A personal support worker meeting with a client

Ontario College Certificate

Personal Support Worker – Accelerated

Duration

6 months

6 months

6 months

This accelerated program is no longer accepting applications, but you may be interested in our Personal Support Worker one-year certificate program.

The Government of Ontario funded this accelerated program in 2021 and 2022 in order to address a shortage of personal support workers (PSWs) in the public health-care system.

The fastest way to begin working in health care.

Program Overview

The fastest way to begin working in health care

In six months, you can develop the skills you need to secure satisfying employment in long-term care facilities, supportive housing, home care, adult daycare and palliative care. You'll receive the same training as students in our one-year Personal Support Worker program, but at a faster pace. Your PSW certificate can also qualify you for entry into our PSW to Practical Nursing pathway.

Study safely with support from industry experts

Most courses will be delivered remotely, with the exception of Skills Lab. During the Lab course, you'll learn hands-on skills in our well-equipped PSW lab at our Hazel McCallion Campus in Mississauga. You'll be supported by expert professors who understand and appreciate the critical role that PSWs play in the Ontario health-care system. Theory courses will prepare you for your full-time placement in a long-term care home or community setting, where you'll consolidate all that you have learned.

PPSWA

Spring Open House

Get a feel for your future!
Saturday, March 25
10 a.m.–2 p.m. EDT

Courses

Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.

  • CODE TITLE CREDITS
    COMM 19999 Essential Communication Skills 3
    HEAL 18263 Introduction to Personal Support 4
    HEAL 13199 Fundamentals of Care 3
    BIOL 19207 Structure and Function of the Human Body 3
    HEAL 13431 Mental Health Issues and Cognitive Impairment 3
    HEAL 10390 Lab 1 4
    HUMM 18888G Aging Matters (General Education Elective) 3
    HEAL 13551 Caring for Clients with Ongoing Conditions 3
    HEAL 14857 Palliative Care for the Allied Health Worker 2
    HEAL 14579 Supporting Families 2
    FLPL 18036 PSW Clinical Placement 18
    Total: 48

Courses subject to change.

Current students should refer to their ⁠Academic Requirements in myStudentCentre to track their academic progress and outstanding course requirements.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including these required courses:

  • One English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U)*

or

Mature student status.

Applicant Selection

Eligible applicants will be selected on the basis of their previous academic achievement (the average of their six highest senior-level credits, including required courses).

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program may be advised individually regarding other related programs.

*Language Assessment

The Personal Support Worker – Accelerated program requires completion of an Essential Communication Skills course (COMM 19999), which will help you develop the communication skills necessary for today's workplace. You will need to complete Essential Communication Skills (COMM 19999) in order to graduate.

Due to the accelerated nature of the program, all applicants with a grade lower than one of the scores below will be required to take a Language Assessment Challenge Exam. If you are required to complete the challenge exam, you will be notified by email.

Grade 12 English, postsecondary English or English Language Proficiency score Minimum grade/score required
English ENG4U 60%
English ENG4C 70%
English course from an Ontario postsecondary school Will be individually reviewed for equivalency
Recognized accredited institutions/exams outside of Ontario or Canada Will be individually reviewed for equivalency
Sheridan's ESL program at an EAP Level (English for Academic Purposes) 75%
Sheridan's EPA (English Proficiency Assessment) Listening and reading Band: 4.5; Writing: CLB 8
Sheridan's Mature Student English Test (MSET) Reading and Sentence: 251/300; Writing: Pass
GED Test results Required to complete challenge exam
Duolingo English Test Overall score of 115
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Module Overall score of 6.5
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT (DI Code: 9117) Overall score of 88
iTEP Academic2 Overall score of 3.9
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency) Overall Cambridge English Scale score of 176
PTE A (Pearson Test of English Academic) Overall score of 60

English Language Proficiency

All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements.

Preparation for Application

It takes a special kind of person to succeed as a personal support worker. We strongly recommend that applicants research the demands of this career and consider undertaking related volunteer experiences or working part-time with older adults prior to the selection process.

