The Alpha Career College Blog

September 2026 College Calendar

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:47:32 GMT

Preparing for Placement Success: A PSW Student's Guide

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:57:41 GMT

Preparing for Placement Success: A PSW Student's Guide

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

Clinical placement is where everything you've learned in the classroom meets real patients, real facilities, and real healthcare teams. It's also one of the most important steps on the path to a Personal Support Worker career — many students land their first job offer directly from the facility where they completed their placement. Here's how to walk in prepared and make the most of the experience.

Success Begins Long Before Day One

The habits that make a placement successful start well before your first shift. A few ways to set yourself up early:

1. Be Professional

Treat your placement like an extended job interview because in many ways, it is. Arrive on time, dress appropriately, follow facility policies, and maintain a positive attitude throughout your shift.

2. Keep Learning

Stay open to feedback from your clinical instructor and the healthcare team around you. Every shift is a chance to sharpen your skills through hands-on experience, self-directed study, revisiting course materials, and watching training videos between shifts.

3. Communicate Effectively

Clear, respectful communication with residents, clients, families, and healthcare professionals is one of the most valuable skills a PSW can bring to a placement. Never hesitate to ask questions when something needs clarification it shows engagement, not weakness.

4. Demonstrate Compassion

Technical skills matter, but kindness, empathy, patience, and respect are what set exceptional PSWs apart. Employers notice this as much as sometimes more than clinical competence.

What Placement Facilities Are Really Looking For

Healthcare employers consistently tell us the same thing: they remember PSW students who show up with the right qualities, not just the right skills. The traits that make a lasting impression include:

Reliability and punctuality
Compassion and empathy
Professional communication
Teamwork
Willingness to learn
Respect for confidentiality and client dignity

These aren't small details they're often the deciding factor between a placement that ends and a placement that turns into a job offer.

Career Tip of the Month

Every day of placement is a potential job interview.

Many healthcare employers hire students who consistently demonstrate professionalism, strong work ethic, and a positive attitude throughout their placement. Approach every shift with enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to learn — you never know which shift is the one being remembered when a hiring decision gets made.

Build Your Career Starting With the Right Training

At Alpha Career College, clinical placement is built directly into our PSW Certificate Program, with hands-on experience in both community and facility settings. It's designed to prepare students not just to pass placement, but to walk away from it with real connections, real confidence, and — for many — a real job offer.

Ready to start your PSW journey? Explore the program or request more information today.

NACC Exams & First Aid/CPR Training 2026: What Students Need to Know?

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:57:37 GMT

NACC Exams & First Aid/CPR Training 2026: What Students Need to Know?

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

The NACC exam is one of the final milestones in your Personal Support Worker journey, and September is also bringing a First Aid & CPR training session. Here's what's scheduled, what each requirement actually involves, and how to walk in prepared.

What Is the NACC Exam?

The NACC final examination is the standardized test administered by the National Association of Career Colleges to confirm that PSW students have the knowledge needed to work safely and effectively. It's written after both clinical placements are complete, and it draws from all of the modules covered throughout the program — so it's comprehensive by design, not a quick recap quiz. Passing it is a requirement for graduation and certification, which is why eligibility and academic requirements need to be fully squared away before exam day.

Upcoming NACC Examination Dates

September 2, 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2026

Students scheduled for examination are encouraged to ensure all academic and eligibility requirements are completed in advance.

How to Prepare:

Confirm your eligibility early.
Make sure all placements, assignments, and academic requirements are marked complete well before your scheduled date — last-minute gaps can delay your exam.
Review module by module.
Since the exam pulls from the full curriculum, a steady review across all modules works better than cramming any single topic.
Revisit your placement experience.
Many exam scenarios reflect real situations you've already encountered on placement — thinking back on those cases can reinforce theory with practical context.
Ask your instructor questions now.
If any topic still feels unclear, exam week is not the time to find out — reach out for clarification while you still have time to act on it.
Treat exam day like a shift.
Get a full night's sleep, arrive with time to spare, and bring whatever identification or materials your college requires.

A Reminder for Anyone Scheduled This Month

If you're writing your NACC exam on any of the September dates above, use the time between now and then wisely. Check in with your program coordinator if you're unsure whether your eligibility requirements are complete — it's far easier to resolve a gap now than to face a delay on exam day.

First Aid & CPR Training

The next First Aid & CPR Training session is scheduled for:

September 26, 2026

Eligible students should ensure they are prepared to attend and complete the required training. This is a required component of your program, so if you're eligible for this session, make sure it's on your calendar alongside your exam dates — between NACC exams and CPR training, September is a month where staying organized will make all the difference.

Good luck to everyone testing and training this month — you've put in the work to get here.

What's Coming In October

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:57:35 GMT

What's Coming in October — New Programs Starting Soon

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

October is bringing four new program start dates at Alpha Career College, spanning Child and Youth Care Worker Diploma Program , Food Service Worker Certificate Program, Mental Health and Addictions Diploma Program, and Developmental Services Worker Diploma Program . Here's what's launching and who each program is for.

