Overview
The Personal and Developmental Support Services program at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e will prepare you for the various challenges and experiences that are part of the expanding health care and community settings.
The faculty and staff at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e are ready to assist you in preparation to become a successful graduate in these dynamic environments. The Personal and Developmental Support Services program is based upon various components: the person, health, caring, holistic wellness, respect, inclusivity, and support work. These components will prepare you for the role of assisting clients and families to achieve and maintain an optimal quality of life. To reflect these beliefs, ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e has developed a holistic and evidence-based program that incorporates the required knowledge, theory, values, and hands on skills to be successful within the various settings in healthcare and the community.
When you have completed the Personal and Developmental Support Services program at ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e, you will be able to work with clients across the lifespan in settings such as long term care facilities, hospitals, private agencies, retirement homes, home care settings, boards of education (special needs children), palliative care settings, senior citizen recreation centres, respite settings, and group homes. This program will provide you with a lifelong and rewarding career. Some students choose to use it as a foundation to further their learning.
Courses
Requirements & Program Information
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, with Grade 12 English, or mature student status. Missing any requirements? Get them for free from Academic Upgrading.
Applicants, whose first language is not English, must provide proof of English proficiency. ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e accepts the TOEFL, or IELTS, or equivalent test to satisfy our English admission requirements. International applicants must have an IELTS Score of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5.
Educational Paths
The Personal and Development Support Services (PDSS) two-year diploma program shares a common first year with the Personal Support Worker (PSW) one-year certificate program, with the addition of a program-imbedded General Education course. Students may ladder from PSW into the second year of PDSS with the addition of HDG122 - Personal and Academic Success Strategies.
Clinical/Lab and Field Placement Requirements
Throughout the program, you will gain valuable experience in your practicum placements. You will be working with clients and families in a variety of settings and circumstances. Further, you will have many opportunities to make a positive difference in their lives.
To be able to attend these practicum experiences, you`ll need to complete the requirements listed below and bring in documents to support completion, by the expected due date identified for the program. This is necessary to have in place before practicum starts as planning begins several weeks in advance. Having your requirements completed ensures that you are able to gain the experience needed to meet the course outcomes successfully.
CLINICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- STANDARD FIRST AID (on entrance into program)
- CPR - Basic Life Support (BLS) Level with AED, must be for Health Care Providers (annually) - no online or blended courses are permitted
- WHMIS training certificate valid within 1 year, upon entry into the program
- N95 MASK FIT TESTING CARD (every 2 years), requires a clean-shaven face for appropriate fitting (recommended: students can/should attempt to be fitted for two sizes if possible)
- CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK AND VULNERABLE SECTOR SEARCH (CRC & VSS) with Negative results or equivalent (annually) - should be obtained/renewed as close to the start of the academic year as possible
if a Criminal Record is confirmed, contact Jennifer.Williamson@saultcollege.ca
IMMUNIZATIONS - Complete required immunizations prior to the first semester of the program and submit official records, along with the "Health & Community Services ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½ Immunization and Health Record Form" (available on LMS and in welcome email), to the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Health Centre Anne.Erechook@saultcollege.ca
1. 2 Step TB Skin Test or TB blood test, OR clear Chest X-ray on entrance to program
2. 1 Step TB Skin Test annually OR as needed
3. Measles/Mumps/Rubella Series
4. Tetanus every 10 years
5. Chicken Pox (documented proof of immunity)
6. Hepatitis B
7. Influenza - October/November annually
8. Covid-19; 2 doses
* The Covid-19 pandemic remains a global concern. We encourage you to speak to your healthcare provider regarding the decision to be vaccinated. Please note clinical placement agencies may require evidence of vaccination prior to entry to placement. Further, they may refuse a student entry who has not been vaccinated against Covid-19.
Clinical Placement Requirements are due as indicated:
- Personal and Developmental Support Services (3070) - Due Date - 4th week of first semester
College Contact for Clinical Requirements: Jennifer.Williamson@saultcollege.ca
Please Note:
All original placement documentation must be submitted to the appropriate college contact by the program mandated deadlines. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up-to-date placement requirement documentation (and copies) to present to faculty and/or placement agencies as required. The College does not retain copies of any placement requirements.
