Personal Support Worker

Conestoga College is a well-regarded public college based in Kitchener, Ontario, offering more than 200 programs across fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, information technology, media and design. Established in 1967, the college serves roughly 16,000 full-time students and around 1,800 international students, and delivers applied training through multiple campuses across the Waterloo Region. Conestoga emphasizes career-focused education designed to equip students with job-ready skills.

The college is known for hands-on learning, modern labs and close ties to local industry, which support co-op placements, internships and employer-led projects. Program options include certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgraduate credentials, allowing clear progression routes for students seeking technical expertise or academic advancement. Strong employer partnerships and a focus on experiential learning help graduates transition smoothly into regional and national job markets.

International applicants can expect comprehensive admission guidance, orientation programs and student support services that address academic, language and settlement needs. Conestoga’s career services and alumni network aid job search and professional development, while campus life offers clubs and activities to build community. Prospective students should explore program-specific entry requirements, co-op options and scholarship opportunities to plan a practical and rewarding pathway.

The Personal Support Worker program at Conestoga College is a non-degree program that prepares students to provide supportive person-centered care to individuals and families in various care settings. This program helps students develop skills in personal care, home management, and nutrition, and prepares them for a career as a personal support worker. Students learn through experiential learning and hands-on training in settings like the Living Classroom and ONSITEs.

Throughout the program, students take courses like Supportive Care Theory and Practice, Structure and Function of the Body for Person Centered Care, and Community and Palliative Care. They also develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, and learn how to provide person-centered care, maintain therapeutic relationships, and create a safe and comfortable environment for clients.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Personal Support Workers, Health Care Aides, Home Support Workers, Palliative Care Workers, or Community Support Workers. They can work in various care settings, including long-term care, community care, and hospital care, and can be employed by organizations such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community health agencies.