Prior to commencing the practicum, students must obtain a certification in CPR Level C and St. John Standard First Aid for adults, children and infants and a mask fit test.

Criminal Record Check and Immunization Requirements

Sheridan field placement agencies require a clear police record check for vulnerable sector persons and an up-to-date record of immunization that includes COVID-19 vaccinations. Students will be required to provide this documentation prior to the start of the placement. Students who cannot meet these requirements will not be eligible for field placement opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Sheridan’s Personal Support Worker programs consistently receive high satisfaction ratings from employers. The current shortage of PSWs in Ontario is creating excellent employment opportunities assisting the elderly or medically challenged youth in places such as:

  • Home care
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Supportive housing for seniors or young adults
  • And other community settings

Advanced Entry Challenge Exams

Get credit for what you know

Sheridan recognizes and appreciates that advanced learning doesn’t always require standard classroom instruction, and that opportunities to advance skills and learn new technologies are everywhere.

If you have significant knowledge and experience in programming, web development, database and/or networking, you may choose to complete Advanced Entry Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (AEPLAR) Challenge Exams for academic credit towards your Sheridan Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma.

How do Challenge Exams work?

AEPLAR Challenge Exams are administered by and through the Sheridan College Assessment Centre or through an approved Test Centre. There are fees to write each exam (an Assessment Centre fee and a Challenge Exam fee).

Your completed Challenge Exam(s) will be evaluated to determine whether you’re eligible for credit in one or more courses within the identified program streams.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Advanced Standing credits are subject to Sheridan’s policies and procedures. Learn more about Sheridan’s Credit Transfer policies and procedures.

I have previous postsecondary education. Should I write a Challenge Exam?

No. Challenge Exams are designed for applicants with knowledge and experience gained outside of formal education. If you have previous postsecondary education, we encourage you to apply for Advanced Standing instead — you may be eligible to apply your previously earned credits towards your new program at Sheridan.

What subjects can I complete Challenge Exams for?

Challenge Exams for applicants to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program are designed to test skills in specific knowledge streams within this program:

  • Programming – Java OO
  • Programming – Java Spring Boot
  • Programming – .NET
  • Networking
  • Web Development
  • Operating Systems
  • Databases
  • Systems Design
  • Mobile App Development – Android
  • Mobile App Development – iOS
  • Mathematics (Algebra, Functions, and Statistics)

You can also choose to complete Challenge Exams for specific individual courses within the Computer Systems Technology program.

Complete a free self-assessment test to help you determine whether Challenge Exams are a good option for you. (Coming soon!)

How do I apply to complete a Challenge Exam?

Step 1: Make sure you meet the program admission requirements

You must meet the program admission requirements to be eligible for admission and PLAR.

Step 2: Complete a free self-assessment

Complete a free online open example self-evaluation test (coming soon!) for each knowledge stream you wish to challenge. This will help you determine whether your current skills will enable you to succeed in the Challenge Exam(s).

Step 3: Apply to Sheridan's Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma program

Apply to the Computer Systems Technology – Software Development and Network Engineering program.

To be eligible to complete Challenge Exams for this program, you must select "Advanced Entry" as the level of the program on your application.

Step 4: Follow the instructions to complete your Challenge Exam(s)

Once Sheridan receives your application, we’ll send you an email with instructions on how to register and pay for your Challenge Exam(s). Follow those instructions.

Once you’ve completed your Challenge Exam(s), subject matter experts in Sheridan’s Faculty of Applied Science and Technology will evaluate them within 10 business days. The Faculty will forward your results to the Office of the Registrar, and any approved credit transfers will be posted in your Credit Transfer centre. Exam feedback will not be provided.

Step 5: Accept your offer of admission and pay your program fees

If you receive an offer of admission to Sheridan, please follow the instructions to confirm your offer and pay your fees by the due dates indicated in order to reserve your spot in the program.

We wish you success in this process and look forward to seeing you at Sheridan!