 Child and Youth Care Worker Diploma Program
Starting: October 12, 2026

Duration: 46 Weeks

The Child and Youth Care Worker (CYC) program prepares professionals for employment in public, private, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. This program equips individuals to work with young people in diverse settings, developing prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies to support positive change in children, youth, and their families facing emotional, social, and behavioural challenges. Students also build the skills to advocate for youth and families using an ecological, client-centred, anti-oppression, and inclusive approach.

Learn more about the Child and Youth Care Worker Diploma program

Food Service Worker Certificate Program

Starting: October 26, 2026

Duration: 16 Weeks

Alpha Career College's Food Service Certificate Program provides the training needed to become an entry-to-mid-level food service worker in Canada. Over sixteen weeks, students learn the ins and outs of the food service industry, including food safety, sanitation, personal hygiene, and workplace safety. Graduates earn a food service worker certificate, allowing them to enter the industry with no previous experience and advance to more senior roles as their career progresses.

Learn more about the Food Service Worker program

 Mental Health and Addictions Diploma Program

Starting: October 26, 2026
Duration: 46 Weeks

Entry-level Mental Health and Addictions care practitioners work in a variety of healthcare settings alongside multi-disciplinary teams. This program builds the foundational skills needed to deliver mental health and addictions services, starting with understanding substance use and mental health across the lifespan. Students then move into client referral, screening, assessment, and treatment planning processes, followed by the foundations of program development, implementation, and evaluation. Training spans multicultural settings including hospitals and residential group homes, and a Virtual Project helps solidify learning by simulating real work in the field.

Learn more about the Mental Health and Addictions program

 Developmental Services Worker Diploma Program

Starting: October 19, 2026
Duration: 46 Weeks

The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) program provides specialized training for a rewarding career in the social service field. A DSW works within the social and community sector to administer and implement social assistance programs and community services, supporting clients and families facing developmental challenges. Core responsibilities include providing person-centered, family-focused support that respects and promotes self-determination and safety, as well as advocacy and collaboration with community agencies to help clients access the resources they need across physical, mental, emotional, and social needs.

Learn more about the DSW program

New Programs Coming Soon

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:57:27 GMT

Coming Soon: New Programs at Alpha Career College

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

We're excited to share that Alpha Career College is expanding into three new fields: Cybersecurity , Electrical , and Carpentry . Full program details, start dates, and curriculum are still being finalized — but here's a look at what each field involves and where it can take you.

Cybersecurity

What it is: Cybersecurity professionals protect computer systems, networks, and data from digital threats. As banks, hospitals, government agencies, and businesses rely more heavily on digital systems, the need to defend those systems from attacks keeps growing.

Where it can lead: Common entry points into the field include IT support and helpdesk roles, which many professionals use as a stepping stone into more specialized security positions. Job Bank projects a moderate risk of labour shortage for cybersecurity specialists across Canada through 2033, and industry sources report sustained, ongoing demand for cybersecurity roles nationwide. It's worth knowing that most senior-level demand requires experience — but starting in an entry-level IT or support role is a realistic way into the field.

Electrical

What it is: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings — a hands-on trade that's essential to virtually every type of building.

Where it can lead: Job Bank projects a moderate risk of labour shortage for electricians across Canada through 2033, and industry sources note that Canada's construction sector will need tens of thousands of additional skilled trades workers by 2032 to meet demand and replace retiring workers, with electricians named among the trades facing the most pronounced shortages. It's also a trade with strong pathways to permanent residency for eligible workers under Canada's skilled trades immigration streams.

Carpentry

What it is: Carpenters build, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials — framing houses, building cabinetry, and everything in between.

Where it can lead: Carpentry is one of the trades facing pronounced shortages as Canada's construction industry looks to fill tens of thousands of positions by 2032, driven by both growing demand and a wave of upcoming retirements. Like electrical work, carpentry also offers strong potential pathways to permanent residency through Canada's skilled trades immigration programs.

Stay Tuned

We're finalizing the details for all three programs — including start dates, program length, and format — and will share more as soon as they're confirmed. If you're interested in Cybersecurity, Electrical, or Carpentry, keep an eye on our website and social channels, or reach out to our admissions team to be the first to know when enrollment opens.

What I learned while working at a homeless shelter during the pandemic.

admissions@alphalearningcentre.ca (Carol Thompson) — Wed, 11 May 2022 03:41:01 GMT

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) – Advocacy for homeless people is more than just ensuring that someone has a meal or a clean bed. Advocacy is about acknowledgement of privilege and a recognition of the power dynamics that exist in our current society. It’s about making sure decisions regarding the life of a human are made without judgement.

I am a client support worker at a shelter in the North End of Halifax. In the job interview I remember being asked why I wanted to work at the shelter and I replied that I wanted to be a better ally. Being a support person requires a lot of balance and time management, while understanding your limits and boundaries. It also requires tough love and providing structure.

I am constantly learning about being a community support and what that entails in our everyday lives. I am also discovering the ins and outs of how broken the system is.

