Program Overview

Healthcare Support Pathway

International Healthcare PSW Bridging Program

A structured hybrid bridging program designed for internationally educated healthcare professionals who wish to adapt their knowledge and skills to Canadian healthcare support practices and workplace expectations.
The program introduces participants to the Canadian Personal Support Worker (PSW) care environment, including patient support practices, communication standards, and essential workplace readiness skills used in long-term care, community care, and home support settings.

Format

Hybrid (Online + In-Person)

self-paced

Duration

40 Hours

flexible learning Completed in 3 Months

Modules

5 Modules

23 lessons

Credential

Certificate

of Completion

Program Overview

The International Healthcare PSW Bridging Program (IH-PSBP) is designed to support internationally educated healthcare professionals in adapting their knowledge and practical experience to the Canadian healthcare support environment.

This 40-hour hybrid program (online learning combined with guided in-person skills orientation sessions) is delivered over a 3-month flexible learning period. The program introduces participants to the Canadian Personal Support Worker (PSW) care environment, workplace expectations, and essential patient support practices used in long-term care, home care, and community support settings.

The program provides foundational knowledge and practical orientation to help participants understand how healthcare support roles function within Canadian healthcare settings and prepare for further education pathways, professional training, or healthcare support employment opportunities.

Who This Program Is For

- - Internationally educated graduates of nurse aide or healthcare assistant programs
  - Internationally educated professionals in nursing, physiotherapy, or social care
  - Healthcare newcomers planning to pursue PSW programs in Canada
  - Applicants preparing for CNA/HHA orientation pathways in the U.S.
  - Professionals seeking healthcare workplace integration and readiness

This program is particularly beneficial for professionals who want to understand Canadian PSW workplace practices and care expectations before pursuing employment or further training.

Practical Benefits

Understand healthcare systems and support roles in Canada and the U.S.
Strengthen professional English and healthcare communication skills
Develop ethical awareness and workplace professionalism
Gain confidence in documentation and reporting practices
Improve readiness for PSW, CNA, or HHA training pathways

What You Will Learn

Healthcare Foundations

Healthcare system structure (Canada & U.S.)
Support worker roles and scopes (PSW / CNA / HHA)
Ethics, confidentiality, and patient rights

Applied Skills

Infection prevention & control (IPAC)
Basic patient care and ADLs
Cultural competence and inclusive care

Program Structure

1. 1. Introduction to Healthcare Systems (Canada & USA)
  2. Professional Ethics and Communication in Healthcare
  3. Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC) and Workplace Safety
  4. Basic Patient Care & Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
  5. Cultural Competence and Diversity in Healthcare

The program also includes selected hybrid practical orientation activities to reinforce workplace readiness and applied patient support skills.

Certification

Participants who successfully complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion,
Participants who successfully complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion issued by Richmond Hill College.

This certificate confirms continuing education and professional preparation and does not grant licensure or authorization to practice.

Career & Education Pathways

Preparation for PSW programs in Canada
Orientation toward CNA/HHA pathways in the U.S.
Healthcare workplace readiness and integration
Further education or certification planning

Compliance & Regulatory Statement (Important)

This program is provided as continuing education and professional preparation.
It does not grant licensure, registration, certification, or authorization to practice as a Personal Support Worker (PSW).
It does not replace formal healthcare education or regulator-mandated training.
Participants must verify requirements with relevant educational or regulatory authorities.
The program does not guarantee employment, certification outcomes, or exam success.

