Personal Support Worker Acute Care

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
MiramichiSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
St. AndrewsSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
WoodstockSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
Fredericton September 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
Fredericton January 2024 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
Saint JohnSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
Saint JohnJanuary 2024 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
MonctonSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
MonctonJanuary 2024 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International

Program Overview

Are you a kind and nurturing person who feels fulfilled by and thrives on helping others in need? If so, this might be the opportunity you have been looking for. Personal support workers work in collaboration with members of healthcare teams. They’re on the front line, offering compassionate and respectful care to clients of all ages, their families, and communities.

In the PSW program, you will learn how to assist clients in functioning as independently as possible, working safely, and ever mindful of preserving the dignity of those under your care. A career in personal support work provides opportunities in physical, mental, community or personal health services fields. With an aging population, the need for personal support worker graduates is high, so enroll today to pursue a career in this well-respected field.


Duration

Personal Support Worker: Acute Care is achieved within one year of full-time study.


Admission Requirements

    Profile A

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma

    NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
    International Student Admission Equivalencies


    Career Possibilities

    Demand for personal support workers continues to grow as the population ages, so apply today to pursue a career in this well-respected field. Graduates of NBCC’s Personal Support Worker (PSW) program find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, with community agencies, and much more.

    Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.



    Specific Considerations

    This occupation requires a sincere desire to work with and help other people, sometimes under trying circumstances. Good health, physical fitness, and stamina are essential.

    The work schedule includes day, evening, and night shifts, as well as work on weekends and holidays.

    Students must possess observation skills, organizational aptitude, and flexibility in order to meet the challenge of providing long-term and/or acute care.

    Prior to the beginning of the applied workplace experience, host facilities throughout the province may require the completion of an Immunization and Medical form (pdf), proof of valid CPR Level HCP with AED certification, and specific immunizations. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he or she has met these requirements.

    To protect the health and safety of students during their clinical/practicum placements, as well as anyone they may encounter, students will be obligated to complete mandatory clearance requirements as a part of the process of being assigned a placement. There will be a cost associated with completing these requirements, which has been calculated as part of the Material Cost of this program. Students who do not complete the requirements will be unable to attend their clinical/practicum placements, which could impact eligibility for the required courses or industry facility visits needed to complete their program. See Clinical/Practicum Placement Requirements for more details.

    Host agencies require students to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service in order to be considered for an applied workplace experience. Individuals who have been convicted criminally and not pardoned may be prohibited from proceeding to a work placement. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he or she is eligible to participate. Additionally Nursing Homes will require verification of a Social Development (SD) check which is done to determine whether the applicant has any contraventions under the Family Services Act. Please note, when a student goes for a Nursing Home placement, the agency has the responsibility to send in the request for a SD check. 

    For each practicum, an agreement will be signed with the health care institution concerned, in accordance with College policy.

    Technology Requirements
    NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.


    Areas of Study

    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Pathophysiology
    • Geriatric Nursing
    • Ethical and Legal aspects of Nursing
    • Mental Health Concepts
    • Homecare Concepts
    • Clinical practicum and laboratory experience
    • Nursing skills and assessments
    • Critical thinking and clinical judgement
    • Therapeutic and professional communication and collaboration
    • Trauma informed and culturally competent care
    • Community Engagement
    • Workplace and individual wellness and safety


    Program Courses

    Course curriculum for this program is still under development. Once the courses have been finalized, they will be posted here. Courses are subject to change.


    NOC Codes

    3413 - Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates


    Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.


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