The shelter system is covered in red tape and cis-hetero white males who make too much money, and don’t check their privilege. They are the ones who make the long lasting big-picture policy decisions that will either help or harm. I have had many conversations with co-workers about how decisions regarding homeless people are made without them in mind. There is a lot of racism in shelters. From my lens of a second-generation immigrant, it exists, and it’s horrifying.

I discovered that marginalized folks are considered collateral damage once they lose access to affordable housing. They are bargaining chips used by politicians who want to ‘pretend’ to help, but don’t actually know how to help.

Many shelters have rules that exclude anyone that is not a Canadian citizen. I had no idea, and wondered what about immigrants, those seeking asylum, those with restrictions to their visa who aren’t sure how to navigate the system without being deported. I learned how racialized and marginalized people facing multiple barriers are often let down because for someone with privilege it is easy to forget that not everyone has access to privilege.

In March of this year the Corona virus arrived and Canada declared a state of emergency. This turned our world upside down in more ways than anyone could have predicted. Millions were impacted, and money became an issue when businesses, companies, and other sources of income for most folks disappeared.

Especially hard hit were the vulnerable populations that most people don’t even bother to acknowledge. The homeless population has increased significantly, the lack of affordable housing is a major human rights issue, and minimum wage is not enough to live on. Ask yourself, can anyone, or should anyone, be expected to survive off $12.55 an hour?

Do the math and tell me that makes sense. Include children, rent, car insurance, groceries, not having benefits, affordable food that is also accessible, etc. Think about those that are on Income Assistance and how their allowance doesn’t even cover essential needs.

In March, three pop-up shelters, two for men, one for women and female-identifying, were set up in the North End of Halifax. The goal was to alleviate pressure on existing shelters so that social distancing could be practiced and to monitor cross-contamination. Nova Scotia has a homelessness problem and it needs immediate attention, and needs a better system than what we have now.

A supervisor told me that I was unsafe, and had to leave work. I was told those words in front of my co-workers. The story is complicated because it involves a client so I won’t share the details. But I know what racism is, what it looks like, and how it impacts people.

Black Lives Matter. Does mine? I faced some of my biggest hurdles this year. I was reminded daily that I matter, and reminded daily that I don’t. This pandemic has opened my eyes in some big ways and I am forever grateful.

I am Also. Incredibly. Outraged.

Show up, fight racist policies, demand better work environments, demand better from our Halifax Regional Police. Demand more for those around you. Be outraged. Be mad, be frustrated with me. Enough is enough!

Career Laddering Program For PSWs and RPNs

Thu, 05 May 2022 15:21:16 GMT

WeRPN has partnered with the ministries of health and long-term care to deliver a new program to support career laddering in order to recruit, support and retain more nurses within the home and community care (HCC) and long-term care (LTC) sectors. Key program goals:

Support recruitment of nurses (RPN/RN) to the HCC and LTC sectors by supporting PSWs and RPNs to career ladder to RPN and RN roles respectively.
Improve retention of nurses in the HCC and LTC sectors.
Foster a culture of excellence in HCC and LTC to make these sectors of choice.

Applications will be accepted during three separate application windows each fiscal year now and March 2025. For the Spring 2022 application window, all completed applications must be submitted before March 14, 2022. Click here for more information.

Begin Your New Career Today At The Alpha Learning Centre

PSW-RPN and RPN-RN Bridging Education Grant in Nursing (BEGIN) Program

Thu, 05 May 2022 15:21:11 GMT

As part of the Ontario government’s long-term care staffing plan, they have released the details of the BEGIN program to support PSWs bridging to RPN and RPNs bridging to RNs. This is a generous program that provides tuition reimbursement for individuals enrolled in a recognized PSW-RPN or RPN-RN bridging program during application windows in 2022-2025. The details and application can be found here: Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing BEGIN Program Details.

Some of the program highlights:

Eligible RPNs bridging to RN can receive tuition reimbursement of up to $10,000 per year for up to 3 years and a maximum of $30,000.
Eligible PSWs bridging to RPN can receive tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000 per year for up to 3 years and a maximum of $15,000.
Some BEGIN participants (based on demonstrated need) may also be eligible to receive additional financial support of up to $5,000 per year. This support is intended to assist with costs such as care for dependents, tutoring, and travel incurred while completing their educational program.
To be eligible you must be enrolled in an accredited PSW-RPN or RPN-RN bridging program and are eligible regardless of how close to your graduation you are.
For the Spring 2022 application window, all completed applications must be submitted before March 31, 2022.
All participants will be required to provide one year of service in either HCC or LTC for each year, or portion of a year, they receive funding from the BEGIN program.

If you are interested and want to learn more, the BEGIN details can be found here: Bridging Educational Grant in Nursing BEGIN Program Details.

All of the current Ontario government supports for rewarding careers in long-term care, as part of the long-term care staffing plan, can be found here: Careers in long-term care, this includes more information on where bridging programs are being offered.

Please share with friends, family and community to support strengthening staffing in senior living.

Thank you for all you do every day!