Personal Support Worker Certificate Program to be Offered by Halton District School Board

By Gazette Staff

June 8th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

 The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is now accepting applications to the Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate Program for the Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 cohorts. The program is open to all learners within Halton and Ontario who are 18 years of age or older by the start of classes. Students can apply on the PSW webpage of the HDSB website (hdsb.ca).

Certificate Program graduates are well-prepared for immediate workforce entry in long-term care homes, assisted living residences.

To help address the province’s urgent need for healthcare professionals, the program is currently being offered at a significantly reduced program fee of $500 (plus a $300 non-refundable application fee), down from the standard $2,500 program fee.

The HDSB PSW Certificate Program is a 20-week, professionally recognized program offered in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Long-Term Care. It combines classroom-based healthcare theory with hands-on practical training through clinical practicums and co-operative education placements. Students will earn healthcare-specific secondary school credits that can count toward completing a high school diploma or boosting transcripts for future post-secondary opportunities. An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is not required to register.

Graduates of the HDSB PSW Certificate Program are well-prepared for immediate workforce entry in long-term care homes, assisted living residences, group homes and community health organizations. To obtain certification, students must successfully pass the PSW certification exam with a minimum score of 70%.

The HDSB PSW Program is offered in person at the Robert Bateman Community Centre (5151 New St., Burlington).