Our Curriculum

PSW Foundations Program – Curriculum Overview

The Pre-PSW Foundations Program is a 36-hour introductory course designed to help learners explore a future career in caregiving and personal support work. Our curriculum is adapted from recognized Canadian nursing resources, including Potter & Perry’s Canadian Fundamentals of Nursing and Pearson’s Fundamentals of Canadian Nursing, simplified for beginner learners.

This program includes online theory and an optional 24-hour volunteer observation experience at partner long-term-care homes.

Program Modules (36 Hours of Theory)

1. The Role of the PSW & Healthcare Team

Hours: 5
Learn about the Canadian healthcare system, the role of PSWs, teamwork with nurses, ethics, and professional boundaries.

2. Communication & Confidentiality

Hours: 5
Build skills in therapeutic communication, empathy, active listening, and privacy laws including PHIPAA.

3. Safety, Infection Control & Body Mechanics

Hours: 5
Understand WHMIS, infection prevention, PPE, safe lifting, fall prevention, and workplace safety.

4. Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Hours: 5
Introduction to hygiene, grooming, mobility support, promoting dignity, feeding basics, and recognizing client changes.

5. Mental Health, Aging & Dementia Awareness

Hours: 5
Learn to support older adults, understand normal aging vs. dementia, and respond to confusion or anxiety compassionately.

6. Palliative & End-of-Life Care

Hours: 5
Foundational understanding of comfort measures, supporting families, cultural sensitivity, and end-of-life communication.

7. Professional Readiness & Volunteering

Hours: 6
Prepare for future training or work, create resumes, build confidence, and learn expectations for volunteering in healthcare.

Optional Volunteer Observation Experience

Up to 24 Hours (Unpaid & Voluntary)

Learners may choose to complete a voluntary observation experience at partner nursing homes.

  • Supervised by an experienced PSW

  • Unpaid, ungraded, and optional

  • Helps learners gain real-world exposure to long-term care

  • Any employment discussions occur directly between the student and the facility

Future Program Expansion

Once PETL finalizes the new Private Occupational Training Act and applications reopen, LevelledUp Learning Inc. will expand into a six-week certified program with a formal preceptorship/placement in partnership with local facilities.