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Cert in Personal Support Worker

Northern College

Timmins, Ontario, Canada

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Cert in Personal Support Worker at Northern College in Timmins, Canada is a certificate in Health Sciences programme. The programme runs for 2 semesters, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 15,716 per year (CAD 2,775 per year for local students).

At a glance

Degree: Certificate
Field: Health Sciences
Duration: 2 semesters
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
Local tuition: CAD 2,775 / year
International tuition: CAD 15,716 / year

Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·

Program details

Overview

Personal support workers assist with routine activities of daily living (including bathing and perineal care to cleanse the body and genitals of bodily fluids, toileting, dressing, transferring, and eating) and household management. They are responsible for practicing professionally by creating, promoting, and maintaining safe and comfortable environments for clients, families, and others. They often have the most contact with clients and develop therapeutic relationships through trust, respect, and understanding. The attitude and approach of personal support workers, along with their practical skills, are beneficial to the health, comfort, and safety of their clients. Personal support workers require strong communication and observation skills to report changes in their clients’ conditions to the family and the healthcare team.

Requirements

Admission Requirements: Domestic admission requires an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and Grade 12 English (C, M or U); missing prerequisites can be completed free of charge through the college's Academic Upgrading program. International applicants must also hold a senior high school diploma/certificate and meet English proficiency with one of: IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no band below 5.5, TOEFL iBT 88+, or PTE Academic 60+. Before the program begins (by August 15) all students must complete mandatory clinical requirements: CPR certification, mask-fit testing for N95/SCBA compliance, a Canadian Police Information Centre criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening, and updated immunizations, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend clinical placement hours. Students are responsible for the cost of required uniforms and equipment.

Application Details

Application Deadline: Domestic applicants apply through ontariocolleges.ca; Northern College accepts applications on a rolling basis for most programs right up until a semester begins if space remains, but for its limited-enrollment competitive programs — Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Practical Nursing, Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technology (Wildlife Rehabilitation), Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation, and Medical Laboratory Technician — February 1, 2027 is the equal-consideration date for Fall 2027 entry, after which remaining seats are offered first-come, first-served or waitlisted. International applicants apply through the OCAS International Application Service and are assessed on a rolling basis; Northern publishes no fixed international application deadline. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.

About Northern College

Type: College
Campus setting: Rural
Founded: 1967
Programs: 36
Location: Timmins, Ontario, Canada
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Frequently asked questions

What degree does Cert in Personal Support Worker award?

Northern College awards a Certificate in the field of Health Sciences on completion of this programme.

How long does Cert in Personal Support Worker take?

The programme runs for 2 semesters.

How much does Cert in Personal Support Worker cost?

Tuition for international students is CAD 15,716 per year (CAD 2,775 per year for local students).

Can Cert in Personal Support Worker be studied online?

No — the programme is taught on campus at Northern College.

What language is Cert in Personal Support Worker taught in?

The programme is taught in English.

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