PSW Bridging Program
NACC Personal Support Worker Bridging 2022
For internationally trained nurses and healthcare professionals, and for people with Canadian healthcare education or experience who want to refresh their skills and get back to work. Build on what you already know, learn current PSW skills and gain hands-on experience in Ontario, in 3 months.
Questions? Call admissions at (416) 631-8298, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
- Duration 3 months 2 months online + 1 month placement
- Class schedule Tue, Wed & Thu 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Delivery Online Plus a Mandatory In-Person Practical and placement in Ontario
- Placement 150 hours Unpaid, at an approved location in Ontario
- Credential NACC certificate After the NACC final exam
Your experience counts. This program builds on it.
The PSW Bridging Program recognizes your previous nursing or healthcare education and experience, and adds the PSW-specific training you need to work as a Personal Support Worker in Ontario.
You learn online in the evenings, practise your skills on campus, then complete a supervised placement in a real healthcare setting. Whether you are new to the Canadian healthcare sector or returning after time away, you finish ready for your next step.
- Evening classes that fit around work and family
- Hands-on practical training and a 150-hour placement
- Student placement is provided within 50 km of the student’s place of residence
Built for people who already work in care
Based on Ministry guidelines, you are eligible if you hold one of these qualifications.
Support workers
Graduates of a Canadian program
- Health Care Aide Canadian graduate
- Home Support Worker Canadian graduate
- Personal Support Worker Canadian graduate
Nurses
Trained in Canada or internationally
- Nurse or Registered Nurse (RN) Degree in nursing
- Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Domestic or international
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Domestic or international
Not sure if you qualify? Contact admissions and an advisor will review your background with you.
Three months, four milestones
All practical training and placement takes place in Ontario.
Months 1–2
Online learning
- Live online classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Tests and assignments completed online
- You need a laptop, desktop computer or tablet
During months 1–2
Mandatory In-Person Practical
- Mandatory In-Person Practical training day at our North York campus
- The Administration Department confirms the date in advance
Month 3
Placement
- 150 hours of unpaid placement at an approved location in Ontario
- Student placement is provided within 50 km of the student’s place of residence
After placement
NACC final exam
- Write the NACC final exam
- Graduates receive a certificate from the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC)
Introductory tuition: save $1,351
Pay in full or spread your tuition over three monthly payments.
Program tuition
You save $1,351 on the original tuition
Flexible monthly payment option
Plus a $230 registration fee .
Enrol NowAdditional and optional fees
Program-related items you may need to pay for separately.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| NACC final exam | $220 |
| First Aid & CPR Level C | $150 |
| Module 9 workbook | $55 |
| Mask fitting | $50 |
| PSW scrubs | $45 |
What you need to apply
Have these documents ready when you start your application.
- 1
Nursing licence or registration Your current or applicable licence or certificate
- 2
Nursing certificate or diploma
- 3
Official academic transcript
- 4
WES evaluation For internationally educated applicants, where applicable
- 5
Government-issued photo ID
- 6
Proof of legal status in Canada
- 7
NACC entrance exam Successful completion is required
Before your placement
- PSW medical clearance
- Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
For online learning
- A laptop, desktop computer or tablet
Personal support workers are in demand
Personal Support Workers help people with daily living in long-term care homes, home and community care, hospitals and retirement residences. Bridging lets you put your existing nursing or healthcare experience to work in one of Ontario's most needed roles.
Source: Government of Canada Job Bank, outlook for NOC 33102 near Toronto, jobbank.gc.ca.
Questions about PSW Bridging
Who is the PSW Bridging Program for?
Internationally trained nurses and healthcare professionals, and people with previous Canadian healthcare education or experience who want to refresh their skills and re-enter the workforce. Based on Ministry guidelines, eligible applicants are Health Care Aides, Home Support Workers and Personal Support Workers who graduated in Canada, and Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses trained in Canada or internationally.
How long is the program, and when are classes?
The program takes 3 months: 2 months of online learning followed by 1 month of placement. Online classes run on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The proposed start date is November 23, 2026.
Is the program fully online?
Classes are online, but there is a Mandatory In-Person Practical training day on campus, and the 150-hour placement takes place in person at an approved location in Ontario. All practical training and placement must be completed in Ontario.
Where will my placement be, and is it paid?
Placement is 150 hours at an approved location in Ontario and is unpaid. Student placement is provided within 50 km of the student’s place of residence.
How much does it cost? Can I pay monthly?
Introductory tuition is $1,899 (regular tuition $3,250), plus a $230 registration fee. You can also pay tuition in 3 monthly payments of $633. Additional fees may apply for the NACC final exam, First Aid & CPR Level C, the Module 9 workbook, mask fitting and PSW scrubs. PSW medical clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check costs are the student's responsibility.
I was educated outside Canada. What do I need?
Along with your nursing licence or registration, nursing certificate or diploma, official transcript, photo ID and proof of legal status in Canada, internationally educated applicants may need a WES evaluation of their credentials. All applicants must pass the NACC entrance exam.
What do I receive when I finish?
After you complete the online learning, practical training and placement, you write the NACC final exam. Graduates receive a certificate from the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC).
Do PSWs need to register in Ontario?
Ontario's Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) keeps a public register of PSWs. Registration is currently voluntary, but employers may ask for it. Our admissions team can tell you more.
Ready to take the next step in your healthcare career?
Enrol online today, or talk to an admissions advisor about your background.
The start date is proposed and program details, tuition and fees are subject to change. Eligibility is based on Ministry guidelines and is confirmed during admission.
