Personal Support Worker – Accelerated
Personal Support Workers are in demand. Gain the training and credentials to support individuals and families in need of help. This intensive, fast-track PSW program condenses the curriculum into 24 weeks and offers a paid clinical placement.
Program Information
Start Date
February 08, 2027
Domestic Availability
Internal Application Required
Learn how
International Availability
Closed
CIP Code
51.2602
Program Code
PWD
Delivery
Hybrid
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
February 02, 2027
Domestic Availability
Internal Application Required
Learn how
International Availability
Closed
CIP Code
51.2602
Program Code
PWC
Delivery
Hybrid
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
Apply Now
Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
Our PSW program equips you with the foundational knowledge, patient care competencies, and immersive practical training needed to excel in today’s dynamic healthcare settings.
Coursework spans across topics such as PSW foundations, assisting with medications, mental health, palliative support, interpersonal skills, and behavior support strategies. You will also gain invaluable, hands-on clinical experience in a fast-paced real work environment.
Designed for caring and compassionate individuals, this fast-track PSW certification program builds trusted healthcare professionals who champion client dignity, independence, health, and safety.
The PSW – Accelerated program features:
- Fast-track your career: Become a personal support worker within six months, that’s half the time for our standard PSW certificate program.
- Comprehensive learning: 12 weeks of intensive, theory-based instruction led by expert faculty and healthcare professionals includes virtual simulation practice, followed by a full-time paid 300 hour placement.
- Paid placement: Get paid to practice your skills as a personal support worker, helping you gain confidence and work experience in providing excellent care.
- Funded professional training: Through a partnership with Scarborough Health Network, the Government of Ontario is funding your tuition and will pay you a stipend for supplies and placement costs, removing financial barriers to train as a PSW.
- Enhanced experience with student supports: Enhance your education experience with free student support services including health, career, advising, Indigenous Student, counselling, IT, library, learning, and equity, diversity and inclusion.
The program offers two intake dates: February 2 and February 8, 2027 and is limited to 80 students.
Training must be completed by June 30, 2027.
This government-funded training initiative strongly supports women, Indigenous peoples, minorities, career seekers with disabilities, those re-entering the workforce, and lower income individuals.
Before working directly with patients, you will practice PSW-related scenarios encountered in the real world using simulation software. This advanced simulation technology will help you refine techniques and expand your caregiving knowledge.
Building on 12 weeks of classroom and immersive simulation learning, PSW-Accelerated students complete 300 hours of paid clinical placement. This immersive hands-on experience provides a real work environment for students to put their skills into practice and apply their learning.
This accelerated program takes between 20 to 24 weeks to complete, depending on your placement arrangements. This fast-track program consists of:
- 12 weeks of theory-based class learning and simulation labs
- 300 hours of clinical placement
Students are required to attend full-day classes in-person from Monday to Friday for the duration of the program.
Due to the funding criteria, students must complete the Personal Support Worker - Accelerated program by June 30, 2027.
Non-Academic Requirements
PSW students must complete the following professional certifications:
Intermediate First Aid and CPR (Level C) certifications must be certified by an approved Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, Perri-Med, or Heart and Stroke training provider.
Immunization Requirements
Immunization requirements are mandatory to protect vulnerable populations in field placement settings, ensure compliance with provincial public health standards, and safeguard student well-being throughout hands-on training. Students are required to have the following prior to placement:
- TB Annual Test
- COVID Vaccinations (2 dose minimum)
- Flu Shot
- Measles Shot
- Hepatitis B Shot
- Tetanus Shot
Students can contact ImmunizationsAdvising@flemingcollege.ca or Fleming Health Services for help or to ask questions.
Other Requirements
- Good physical and cognitive health are essential in personal support worker careers.
- Vulnerable Sector Check (within 6 months)
- WSIB Student Letter (signed)
- HSP Net Student Consent Form (signed)
Faculty and staff will provide more information about requirements when you start the program.
Government funding for this program covers your cost for tuition. Students are also eligible for a supply stipend and a clinical placement stipend.
Students are required to pay for the following non-academic program requirements:
- Intermediate First Aid and CPR (Level C) Certification | Approx. $146.60
- Mask Fit Testing Certification | Approx. $50
- Police Check (Vulnerable Sector check) | Approx. $20 - $40 + HST
- Synergy Gateway to verify NARs documentation | Approx. $51.50 + HST. Note: An additional $10 + HST is required for any resubmission for missing documents.
To be considered for this fully-funded PSW - Accelerated certificate opportunity, simply complete the Personal Support Worker - Accelerated Form.
Application and Offer Deadlines
The deadline to apply for the PSW - Accelerated program is December 10, 2026. Applicants who are accepted into this program will be notified by e-mail on December 23, 2026. Offers must be accepted by January 5, 2027. If you do not accept your offer by the deadline, the next person on the waiting list will receive an offer.
Upon completion of the PSW – Accelerated program, graduates will earn an Ontario College Certificate.
Additionally, graduates will hold professional certifications in:
- Intermediate First Aid and CPR (Level C)
- Mask Fit Testing
As a Personal Support Worker, you will provide personal care and services to individuals and families in need of assistance. You will be well-prepared to assist children, adults, and seniors to help them navigate their health recovery journey or enhance their life experience.