Program Fees

Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.

The fees shown here are for the 2022–2023 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic terms of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent terms are not reflected on this website.

Financial Aid & Awards

Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:

International Entrance Scholarship

All new international students beginning their full-time postsecondary studies (ESL and programs with tuition reduction excluded) in Spring 2023, Fall 2023 or Winter 2024 semesters in Year 1 (Semester 1) will receive an entrance scholarship ranging from $500 to $2,000.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • Work within the personal support worker role in community, retirement homes, long-term care homes and/or hospital care settings in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer's job description, policies, procedures and guidelines.
  • Act responsibly and be accountable for own actions while recognizing the boundaries of knowledge and skills within the personal support worker role that require collaboration with the clients, families, supervisors and/or other members of the interprofessional care/service team.
  • Participate as a member of the interprofessional care/service team and maintain collaborative working relationships in the provision of supportive care in community, retirement homes, long-term care homes and/or hospital care settings.
  • Provide client-centred and client-directed care that is based on ethical principles, sensitive to diverse client and family values, beliefs and needs, and which follows the direction of the plan of care/service plan.
  • Establish and maintain helping relationships with clients and their families reflecting open communication, professional boundaries, employer's policies and adhering to confidentiality and privacy legislation.
  • Identify relevant client information using basic assessment and communication skills and report and document findings in accordance with the requirements of employer policies and procedures and all applicable legislation.
  • Promote and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for clients, their families, self and others including the implementation of infection prevention and control measures and emergency first aid procedures that are in keeping with the plan of care/service plan, employer policies and procedures, and all applicable legislation.
  • Assist clients across the lifespan with routine activities of daily living by applying basic knowledge of growth and development, common alterations in functioning, disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance, rehabilitation and restorative care.
  • Assist with household management tasks and instrumental activities of daily living in accordance with the plan of care/service plan and considering the preferences, comfort and safety of clients, families and significant others.
  • Assist clients who are caring for dependent individuals considering client and family choices, professional boundaries and the direction of the plan of care/service plan.
  • Identify and report situations of neglect, and potential, alleged or witnessed/actual incidents of abuse, and respond in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer's policies and procedures.
  • Assist in the provision of culturally relevant palliative and end-of-life care to clients experiencing life threatening illness and to their families and significant others, from diagnosis through death and bereavement, and in accordance with clients' choices and the plan of care/service plan.
  • Use identified approaches and best practices to support positive and safe behaviour in clients experiencing cognitive impairment, mental health challenges and/or responsive behaviours.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do classes and placements begin for this program?

This accelerated program is no longer accepting applications. However, you may be interested in our Personal Support Worker one-year certificate program.

There were three intakes for this accelerated program:

Cohort 1:

  • Instruction began July 4, 2022
  • Placement began October 17, 2022

Cohort 2:

  • Instruction began August 8, 2022
  • Placement began November 21, 2022.

Cohort 3:

  • Instruction began August 29, 2022
  • Placement began January 3, 2023

Which costs are covered by the funding for the PSW – Accelerated program?

The funding for the program covers tuition fees, ancillary fees, and placement stipends for eligible students.

Will I directly receive these funds to cover my tuition and ancillary fees?

No. Students will receive a credit on their student account for the amount that is applicable. 

Will the accelerated Personal Support Worker program provide the same quality of instruction and preparation as the regular PSW program?

Yes. The accelerated PSW program is designed to provide learners with the same quality training as the regular one-year PSW program. The accelerated program combines three months of coursework and experiential learning in virtual classrooms and laboratory settings, with three final months of paid onsite training in long-term care settings.

Are international students eligible for the program?

International students are eligible to enrol in the PSW-Accelerated program, but are not eligible for the funded financial supports for tuition, fees and paid placements.

Are out-of-province students eligible to participate in the program?

Yes, all out-of-province students enrolled in the PSW-Accelerated program are eligible for the funding that will cover their tuition, ancillary fees and placement wages. However, their placements must be completed in Ontario.

