The Living Classroom – Personal Support Worker

In just over 6 months, you will learn the fundamentals of true person-centred, emotion-based care right in your community. With exposure to a variety of mentors and role models, you will gain a deep understanding of the services involved in caring for older adults and their families.

Program Details

The Living Classroom at Medix College represents a progressive partnership between Medix College and Extendicare’s long-term care homes in Kirkland Lake and Timmins, to deliver Personal Support Worker (PSW) training in Northern Ontario. This program transcends traditional classroom learning by immersing students in a dynamic ‘living classroom’ environment.

Through collaboration, the Living Classroom integrates Medix College’s 27-week PSW Online program with hands-on experiential learning opportunities at Extendicare long-term care homes in Timmins and Kirkland Lake. Here, you not only learn theory but also gain invaluable experience, providing compassionate care to residents under the guidance of experienced professionals.

At the Timmins and Kirkland Lake Extendicare campuses, students benefit from the best of both worlds: practical, real-world experience combined with the flexibility demanded by modern learners that online learning provides. With a curriculum designed to meet industry standards and exceed expectations, graduates emerge as skilled and confident healthcare professionals ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Program Structure:

Online Live Videoconference and/or Onsite Sessions

• • Weekly regularly scheduled, interactive instructor-led classes that include bi-weekly opportunities to learn onsite in the Living Classroom at the Extendicare Kirkland Lake or Extendicare Timmins long-term care home locations.

Online Flexible Learning Activities 

1. • Independent online activities, including videos, readings, quizzes, and projects, accessed anytime via the college’s online learning system.

In-Person Bootcamp

1. • A 4 Day, in-person bootcamp designed to build on the theory by simulating real world experiences in a practical lab setting in preparation for a career. Held at the Extendicare Kirkland Lake or Extendicare Timmins location.

Externship

1. • Placement at Extendicare Kirkland Lake or Timmins to bridge classroom learning and work environment.
   • Learners engage in various activities to demonstrate and track their competencies as future PSWs.

What does the Living Classroom PSW Certificate cover?

The Personal Support Worker certificate teaches you how to effectively provide care and assistance to clients and their families in order to live fulfilling lives. As a student of the Personal Support Worker certificate program, you will develop a broad range of abilities emphasizing value, sensitivity and respect for the individuality of each client, including:

• Personal Support Worker Foundations
• Abuse and Neglect
• Nutrition
• Care Planning, Restorative Care & Documentation
• Working in the Community
• Growth and Development
• Cognitive Impairment, Mental Health Issues & Brain Injuries
• Health Conditions
• Body Systems
• And more!

The Living Classroom Difference!

Learning in a Living Classroom not only allows for more intimate care but also fosters a sense of community where residents, students, and staff work together for everyone’s wellbeing. One of the greatest benefits is being able to apply theory immediately and see the impact you’re having on patients firsthand.

Community-Centered Learning

• Study, work, and live within your own community.
• Build strong local connections and support networks while pursuing your education.

Rewarding Career Opportunities

• Be exposed to fulfilling career paths in personal support work and long-term care homes.
• Learn from industry professionals and explore diverse roles in a growing field.

Hands-On Experience

• Engage in experiential learning with residents, their families, and our dedicated team members.
• Develop practical skills through real-world scenarios, preparing you for a successful career in senior care.