Home Support Worker (HSW) Certificate & Diploma Programs
Online training programs for Home Support Workers
This online learning program series has been designed for individuals who wish to
volunteer or pursue a career as Home Support Workers (HSW), as well as for those
already working in home and community care who want to upgrade their knowledge and
skills. While many home support positions may require only a high school diploma, post-
secondary education and focused training in home and community support are
significant assets that enhance employability, professional confidence, and quality of
care.
Through a structured series of online course modules, participants develop the essential
knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required to support clients
safely and respectfully in home and community settings. The program emphasizes
person-centred care, dignity, independence, health and safety, communication,
documentation, and collaboration with families and interdisciplinary care teams. This
training prepares participants to respond effectively to the diverse physical, emotional,
cognitive, and social needs of clients across the lifespan while working within their
scope of practice and applicable policies.
Home Support Worker Certificate Program:
The 100-hour online Home Support Worker Certificate program is comprised of two
sessions and ten asynchronous course modules. It can be taken as a stand-alone
Certificate program or as a micro-credential of the Diploma program.
Diploma in Home Support Worker:
The 200-hour Home Support Worker Diploma program is comprised of four sessions
and 20 asynchronous course modules.
About the Sessions:
All sessions have any time start dates. You may enroll one session at a time (occasional
study), two sessions concurrently (part-time studies), or all four sessions concurrently
(full-time studies).
About the Online Course Modules:
All modules are 10 hours self-directed and allow participants to decide their own pace
and study schedule. Course modules have any time start dates and are always
accessible. Participants have up to 6 months to complete each session; however, the
full program can be completed in less than 6 months by completing more sessions
concurrently. There are journaling prompts, reflections, and a final test in each module.
Participants are allowed more than one attempt at the tests to achieve a passing grade
or to improve on their grade.
Program Sessions & Modules by Topic:
Session 1
This session introduces the foundational knowledge and skills required to become an
effective Home Support Worker. It focuses on understanding the role, maintaining
safety, communicating with clients and families, and upholding professional and ethical
standards. Participants gain insight into human development and the responsibilities of
working in diverse home care settings.
Modules:
Introduction to Home Support Work
Health and Safety in the Home
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Human Growth and Development
Professionalism and Ethics
Session 2
In this hands-on session, participants develop the core skills needed to assist clients
with personal hygiene, mobility, nutrition, and basic health needs. Emphasis is placed
on compassionate care, supporting independence, and preparing for real-life situations
in home environments.
Modules:
Personal Care and Hygiene Support
Nutrition and Meal Preparation
Assisting with Medications
Mobility and Transfers
End-of-Life and Palliative Care
Upon completion of Sessions 1 & 2 you will be issued your Home Support Worker
Certificate and official transcript.
Session 3
This session deepens the participant’s ability to support clients with complex health
conditions, mental health concerns, and cognitive impairments. It focuses on adapting
care to individual needs while promoting dignity, autonomy, and a client-centred
approach.
Modules:
Chronic Illness and Disability Support
Mental Health Awareness
Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Care
Supporting Clients with Developmental Disabilities
Documentation and Reporting
Session 4
This session integrates advanced knowledge and applied skills across the continuum of
home and community care, emphasizing holistic support for aging clients and
professional growth for HSWs. Participants explore gerontology, nutrition science,
restorative care, and wellness promotion alongside pain management, technology in
home care, and best practices in maintaining safe, hygienic living environments.
Modules:
Principles of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Nutrition Science and Specialized Diets
Home Management and Housekeeping
Rehabilitation and Restorative Care Principles
Job Readiness and Career Planning Upon completion of Sessions 3 & 4 you will be
issued your Home Support Worker Diploma and official transcript.
The Home Support Worker occupation falls under the National Occupation Code 44101
– Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations.
