Personal Support Worker

At Algonquin College, tuition is Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

The one-year on-campus Personal Support Worker Ontario College Certificate program is delivered over two semesters. It prepares students for an in-demand career in healthcare. Students learn to assist clients with daily personal care needs and provide person-centred support across the lifespan. Clinical placements are a required part of the curriculum.

One year, full-time, 120 credits, includes clinical placement.

Graduates may work as Personal Support Workers in retirement homes, long-term care facilities, home care agencies, private homes, and hospitals.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent; English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent); IELTS overall 6.0 with no band below 5.5; TOEFL iBT overall 80 with at least 20 in each section; Duolingo English Test overall 110 with no score below 95.

On-campus, full-time, one year.

Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada, is a publicly funded English-language college founded in 1967 that serves about 21,000 students, including roughly 3,000 international learners. The college provides more than 300 programs across business, media and design, health and community studies, hospitality and tourism, technology and trades, and more. With multiple campuses in the Ottawa region, Algonquin combines applied learning with a broad program portfolio to meet diverse career goals.

Algonquin is known for experiential learning, offering co-ops, internships and industry partnerships that place classroom knowledge into real-world contexts. Industry-aligned curriculum, simulation labs and applied research projects give students practical experience valued by employers. The college also emphasizes innovation and sustainability, integrating green practices across facilities and programming to reflect current industry standards.

International students benefit from targeted supports, orientation services and career resources designed to ease transition and enhance employability in Canada and beyond. Ottawa’s bilingual, multicultural environment and proximity to government and tech employers provide additional opportunities for networking and work experience. Prospective students seeking hands-on training, clear career pathways and a supportive campus in Canada’s capital will find Algonquin offers practical programs and strong industry connections.