Graduates can choose to work in various settings:
- long-term care facilities
- group homes
- community agencies
- hospitals
- schools
- day care centres (children or adults)
- home care agencies
Advancement Opportunities Within Your Profession
As a PSW graduate, you will have unlimited opportunities to advance your career and continue a life-long learning journey. Next steps could include:
- Fleming's PSW to PN Bridge Program: The curriculum is designed to strengthen theory with concurrent practical experience in our modern labs using high tech, high touch simulation tools. After successfully completing the required part-time courses, PSW's will be eligible to enter the second semester of our full-time Practical Nursing (PN) program. The PN program offers a degree pathway to Trent University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Leadership roles, specializations, and geriatrics.
For more healthcare specializations and courses, visit Fleming Continuing Education.
If you have a desire to work with and care for people of all ages to assist them to attain their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. The following personality traits and skills are an asset in your studies and professional career:
- empathy
- compassion
- concern for improving others' quality of life
- respect for cultural differences and family dynamics
- excellent interpersonal skills
- self-discipline
- good oral communication skills
- good physical health
Apply today!
Start filling out the Personal Support Worker - Accelerated Form now.
Led by Scarborough Health Network, with Fleming College serving as the training partner, the Personal Support Worker – Accelerated program is funded by the Government of Ontario through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream. Learn more
About Scarborough Health Network (SHN)
SHN is shaping the future of care. Across three hospitals and several community-based locations, SHN offers a spectrum of essential and specialized health services for a diverse community, delivering exceptional quality care through all stages of life. We are a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network, and a key partner for the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health, while SHN Research Institute is at the forefront of multicultural health research. With support from the Love, Scarborough fundraising campaign, SHN is working to Build It Forward through a multi-year redevelopment strategy. We are bringing innovative, state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and technology to our health network to meet Scarborough’s evolving needs into the future. Visit SHN.ca.
This Employment Ontario program is funded by the Government of Ontario.
Students applying to Personal Support Worker – Accelerated must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD with majority of credits at the Workplace (E) level including Gr 12 (E)English
In The News: Personal Support Worker – Accelerated
Are you ready to launch a rewarding healthcare career or expand your clinical expertise? Fleming College and Scarborough Health Network have partnered on a $2.2 million initiative funded by the Government of Ontario to offer tuition-free training starting in winter 2027.
Whether you want to become a Personal Support Worker through our accelerated pathway or advance your skills with the Rural and Remote Nursing micro-credential, financial barriers won't stand in your way. Enjoy paid placements, stipends, and comprehensive support.
With applications for the first cohort opening this fall, spots will fill quickly. Complete our Student Interest Form today to join our notification list and get priority updates on eligibility, schedules, and application dates straight to your inbox!
Read our Media Release to learn more:
Fleming College and Scarborough Health Network partner to strengthen Ontario’s health-care workforce
PETERBOROUGH, ON — (August 24, 2026) — Fleming College and Scarborough Health Network (SHN) are partnering to provide tuition-free training that will prepare new personal support workers and help current nurses develop skills for delivering care in rural and remote communities. Training will begin in winter 2027.
Led by SHN, with Fleming College serving as the training partner, the project is supported by a $2.2 million investment from the Government of Ontario through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream.
The project is expected to train 80 new personal support workers and provide specialized rural and remote nursing training to 30 Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses. All training will be completed by June 30, 2027.
“This partnership brings together Scarborough Health Network’s health-care leadership and Fleming College’s expertise in applied, career-focused education,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President of Fleming College. “By removing financial barriers and providing learners with practical training and comprehensive supports, we are creating more accessible pathways into rewarding health-care careers while responding directly to workforce needs across Ontario.”
The project, being deployed through Fleming Continuing Education, will offer two training streams:
- Accelerated Personal Support Worker training: Participants will complete 12 weeks of theory-based instruction followed by a paid, 300-hour work placement. The accelerated format will help learners develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to enter the workforce quickly and confidently.
- Rural and Remote Nursing micro-credential: Current Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses will complete three asynchronous courses taken concurrently over 14 weeks. The training will help nurses strengthen the specialized skills needed to provide care in rural and remote settings.
Tuition will be free for eligible participants. Personal support worker learners will also receive paid placements, while wraparound supports and stipends will help eligible participants overcome financial and personal barriers to completing their training.
“Building a strong and sustainable health-care workforce means creating opportunities for people to enter the field and supporting current professionals as they expand their skills,” said David Graham, President and CEO of Scarborough Health Network. “Together with Fleming College, we are helping more people access health-care training while preparing personal support workers and nurses to meet the needs of patients and communities.”
Recruitment will focus on eligible domestic participants, with targeted outreach to women, newcomers to Canada, racialized people, and members of underserved communities. Training may be delivered through multiple cohorts to provide participants with flexible entry points and appropriate learning supports.
Fleming College’s Continuing Education web page will include information about eligibility, program schedules, and the application process in the coming weeks.
About Scarborough Health Network (SHN)
SHN is shaping the future of care. Across three hospitals and several community-based locations, SHN offers a spectrum of essential and specialized health services for a diverse community, delivering exceptional quality care through all stages of life. We are a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network, and a key partner for the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health, while SHN Research Institute is at the forefront of multicultural health research. With support from the Love, Scarborough fundraising campaign, SHN is working to Build It Forward through a multi-year redevelopment strategy. We are bringing innovative, state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and technology to our health network to meet Scarborough’s evolving needs into the future. Visit SHN.ca.
About Fleming College
About Fleming College Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg, and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the College features more than 85 full-time programs in Applied Health and Community Services, Skilled Trades and Technology, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Art and Design, Business, and General Arts and Sciences, and hundreds of Continuing Education courses. Fleming College has more than 8,500 full-time and 445 part-time students, and 95,000 alumni.
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