Program Overview
Healthcare Support Pathway

International Healthcare Support Worker Bridging Program (PSW-Focused)

A preparatory and non-vocational bridging program designed for internationally educated healthcare professionals and newcomers who want to understand Canadian healthcare support roles, workplace expectations, and Personal Support Worker (PSW)-focused care environments at an introductory orientation level.

Format

Hybrid

Online + in-person orientation

Duration

40 Hours

Flexible over 3 months

Modules

5 Modules

23 lessons

Credential

Certificate

of Completion

Program Overview

The International Healthcare Support Worker Bridging Program (PSW-Focused) is designed to support internationally educated healthcare professionals, healthcare newcomers, and individuals exploring support worker pathways in adapting their knowledge and experience to the Canadian healthcare support environment.

This 40-hour hybrid program combines online learning with guided in-person orientation activities and is delivered over a 3-month flexible learning period. The program introduces participants to Canadian healthcare support settings, including PSW-focused environments, workplace expectations, communication standards, and basic patient support concepts.

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

Who This Program Is For

Newcomers with healthcare or community support backgrounds
Internationally educated healthcare professionals
Individuals interested in healthcare and community support roles
Career changers exploring healthcare support pathways
Individuals seeking orientation to Ontario healthcare support environments

This program is designed for individuals seeking structured orientation and preparation before pursuing formal education or employment in healthcare support roles.

Practical Benefits

Workplace orientation aligned with Canadian healthcare support settings
Foundational understanding of patient support and care environments
Introduction to communication strategies and professional interactions
Improved awareness of safety practices and documentation expectations
Exposure to case-based and scenario-focused learning activities

All learning outcomes are provided at an introductory and orientation level.

What You Will Learn

Skills and concepts are introduced at a foundational and orientation level only.

Healthcare Foundations

Healthcare system structure in Canada and the U.S.
Support worker roles and scope awareness
PSW, CNA, and HHA pathway orientation
Ethics, confidentiality, and patient rights

Applied Orientation

Infection prevention and control awareness
Basic patient care concepts and ADLs
Communication and reporting expectations
Cultural competence and inclusive care

Program Structure

Introduction to Healthcare Systems in Canada and the United States
Professional Ethics and Communication in Healthcare
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and Workplace Safety Awareness
Basic Patient Care Concepts and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Cultural Competence, Diversity, and Inclusive Healthcare Support

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

Certification

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

This certificate confirms completion of a continuing education and professional preparation program. It does not grant licensure, certification, registration, or authorization to practice as a Personal Support Worker (PSW).

Career & Education Pathways

Preparation for formal PSW programs in Canada
Orientation toward CNA/HHA pathways in the United States
Healthcare workplace readiness and integration
Further education or certification planning

This program is preparatory only and does not qualify participants to work as a PSW in Ontario without meeting applicable education, employer, and regulatory requirements.

Compliance & Regulatory Statement (Important)

This program is provided as continuing education and professional preparation.
This is a non-vocational preparatory program.
It does not grant licensure, registration, certification, or authorization to practice as a Personal Support Worker (PSW).
It does not replace a Ministry-approved PSW diploma program or any regulator-mandated training.
Participants must verify education, employment, certification, and regulatory requirements with relevant authorities, employers, or educational institutions.
Completion of this program does not guarantee employment, certification outcomes, admission to another program, 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

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