Amind continuing high demand for personal support workers in Ontario, the government is relaunching a special bursary to help PSW students pay for tuition and costs during their internship.
The Personal Support Worker Challenge Fund provides money for tuition, textbooks, and supplies, plus a stipend to support students while they’re on work placements. It debuted in 2021 and was such a success that the government is bringing it back for 2022.
Have you thought about becoming a personal support worker but didn’t think you could afford tuition? Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity to get your PSW program at no cost to you.
Keep reading to learn about eligibility requirements, important deadlines, and other key facts about the Personal Support Worker Challenge Fund.
Who Qualifies for PSW Program Funding?
Anyone accepted to start our Personal Support Worker program between June 1 and September 30, 2022, is eligible to receive funding from the government.
The PSW Challenge Fund bursary will be administered through OSAP. So you must apply to OSAP to receive the bursary.
Herzing admissions staff will help all eligible applicants prepare and submit their OSAP application.
Please note: The PSW Challenge Fund is not available to international students.
How Much Money Can PSW Students Get?
Eligible students will receive up to $13,690 in financial assistance from the PSW Challenge Fund.
The funding is for:
☑️ Tuition, books, and other mandatory fees
☑️ A stipend to cover costs during the work placement
Do you have to pay the money back?
No. Money you receive from the PSW Challenge Fund does not have to be repaid. It is a bursary, not a loan.
The goal is to help eligible students become personal support workers without taking on any debt or financial stress.
Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, explains:
“We’re making it easier for more students to train as personal support workers at private career colleges to prepare them for critical jobs caring for some of the most vulnerable people as we build a more resilient and stronger health care system across Ontario.”
Is there a deadline to apply?
Yes. If you’re applying to a private career college like Herzing, you must start your PSW program between June 1st and September 30th to qualify for funding.
Simply contact Herzing admissions to submit your application for the program. An advisor will confirm your eligibility for funding and help you complete the necessary steps.
Space is limited, submit your application now
Herzing College has limited spots available in our summer PSW program. Don’t wait—apply now to secure your place and receive the bursary to cover your tuition costs.
An admissions advisor can answer any questions you have about training or the PSW Challenge Fund.
What exactly does a Personal Support Worker do?
Personal support workers help care for people who need assistance with daily tasks, such as:
- Personal grooming and hygiene
- Mobility (getting up and moving around)
- Medication reminders
- Doctor-prescribed exercise/therapies
- Nutrition and meal preparation
- Travel to appointments, social activities, errands, etc.
PSWs often work at nursing homes, long-term care facilities, home-care companies, and hospitals. They are the “eyes and ears” of nurses and doctors, who don't have time to visit patients every day.
PSWs carefully assist and observe their clients, keeping watch for any changes in behaviour or health and reporting those changes to a supervisor.
Personal support workers also provide an essential service to families who can no longer care for their loved ones. They offer peace of mind and compassionate care to those who need it most.
About Herzing’s Personal Support Worker Program
Herzing College offers a comprehensive Personal Support Worker program through our campuses in Ottawa, Toronto, and Cambridge. Training takes eight months and includes two work placements.
Our graduates are employed by long-term care facilities and home-care companies throughout Ontario.
Click below for complete PSW program details or to chat live with an admissions advisor. Find out if you’re eligible for funding and how to get started.