Students are responsible for the full cost of obtaining placement requirements. Tuition is not refunded if access to clinical placement is denied or if proof of requirements is not submitted within the required timeframes.
Clinical Requirement Specifics:
Students should endeavor to have all of their requirements completed prior to their program start date. If unable to obtain all requirements prior to the program start date, a list of available resources in the community can be provided. ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e cannot guarantee that appointment dates or course times will be available prior to identified program deadlines.
Standard First Aid, CPR - BLS, and the N95 Mask Fit Test - are offered through ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e`s Continuing Education Department. You may also access these courses through other providers as long as they meet the clinical/placement requirement specifications.
WHMIS - The WHMIS course is available to registered students free of charge on LMS (Learning Management System). Registration takes place after mid-August and mid-December when tuition has been paid.
Two Step TB Skin Test or Blood Test - Please be advised that the Step Two TB Skin Test is available locally through Algoma Public Health, however, testing is limited. It is our suggestion that you schedule this test early so that you complete the requirements by the deadlines listed on this page for your applicable program. Algoma Public Health contact information is (705) 541-7085. In the event that Algoma Public Health is not offering TB skin testing, please contact your health care provider and watch for information regarding clinics on LMS.
Police Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS):
For your program, a Police Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) is required.
The laws, rules and regulations regarding the acquisition of a criminal record check and the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Criminal Record Check Policy shall be enforced and applied in accordance a manner consistent with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 and all other applicable statutes or regulations.
Why is a Police Vulnerable Sector Check necessary?
²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e placements are bound by this policy and the policies of placement providers. Given this, the purpose of a police vulnerable sector check includes but is not limited to the following:
1. The protection of vulnerable persons;
2. The protection of the interests of students;
3. The protection of the interests of the placement agencies; and
4. The protection of the interests of the College and its employees.
Students will be advised of the process to obtain a Police Vulnerable Sector Check during the first month of the first semester or when field placements are confirmed.
Individuals who have charges, pending charges or a criminal conviction for which record suspension has not been granted, must contact the College Contact listed above for their program. A meeting will be scheduled with the Chair to discuss their ability to participate in experiential learning in order to complete all program graduation requirements. If a student fails to disclose this information, their academic status will be adversely affective. Prospective students should know that if a criminal record exists, the student’s ability to complete the academic requirements and graduate from their program may be in jeopardy.
Student questions about the Police Vulnerable Sector Search and the submission of these documents may be made to the College Contact listed above for their program.
Please visit the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Criminal Record Check Policy and procedural information located on the Student Portal. On the Student Portal, select Support Services, then select Forms and Policies.
Students must also sign a Statement of Confidentiality.
Notice to International Students:
The necessary immunizations for your program can be obtained from your home country and you will need to submit those immunization records along with the College Health Form to the ²ÝÝ®ÎÛÊÓƵµ¼º½e Health Centre
All other requirements (Standard First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, N95 Mask Fit, Police Vulnerable Sector Check) must be obtained and completed after your arrival in Ontario.
As per Canadian Immigration policy, all International students completing a program with a practicum (field/clinical placement) component must obtain a Coop/Work Permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stating that they are permitted to attend practicum as an integral part of their studies. International students will not be able to attend placement without obtaining this permit.
Career Path
Graduates can find employment in long term care facilities, hospitals, private agencies, retirement homes, home care settings, boards of education (special needs children), palliative care settings, senior citizen recreation centres, respite settings, and group homes.
Fees & Costs
Domestic | International | ||
---|---|---|---|
Tuition | Ancillary | Tuition | Ancillary |
N/A | N/A | $15,469.40 | $1,800.00 |
These fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year (year 1 of study), and are subject to change. Please visit your Student Portal to view your Schedule of Fees.
Contact
For more information, contact the Program Coordinator, Susan Armstrong at 705-759-2554 ext. 2760 or via email at Susan.Armstrong@saultcollege.ca.