Please note that this is not the same as a Personal Support Worker (PSW). Example
titles may include:
- Home Support Worker (HSW)
– Attendant for persons with disabilities – home care
– Family caregiver
– Live-in caregiver – seniors
– Personal aide – home support
– Personal care attendant – home care
– Respite worker – home support
- HSWs perform some or all of the following duties:
– Provide care and companionship for individuals and families during periods of
incapacitation, convalescence or family disruption
– Administer bedside and personal care to clients, such as aid in ambulation,
bathing, personal hygiene, dressing and undressing
– Plan and prepare meals and special diets, and feed or assist in feeding clients
– May perform routine health-related duties such as changing non-sterile
dressings, assisting in the administration of medications and collecting
specimens under the general direction of the home care agency supervisor or
nurse
– May perform routine housekeeping duties such as laundry, washing dishes and
making beds.
Source:
https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/NOCProfile?code=44101&version=2021.0
Admission Requirements:
Minimum high school diploma and minimum CLB 5 benchmark level of English
language proficiency. By registering online you are attesting to having completed at
least high school and have a least an intermediate level of English.
Tuition Fees:
The tuition fee for each session is $450.
How to Register:
Simple, safe, secure, using the “Add to Cart” button below. Please allow up to 48 hours
for your registration to be processed and for you to receive your username and
password by email. By registering online, you are attesting that you meet the admission
requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I take this program from anywhere in Canada or outside Canada?
A: Yes. The Home Support Worker (HSW) program is fully online and can be completed
from anywhere with a reliable Internet connection.
Q: Can I start at any time?
A: Yes. All sessions offer flexible, ongoing start dates, allowing you to begin when you
are ready.
Q: Is the program recognized in all provinces and territories in Canada?
A: There is no single national accrediting body for Home Support Workers in Canada.
However, this program has been designed to reflect national occupational standards
and competencies aligned with the National Occupation Code (NOC) for Home Support
Workers, caregivers, and related occupations. Employment requirements may vary by
province, territory, and employer.
Q: Do I need to complete both the HSW Certificate and HSW Diploma to get a job?
A: Not necessarily. Some Home Support Workers may be caring for a family member or
may be employed to care for someone they know. Some employers may require only a
Certificate-level credential, while others may prefer a Diploma or additional training.
Hiring requirements vary by region and employer. If you have a specific employer or
province in mind, we recommend reviewing their job requirements before registering.
Q: Can I start with the Certificate and later upgrade to the Diploma?
A: Yes. The program is intentionally structured to allow learners to begin with the
Certificate and later complete additional sessions to earn the Diploma.
Q: Can I enroll in all sessions at once to complete both the Certificate and Diploma?
A: Yes. Participants may enroll in all sessions at once. The program is designed to
support flexible study options, including accelerated, full-time, part-time, or occasional
study.
Q: Is the tuition fee the same for international and domestic students?
A: Yes. Tuition fees are the same for all participants and are listed in Canadian dollars.
Q: Does the tuition fee include books and materials?
A: Yes. All required course materials are included in the tuition fee. There are no
additional textbook costs.
Q: Is a study permit required for international participants?
A: No. Because the program is fully online and can be completed in under six months, a
study permit is not required.
Q: Do you guarantee employment after graduation?
A: No. Canadian regulations do not permit training institutions to guarantee
employment. While the home and community care sector is in high demand, completion
of the HSW program does not guarantee a job.
Q: Does the program provide information about the job market?
A: Yes. The program includes information about employment pathways, employer
expectations, and the Canadian home support sector.
Q: Do you provide job placement or career services after completion?
A: No. This program focuses on educational preparation for working in the field.
Graduates are responsible for independently seeking and applying for employment
opportunities.
Q: Will taking this program help me immigrate to Canada?
A: Canadian law does not permit academic institutions to provide immigration advice.
For immigration-related questions, please consult a licensed immigration lawyer or a
certified Immigration Consultant.
Q: What is the total cost of the program, and can I pay in installments?
A: The total cost for both the HSW Certificate and Diploma program is $1,800 CAD.
Tuition may be paid in installments of $450 per session. Please see the payment
options listed on the online registration form at the bottom of the program page.