CNA to PSW

[DrinkYourFiber]

I am from NY and am a CNA, HHA, PCA and HCSS. I also have history in dialysis tech. (no certification). I have also done training for CPR and medication administration as well as diabetes and dementia training. I plan on moving to Ontario soon and am wondering if that background would allow me to work as a PSW without having to take the PSW course. Could I somehow take tests without having to go to the class? I have all of this training already and don't think I should have to redo it all (including pay for it!). Thank you, Justin.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

what is PSW

[loriangel14, RN]

Personal Support Worker. Since PSWs are unregistered staff you may possibly be able to find employment as a PSW in Ontario without the certificate given your background. It would likely be up to the employer. PSW programs are 2 semesters (full time) up here so I am not sure how it compares to a CNA program.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

CNA programs in my area are about 6 weeks long. The real learning is on the job.

[Jane0029]

As said above, PSWs in Canada are unregulated, so depending on your experience you may be able to work as a community worker...or in a LTC facility as a health care aide. Your best bet, if you want to immigrate here would be to redo the PSW program. It is more training, yes, but if you get hired somewhere they may be able to pay for it. It would also look better on a resume to be certified and you'd get paid more in the end. Basically it would be a job anywhere in Canada. It would also be beneficial as PSW programs have a minimum of 700 hours of training, so you might learn something new too, which is never a bad thing. :)

[nurse babe]

I work in a nursing home in Ontario, and the DOC will not hire any health care worker without a psw certificate. There has been too many injuries between the workers and the patients and lack of experience. So now, most places do expect u to get the proper training in school and to have a psw certificate. A couple of girls who had worked at the nursing home here for many yrs, before there was even "PSW's", was asked to do the psw program so they had their certificate. But the "top" employer did pay for them to go......I find that more and more of these facilities are pushing for the girls to have a psw certificate anymore...