If I take the PSW-Accelerated program, will I still be eligible for Sheridan’s PSW to Registered Practical Nursing (RPN) pathway?

Yes. Students who successfully complete the PSW – Accelerated program and hold a college-level English course with a grade of 60% or greater will be eligible to enrol in Sheridan’s PSW to Practical Nursing pathway courses through Continuing and Professional Studies. These courses satisfy the entry requirements to be admitted to Sheridan’s Practical Nursing program.  

Who can I contact if I have other questions about the Personal Support Worker – Accelerated program?

Please email pswa@sheridancollege.ca — we're happy to answer your questions!

Financial Planning Certification

Professional Sales Certificate

Computer Science Specializations

In our Honours Bachelor of Computer Science program, you'll learn foundational skills that prepare you to work in any area of computer science. But you’ll also have the chance to specialize in one of four emerging fields that interests you the most.

In the first year of the program, you’ll be introduced to each of these four fields: cloud computing, data analytics, game engineering, and network engineering.

Then, you’ll focus your studies on your selected specialization. You’ll take eight courses in your specialization of choice, gaining specific skills that are not taught in traditional diploma and degree programs. Your computer science specialization will give you a competitive advantage when you graduate.

You can specialize in one of the following fields:

  • Get a deeper understanding of cloud computing — the delivery of computing system resources such as software, databases, servers, data storage, and more — over the Internet. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of private, hybrid or public cloud delivery.

    Specialized Courses
    • Internet of Things
    • Storage Systems
    • Virtualization
    • Cloud Infrastructure
    • Distributed & Parallel Computing
    • Security & Privacy in the Cloud
    • Cloud Economics
    • Cloud Monitoring & Governance
    Specialized Career Opportunities
    • Cloud Software Engineer: Develop large-scale production clouds.
    • Cloud Developer: Create new cloud services and improve current cloud products.
    • Cloud Automation Specialist: Design and implement automated technologies and processes that support your employer’s cloud offerings.
    • Cloud Architect: Use software development and information technology skills to build hybrid DevOp platforms that leverage your employer’s web services, cloud and on-premise data centres.
    • Systems Administrator – Cloud Operations: Automate, organize, monitor and maintain all of your employer’s cloud-based systems.
    • Cloud Services Adviser: Sell and market various cloud solutions, such as Office 365 or Watson analytics.
  • Learn how to apply statistical analysis, data mining and other advanced techniques to draw new and useful insights from large data sets. Confidently interpret and share information about the data patterns you discover.

    Specialized Courses
    • Business Processes
    • Data Analysis & Visualization 1
    • Big Data Management & Processing
    • Data Analysis & Visualization 2
    • Data Warehouse Design & Implementation
    • Machine Learning Techniques
    • Data Mining
    • Business Communication
    Specialized Career Opportunities
    • Data Scientist: Perform data analysis and develop and implement predictive models.
    • Data Architect: Design and implement big data solutions that support the Data Warehouse Environment (DWE).
    • Data Analyst: Apply current technologies, concepts and methodologies to build development projects that integrate various data sources.
    • Data Developer: Use Big Data architectures to migrate data from various databases, implement latest technologies and meet functional and technical requirements.
    • Big Data Platform Engineer: Design, build and administer platforms that combine several big data applications and utilities within a single solution.
  • Master the algorithmic, programming and mathematical techniques used to develop software components for computer games.

    Specialized Courses
    • Gameplay Programming 1
    • Game Engine Architecture
    • Gameplay Programming 2
    • Computer Graphics & Animation
    • Artificial Intelligence for Games
    • Game Tools and Data-Driven Design
    • Multiplayer Games
    • Games in Emerging Technologies & Hardware
    Specialized Career Opportunities
    • Game Developer: Design new games, including art and animation, or write programs to implement a game.
    • Gameplay Programmer: Enhance computer games with gameplay features that improve the user experience.
  • Learn the specialized skills needed to plan, construct, optimize and manage the computer networks that businesses and organizations rely on every day.

