Admission Requirements
Program Specific Requirements
Personal Support Worker Clinical Requirements
Personal Support Worker Requirements (International)
General Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Grade 12 English (C, M, U)
Or equivalent
Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.
Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.
For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.
Additional Requirements for International Students
In addition to the general and programadmission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.
1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate
2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):
- IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System – minimum overall score of 6.5 must be achieved, with no individual band score under 6.0.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Computer based overall minimum score of 88+
- PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic 60+
If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.
All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.
For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.
Additional Information
COVID-19 vaccinations are now required for all students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker programs, in order to be permitted to attend clinical hours.
Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements will not be allowed into the practice settings and as such may not be able to complete the Practicum required to graduate from the program. CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the applicant.
Students are responsible for the cost of appropriate uniforms and equipment (e.g. watch, pen, etc.) required for the clinical area as well as transportation to practicum placements. Mask fit testing will be provided by the College prior to clinical practice
As of January 1, 2005, the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) requires all applicants for registration or reinstatement from within Canada to provide a recent Canadian Police Information Centre Criminal Record Synopsis (CPIC check) and Vulnerable Sector check as part of the registration process. The CPIC check registration requirement enhances public protection by allowing CNO to identify those who have criminal records that could affect their suitability to practice nursing.
What you learn
Communications 1 is designed to enhance students’ writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills as required in academic and workplace settings. Emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate structure, writing conventions, tone and style as well as the enhancement of interpersonal, teamwork, and presentation skills. Topics covered include the three-step writing process, paragraph development, academic integrity, essay composition, grammar and mechanics, A.P.A. and employment documents. Attention to detail is emphasized.
This general education course will provide students with an introduction to Canadian Indigenous Nations’ history, sovereignty, land titles, cultural history and current critical issues. Topics addressed include the content of Indigenous rights, economic and social development, community and political processes, and business law and policies, justice & social services. Canadian Indigenous History and Relations is a general education course that has been incorporated into all programs at Northern College.
In this course, students will engage in effective professional relationships with clients and colleagues. With a focus on communication skills, students will learn to: build therapeutic relationships, provide person-centered care, work within an interprofessional team, and manage conflict within the workplace. These skills will be taught with a sensitivity to diversity, values, beliefs, and cultural practices. Stress management techniques will be reviewed to highlight the importance of self-care when working in healthcare.
This course introduces students to the aging process and its impact on the client and normal body functions. Students will identify common diseases and disorders, and their impact on activities of daily living. Students will select appropriate care and support required by clients with these conditions, as directed by the plan of care. The importance of observing and reporting signs and symptoms associated with these conditions will be reviewed. Students will learn the basic classifications of medications used for these common diseases and disorders. The concepts of disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance, rehabilitation, and restorative care will be reviewed with the goal of supporting client comfort and independence.
In this course, students will be introduced to the normal structures and functions of the human body throughout the lifespan with an emphasis on maintaining homeostasis and health promotion. Students will use correct medical terminology to describe the components of normal cells, tissues, organs, and body systems as they relate to activities of daily living, and to identify alterations that are beyond the scope of a PSW and require further assistance to promote comfort and safety.
This course introduces the roles and responsibilities of the PSW within a variety of workplace settings to students. Students will review the Canadian healthcare system and learn about the legislation and standards that pertain to the role of the PSW and other healthcare workers. Students will learn the professional responsibilities of unregulated and regulated health professionals in order to work as an effective member of the interdisciplinary team. Ethical and moral principles will be reviewed, with a focus on providing safe, client-centered care. Students will learn the importance of confidentiality, documentation, and reporting within the role of the PSW.
In this course, students will learn various healthcare skills required by clients in selected age groups. Students will identify relevant client information, assist with activities of living, and promote safe, client-centered care. Healthcare skills will be taught and practiced in classroom and laboratory settings. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate safe and competent care within the practice environment with standardized clients. With a focus on infection prevention, hygiene and grooming, elimination, nutrition and mobility support, and basic assessments, this course will prepare students to enter clinical practice in their second semester.
In this course, students will be introduced to various mental health and cognitive challenges that may be experienced by clients. With a focus on responsive behaviours, students will explore supportive approaches to assist and care for clients with these conditions. The concepts of disorientation, delirium, and dementia will be emphasized with the goal of providing client-centered care. Developmental disorders, and their effect on holistic functioning, will also be reviewed.
This course introduces students to palliative and end of life care. Students will identify appropriate methods of supporting clients and their families with the process of dying, as directed by the plan of care. The role of the PSW within the interprofessional team will be reviewed. A focus on personal beliefs and cultural sensitivity will be examined to assist in providing client-centered support and care. Students will also examine legal issues and client rights surrounding death and dying.
In this course, students will practice advanced PSW skills to support clients in a variety of settings. Skills will be taught and practiced in classroom and laboratory settings. Students will follow the plan of care and assist clients with medications, provide continence and nutrition support, and complete household management tasks. With a focus on community-based settings, students will demonstrate the importance of their observations through documenting and reporting to a supervisor while working within an interprofessional team. This course will support students in their clinical practice and throughout their preceptorship experience.
This course provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in the clinical practice setting. Students will complete 110-120 hours of clinical placement (which may vary by campus) in a long-term care facility under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor. Students will demonstrate their ability to: work within the PSW role as a member of the interprofessional team; provide safe, client-centered care; maintain professionalism while establishing therapeutic relationships with clients and families; identify, document and report relevant client information; and assist clients with their activities of daily living. The clinical experience of PW 2011 provides students with a preparatory experience prior to entering PW2017 Preceptorship.
This course provides student with the opportunity to perform all the duties and responsibilities of a PSW under the guidance and supervision of a PSW preceptor. Students will work independently with their preceptor in the PSW role to demonstrate safe, competent, and client-centred care. Students will complete 240 hours of preceptorship in preparation for graduation workplace entry.