In response to a shortage of personal support workers (PSW) in Ontario, the Southwest Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has named Conestoga among four colleges to receive a financial boost to encourage enrolment in the PSW program.
The Southwest Local Health Integration Network will provide a total of 20 bursaries, valued at $5,000 each, to students enrolled in Conestoga’s PSW program at the Doon campus.
The LHIN will provide a total of 20 bursaries, valued at $5,000 each, which will be available starting January 2020 to students enrolled in Conestoga’s PSW program at the Doon campus to help them off-set tuition expenses.
“PSWs play such a critical role in providing care within our community, but we need more of them now and in the future given demand will only increase as the population of seniors in Ontario rises,” said Sarah Pottier, chair, PSW and Supportive Care. “We are grateful to the LHIN for recognizing our PSW program and partnering with the college so we can help meet the need for quality care in our region.”
As members of an inter-professional health-care team, PSWs provide supportive person-centered care across the lifespan to individuals and families, at various levels of health and wellbeing, in a variety of care environments including long-term, community and/or hospital care settings.
The Waterloo Wellington LHIN estimates the demand for PSWs has increased 9.4 per cent since 2014 — the equivalent of 400,000 hours of PSW services.
Students enrolled in Conestoga’s one-year certificate PSW program learn how to assist individuals with activities of daily living — a role that truly makes a difference in the lives of others. Experiential learning, which is central to the program, is integrated throughout to support student application of knowledge, skills and judgment.
At Doon, students have the opportunity to study in the state-of-the-art, technology-enhanced Cowan Health Sciences Centre.
To learn more about becoming a PSW, visit the program page or attend the PSW Career Information Fair on November 6 at Riverside Glen in Guelph — the site of one of Conestoga’s Living Classrooms. Hosted by the Conestoga Career Centre, the event runs from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will give visitors an opportunity to learn more and about the PSW program and employment opportunities available.
The number of bursaries available for each semester will vary; once enrolled in the program, students must submit an application to be considered by a selection committee.
For more information, visit Conestoga College Financial Services.