    Specialized Courses
    • IP Engineering 1
    • Network Access Technologies
    • Network Service Applications
    • IP Engineering 2
    • Enterprise Network Operations
    • IP Engineering 3
    • Emerging Topics in Networking
    • Internet Core Technologies
    Specialized Career Opportunities
    • Network Engineer: Design, install, maintain and support computer networks.
    • Data Network Services: Troubleshoot computer network performance issues, analyze network traffic, plan capacity solutions and ensure service readiness.
    • Network Quality Assurance Engineer: Perform manual and automatic quality assurance testing for networks.
  • Learn how to develop effective simulation software using techniques such as discrete event modelling, continuous system modelling, probabilistic modelling and mathematical modelling.

    Specialized Courses
    • Introduction to Modelling & Simulation
    • Mathematical Modelling
    • Graphics and Visualization
    • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    • Modelling & Simulation Methods
    • High Performance Software Design
    • Advanced Graphics and Visualization
    • Advanced Modelling and Simulation
    Specialized Career Opportunities
    • Medical Imaging Software Specialist: Evaluate existing technologies, develop and implement algorithms and conduct system-level engineering to analyze, visualize, manipulate and integrate medical image-based solutions. 
    • Data Visualization Specialist: Independently design, visualize and implement data visualization solutions using data visualization best practices.
    • Imaging Programmer: Use advanced programming knowledge, template development environments and image processing software packages to process medical image data. 
    • Modelling Specialist: Perform predictive modelling and data mining (including the design, development, maintenance and implementation of models) to identify trends and outliers, apply statistical methods to the data and interpret the results, and develop and design clear and informative data visualizations.

Educational philosophy

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design curriculum and its delivery are designed to address current social issues pertinent to the design industry. This enables students to broaden their understanding of their place within the world.

Fundamental to the vision of the program is the balance of creative and conceptual thinking with the technical and business aspects of the profession. Courses follow a logical sequence with the degree of difficulty building vertically from first year to fourth year.

The various streams provide a range of design problems building in size and scope, from simple to complex in various design sectors. The curriculum builds on fundamental introductions that ensures a strong foundation for students to apply additional more complex learning and skills developed later in the program.

Studio projects are designed to mimic professional practice and require applied theory, creativity and strong technical knowledge. Curriculum is also connected horizontally across each semester to help support the learning in courses happening simultaneously. This demonstrates the inter-connected knowledge and skills required to practice in the industry.

The program provides many opportunities that expose students to practicing professionals and professional practice. Industry leaders and representatives from professional associations like ARIDO and IDC are invited into the classroom as jurors and guest speakers throughout the four years. The internship also provides professional design work experience for students before they enter their final year of study.

The curriculum is student-centric and designed to equip students with the skills that are required for entry-level design positions and advanced study. Manual skills such as drafting, drawing and model making are developed alongside digital skills using current software. Students are also well-versed in the applicable building codes and regulations required to practice in Ontario. Students are exposed to valuable research skills and encouraged to continue their learning past graduation.

Program goals

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Interior Design program aspires to:

  • Develop confident, creative and critical thinkers that can solve a variety of problems thoughtfully, improving the quality of the built environment and protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.
  • Equip students with the tools to think independently and ethically to ensure technically, environmentally, and socially responsible decision-making.
  • Deliver current and relevant curriculum that incorporates equity, diversity and inclusion. This encourages students to create spaces that foster inclusivity and look at design from various perspectives within diverse communities, involving numerous stakeholders.
  • Inform students regarding the various facets of the profession, engaging them with designers and industry affiliates.
  • Encourage continuous professional and personal growth, instilling a desire to contribute to the profession and society at large. The program encourages students to become active participants in the design community, become members of their local Association, write their NCIDQ exams, give back to the community and become progressive leaders in the profession.
  • Prepare graduates for entry-level design positions, equipped with the required knowledge and skills for employment in the diverse design industry, ensuring they possess the body of knowledge necessary to respond to social and environmental issues, while designing interior spaces that are technically proficient, code-compliant, conceptually strong, sustainable and all-inclusive.
  • Provide enhanced opportunities for students to pursue post-graduate studies, employment, research and/or further their academic studies and/or credentials.

