca may not know which credential you are working toward. As a result, you may miss out on the important benefits that declared students receive. You can remain undeclared and continue registering for courses if you do not intend to complete a credential and do not require progress tracking, enhanced advising support or Convocation eligibility.
Declared Students: For details about the program and how to apply as a declared student, please visit Seneca's updated Personal Support Worker page.
Undeclared Students: Register for courses by visiting the Curriculum tab to select your course(s), check out and pay using this website.
Declared Students: Course registration for the Winter 2027 term for the part-time Personal Support Worker program will move from this website to Seneca's Visual Schedule Builder (VSB) platform. You will be able to build your class schedule when open enrolment begins on Dec. 10, 2026. Watch your email for instructions.
Undeclared Students: Register for courses by visiting the Curriculum tab to select your course of interest, check out and pay using this website.
If you haven't yet declared your program but wish to do so, more information will be available soon.
Students are invited to attend an information session.
Please review "Important Information for New and Returning Students" on the overview tab before registering for courses.
Students with a completed high school diploma or prior English Proficiency scores can find more details on next steps here.
Students without any of the above can be placed via successful completion of ESL934, EAP230 or English Assessment.
COM101 replaces EAC 150. Students who have successfully completed EAC 150 are not required to complete COM101.
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centered on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
Students with a completed high school diploma or prior English Proficiency scores can find more details on next steps here.
Students without any of the above can be placed via English Assessment.
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centered on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
Students are introduced to the role and scope of practice of the Personal Support Worker when caring for clients and their families, in a variety of settings. Legislation and ethics related to the profession and the rights of the client are also discussed. Students are challenged to reflect on their own beliefs, values, culture, religion, and ethnicity and to relate these concepts to their clients. Reporting, documenting, and communication are examined. The concepts of supervision and delegation, within the health care team, are explored in preparation for clinical.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
This subject enables the student to explore growth and development across the lifespan. The concepts of health promotion and disease prevention are examined. Rehabilitative and restorative care are explored along with the personal support worker's role in providing person-centred, person-directed, and family-centred care in a variety of settings.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
This subject introduces the student to the normal structure and function of the body systems. Common illnesses and diseases are explored and the role of the personal support worker in providing client care and support for individuals with a variety of illnesses and diseases is examined.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
This course allows students to review the theory, and practice the basic skills, necessary to provide safe and organized care, as a personal support worker in the various health care and community settings. In addition, this subject enables students to develop and demonstrate skills related to assisting with household activities and household management. Planning and preparing nutritious and appealing meals are explored. Special diets, cultural and religious preferences are emphasized when discussing meal preparation.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
This course will discuss aspects of safety and comfort in the clinical setting. Students will explore accident and injury risk factors as well as safety measures, emergency procedures, the use of restraints and restraint minimization policies. The subject will clarify the Personal Support Worker's level of responsibility in assisting the client with medications, pain, rest, and sleep. Possible causes and indicators of all forms of abuse are discussed. Additionally, safe working environments for the PSW are explored.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
all module 1 courses
Students will demonstrate the ability with the provision of holistic health care and advocacy for culturally safe and spiritually sensitive palliative and end-of-life care to clients and to their families and significant others from diagnosis through to death and bereavement, and in accordance with clients' choices and the plan of care.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
all module 1 courses
Provide client-centered and client-directed care to individuals experiencing various mental health illness and challenges, cognitive and intellectual impairments, and/or responsive behaviours by using supportive approaches and evidence-based practices to promote positive and safe behaviours in clients.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
The student will work within the personal support worker role and apply theoretical concepts in various care settings. Working with health care professionals and clients, the students will make a positive contribution to the health and healing of individuals and families. This course focuses on the application of theory from all semesters one and two courses.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
This clinical placement preceptor consolidation experience provides an opportunity for students to learn and function under the supervision of the PSW staff in a community/long term care home setting. The PSW student will continue to apply theory into clinical settings while working with multidisciplinary members of the health care team. This clinical component is designed to provide the student with practical experiences that can promote learning, encourage problem solving and increase confidence in providing with physical, social, and emotional needs of client care as the student will transition into the role of the Personal Support Worker.
Ancillary fees will be added at checkout for program-based courses. Fees will vary based on the number of course registrations. Learn more about ancillary fees for part-time studies.
Note:
Effective winter 2023, COM101/COM111 replaces COM470/SSW101. A student who has taken COM470/SSW101 prior to this date is not required to take COM101/COM111.
Students are invited to attend an information session.