Curriculum

5 Sections
23 Lessons
40 Hours

Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections

Module 1: Introduction to Healthcare Systems (Canada & USA)
Module Description This module provides an overview of how the Canadian healthcare system is organized, funded, and delivered across provinces and territories. Learners will gain essential knowledge about the structure of healthcare services, key professional roles, and the values that guide Canadian healthcare — including universal access, collaboration, and patient-centered care. The module also introduces learners to the responsibilities of healthcare support workers within hospitals, long-term care, and community settings. By understanding the organization of care and the expectations of healthcare professionals in Canada, participants will be better prepared to integrate effectively into real-world healthcare environments. Learning Outcomes By the end of this module, students will be able to: Describe the structure and funding of the Canadian healthcare system. Identify key healthcare professions and their scopes of practice. Understand the role of support workers in the continuum of care. Explain the principles of accessibility, equity, and patient-centered service. Recognize the importance of teamwork and interprofessional communication. Compare international healthcare models with the Canadian system. Includes 📘 4 Lessons | 🎥 Introductory Video | 🧩 Quiz & Reflection Activities
5
Module 2: Professional Ethics and Communication in Healthcare
Module Description This module introduces the ethical foundations and communication skills essential for effective and compassionate healthcare practice. Learners will explore professional responsibilities, confidentiality, and respectful interaction with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Emphasis is placed on understanding ethical decision-making, professional boundaries, and assertive communication techniques that help maintain trust, respect, and patient safety. Through real-life scenarios and guided reflection, participants will learn how to manage ethical dilemmas, protect patient rights, and collaborate confidently in multicultural clinical environments. Learning Outcomes By the end of this module, students will be able to: Define and apply core principles of healthcare ethics (autonomy, beneficence, justice, non-maleficence). Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients and colleagues. Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries in all interactions. Recognize and respond appropriately to ethical challenges. Demonstrate empathy, cultural awareness, and professionalism in communication. Document and report ethical concerns in accordance with organizational policy. Includes 📘 4 Lessons | 🎥 Introductory Video | 🧩 Quiz & Reflection Activities
6
Module 3: Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC) & Safety
Module Description This module introduces essential knowledge and practical skills for maintaining safety and preventing infections in healthcare environments. Learners will explore the principles of Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), proper hygiene techniques, safe handling of materials, and workplace safety procedures. Through real-life examples and video demonstrations, this module prepares healthcare support workers to protect both themselves and patients from infection risks in hospitals, long-term care, and home-care settings. Learners will also gain confidence in recognizing hazards, using protective equipment correctly, and responding effectively to incidents or emergencies. Emphasis is placed on following Canadian safety standards and WHMIS guidelines to ensure a safe and ethical workplace. Learning Outcomes By the end of this module, students will be able to: Explain the basic principles of infection prevention and control (IPAC). Demonstrate correct hand hygiene, PPE use, and safe waste disposal. Identify workplace hazards and respond appropriately to accidents or exposure. Understand WHMIS symbols and safety protocols. Apply emergency procedures such as RACE and PASS in fire or hazard situations. Includes 📘 4 Lessons | 🎥 Video Demonstrations | 🧩 Quiz & Reflection Activities
6
Module 4: Basic Patient Care & Activities of Daily Living (ADLS)
Module Description This module focuses on the fundamental caregiving skills required to assist patients safely and respectfully with their daily needs. Learners will explore the principles of compassionate and person-centered care, building confidence in providing physical assistance while maintaining patient dignity, comfort, and safety. Through practical examples, demonstrations, and reflection activities, students will learn how to assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — such as bathing, dressing, feeding, positioning, mobility, and observation of vital signs. This module provides a strong foundation for anyone preparing to work as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) or healthcare assistant within Canadian healthcare settings. Learning Outcomes By the end of this module, students will be able to: Describe the core responsibilities of healthcare support workers in patient care. Demonstrate safe assistance with daily living activities (ADLs). Apply correct techniques for positioning, transfers, and mobility support. Measure and record basic vital signs accurately. Communicate observations and changes in patient condition to nurses or supervisors. Promote dignity, independence, and safety in every care interaction. Includes 📘 4 Lessons | 🎥 Video Demonstrations | 🧩 Module Quiz & Reflection Activities
6
Module 5: Cultural Competence and Diversity in Healthcare
Module Description This module explores how cultural values, beliefs, and communication styles shape the healthcare experience for both patients and providers. Learners will develop awareness, sensitivity, and practical strategies to deliver inclusive, equitable, and culturally safe care in diverse settings. Through case studies, reflection exercises, and scenario-based learning, participants will examine how to overcome bias, build trust, and respect differences in language, religion, and personal identity. By completing this module, students will understand how cultural competence directly improves communication, teamwork, and patient outcomes — a key professional skill in the Canadian healthcare environment. Learning Outcomes By the end of this module, students will be able to: Define cultural competence, equity, inclusion, and cultural safety. Recognize how bias and stereotypes affect patient care. Apply strategies to promote fairness and respect in multicultural healthcare teams. Communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds. Provide culturally safe and person-centered care that supports dignity and trust. Reflect on personal attitudes to enhance professional growth and self-awareness. Includes 📘 4 Lessons | 🎥 Video Demonstration | 🧩 Quiz & Reflection Activities
5

Instructor

Shohreh Khatouni

6 Students

1 Course

Mrs. Shohreh Khatouni M., is a certified Personal Support Worker (PSW) with extensive hands-on experience in Canadian healthcare settings. She has worked with Bayshore Health Services and York Region’s respite and senior care programs (Sunrise, Park Place, Kingsway) since 2021, providing high-quality, compassionate support to seniors and individuals with diverse care needs. She holds a PSW Certificate (2023), a Certificate in Social Work & Caregiving, and a Bachelor’s degree in Midwifery. With strong skills in patient care, medication support, wound care, communication, and safety, she is committed to preparing learners to meet Canadian healthcare standards with confidence and professionalism.

Student:

6 Students

Lesson:

23 Lessons

Duration: 40 Hours

Quiz:

5 Quizzes

Level: Expert

You need to purchase courses from below products list to begin learning.