Pathways from Athletic Therapy and Kinesiology

If you've graduated from a health-science degree other than athletic therapy or kinesiology, your application will be assessed on an individual basis.

Get your Osteopathy degree in less time

If you're a graduate of Sheridan's Athletic Therapy or Kinesiology degree program, you may be eligible to start in the second year of this program after completing three bridging courses.

This bridging program will be available in Spring/Summer 2024.

Bridging courses (Spring/Summer Semester)

  • OSTP 17927D: The Science of Osteopathy (3 credits)
  • OSTP 14859: Theoretical Pathways to Osteopathy (5 credits)
  • OSTP 16333: Practical Pathways to Osteopathy (1 credit)

Course exceptions

After successfully completing the assigned bridging courses, you'll be admitted into Year 2 (Semester 3) of our Osteopathy degree. In order to earn your Osteopathy degree, you'll need to complete all courses in the remaining three years of the program, with the following exceptions.

You will additionally take:

  • Year 2: OSTP 11271D: Clinical Methodology (3 credits)
  • Year 2: SCIE 22437D: Human Physiology for Allied Health (2 credits)
  • Year 3: SCIE 31116D: Pathophysiology for Allied Health (3 credits)

You will not need to take:*

  • SCIE 26661D: Pathophysiology 1 (3 credits)
  • OSTP 24645D: Structure & Function 2 – Lower Cervicals, Thorax & Upper Extremity (3 credits)
  • OSTP 22482D: Applied Clinical Practice 2 (1 credit)
  • FLPL 21839D: Internship Prep (1 credit)
  • SCIE 39622D: Pathophysiology 2 – Systemic Interactions (3 credits)
  • RESE 37626D: Statistical Methods in Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • RESE 42279D: Applied Research Methods for Health Sciences (3 credits)
  • BUSM 44956D: Business Entrepreneurship for Clinical Practitioners (3 credits)
  • 6 Degree Breadth Electives (3 credits each)

*Athletic Therapy graduates are also exempt from the following course:

  • OSTP 20782D: Clinical Experience 2 (0.5 credits)

Program Mission

Our mission is to offer the highest quality, evidence-based and research-embedded education that empowers learners through a discipline-specific curated curriculum with an extensive clinical and experiential learning component to train Manual Practitioners who serve the needs of the community.

Program Vision

Our vision is to train visionary leaders in the field of Osteopathic Manual Practice to provide a safe, holistic, and patient-centred care.

Critical Performance Statement

By the end of the program, graduates will have demonstrated the ability to assess and treat musculoskeletal dysfunctions associated with acute, chronic, or systemic conditions, using a critically informed, holistic, and patient-centred approach to care.

Program Mission

Our mission is to utilize harmonious, comprehensive and specialized training to empower our learners with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to demonstrate the Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice.

Program Vision

Our vision is to graduate highly-skilled life-long learners who uphold professional integrity and promote quality and safety in practice.

Critical Performance Statement

Upon graduation, students in Sheridan’s Pharmacy Technician diploma program will have demonstrated the ability to pursue the career of pharmacy technician and to practice safely in a community or hospital while adhering to the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians.

Get a feel for your future

Find your fit and choose with confidence. Choosing the right education is a big decision. At Sheridan we’re committed to providing you with the learning, support and services you need to achieve your goals and reach your full potential. Take a look around, and please connect with us if you have any questions!

Have a question? Contact us.

We’re happy to help with any questions you may have. Give us a call at any of these numbers and select Option 4 after the prompt, or simply fill out the contact form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

905-845-9430 (Oakville/Mississauga)
905-459-7533 (Brampton)

Contact Centre hours of operation:

Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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