Seven Steps

1. Definition

A personal support worker is a primarily a term for a health worker in the province of Ontario. Also known as a PSW, this individual helps provide care to those that are not fully able to care for themselves. This includes but is not exclusive to senior citizens, individuals with mental disabilities, individuals with physical disabilities, and individuals with temporary injuries.

2. Similarities

The duties that a PSW carries out are similar to that of Canadian nurses. In-fact, the two major Ontario personal support worker textbooks are direct variations of nursing textbooks.

3. Training

PSW Training or education is usually completed after an eight month course that includes a mandatory workplace co-op. The course outline is set forth by the government of Ontario. Course may be taken at a college, a private college and school boards throughout the province on Ontario.  Successful completion of a course will earn a student a personal support worker certification from the province on Ontario.

4. Standard Requirements

Along with a personal support worker certificate most employers require the following: successful completion of a first aid training course & a CPR course. Along with this most employees are required to pass a standard police background check.

5. Where the Work takes place

A personal support worker will typically work in one of the following locations. A retirement home, hospice, nursing home, hospital or a clients own residence.


6. Pay

As with any job pay varies by location, experience, etc. Typical PSW wages have increased to an average of $12 - $14 per hour in the province of Ontario.

7. Why the PSW industry is growing

The baby boomer segment of the population is increasing and will do so for the foreseeable future. The government of Ontario has also budgeted a $100+ million increase in personal support spending from now until the end of 2011.