Are you considering a career as a Personal Support Worker (PSW) in Toronto, Ontario? With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals across the province, now is the perfect time to explore this rewarding career path. If you’re interested in PSW programs in Toronto or want to learn how to become a PSW in Ontario, this article will provide you with key insights. Recently, OIHI’s Career Services department hosted an engaging panel discussion titled “The Future of Personal Support Workers in Ontario: Opportunities, Skills, and Career Readiness”, where industry leaders shared valuable insights about the evolving landscape of caregiving and the essential role of PSWs in Ontario.
Our distinguished panel featured local experts and advocates in the healthcare sector:
Amy Coupal, M. Ed., ICD.D – CEO, Ontario Caregiver Organization, Ron Beleno – Caregiving & Dementia Advocate, Aging & Health Innovation Leader, Fely Palmares – PSW Lead Clinical Supervisor, and Academic Program Lead at Ontario Institute of Health and Innovation (OIHI), and Michael Rodriguez – PSW Professional and graduate of OIHI’s Partner Institution FCT.
The panel was moderated and organized by Monica Rodriguez, Career Development Coordinator at the Ontario Institute of Health and Innovation.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
1. Growing Demand for PSWs in Ontario
The panel highlighted the surging demand for qualified PSWs in Ontario, driven by an aging population and the increasing need for long-term care and home support services. As healthcare institutions and families seek compassionate caregivers, the PSW profession is becoming an essential part of the healthcare system. Government initiatives and policy changes are also contributing to this rising demand, creating new opportunities for aspiring PSWs.
2. Essential Skills for Career Success
Panelists emphasized that thriving as a PSW requires more than just technical expertise. Soft skills such as empathy, communication, and adaptability are just as important in delivering quality care. Additionally, understanding cultural sensitivity and maintaining professionalism in diverse settings can greatly enhance career prospects. Pursuing PSW certification in Ontario ensures that candidates develop both technical and interpersonal skills required in the field.
3. Opportunities for Career Advancement
With Ontario’s healthcare sector evolving rapidly, PSWs can explore various pathways for career advancement. From specializing in dementia care to pursuing supervisory roles or continuing education to transition into nursing, the possibilities are vast. Michael Rodriguez, a PSW professional and graduate of Fleming College Toronto (FCT), shared his inspiring journey of career growth and personal fulfillment. For those seeking PSW training in Toronto, programs like the ones offered by OIHI provide essential knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in this growing field.
4. Supporting Caregivers and Healthcare Teams
PSWs play a crucial role in bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers. As advocates for patient well-being, they ensure that caregivers receive the necessary support, allowing families to navigate the complexities of caregiving with confidence.
Why Become a Certified PSW in Toronto?
Choosing to become a certified NAAC PSW in Toronto opens the door to a fulfilling career where you can make a real difference in the lives of others. Ontario offers a dynamic and supportive environment for PSWs, with opportunities to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care settings. Plus, with the growing recognition of PSWs’ vital contributions, job security and career progression have never looked more promising.
If you’re wondering how to become a PSW in Ontario or seeking a reputable PSW certification process in Ontario, OIHI offers a NACC Personal Support Worker accredited program that equips you with the necessary skills to thrive in this rewarding profession.
Join Us for Future Discussions!
Whether you’re an aspiring PSW, already working in the field, or a healthcare professional passionate about caregiving, these discussions offer invaluable guidance and industry knowledge. Stay connected with OIHI to learn about upcoming events and training programs that can help you advance your career.
Join our OPEN HOUSE – April 23, 2025!
Meet faculty, tour our labs, and connect with Admissions and Financial Aid. Register here.
Interested in starting your journey now? Contact us today by emailing us at info@oihi.ca today to learn how OIHI can support your career goals and help you gain the skills needed to excel in this in-demand field.
Meet the Panelists
Amy Coupal, M. Ed., ICD.D – CEO, Ontario Caregiver Organization
Amy Coupal is the CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO), a charitable organization that exists to support Ontario’s 4 million caregivers who provide physical and/or emotional support to family members, partners, friends and neighbours. A visionary leader with over 20 years experience in the not-for-profit sector, Amy is passionate about mobilizing change through knowledge exchange and building collaborative initiatives that positively impact the lives of individuals and communities. The impact of this work is demonstrated through the breadth of direct-to-caregiver programs and services available through OCO, as well as the early successes of embedding caregiving in the culture of healthcare and the amplification of the voices of caregivers to influence decision making at a system level. As a caregiver for most of her life, Amy helped to support her brother who had Cerebral Palsy. She was also a caregiver to her mother throughout her cancer journey and now supports her father through older adulthood.
Ron Beleno – Caregiving & Dementia Advocate, Aging & Health Innovation Leader
Ron Beleno is a dedicated advocate in the fields of dementia, caregiving, aging, and research. Drawing from over a decade of personal experience caring for his father with Alzheimer’s disease, he has effectively leveraged technology, community resources, and innovative strategies to enhance caregiving practices. Ron actively contributes as a member, advisor, and mentor to numerous organizations and educational institutions, including AGE-WELL NCE, the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) at Baycrest, the City of Toronto’s Seniors Strategy, SE Health, and the Translational Research Program at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. His diverse background encompasses computer sciences, space and communication sciences, marine aquaculture, life coaching, and culinary arts. Notably, he founded and served as Executive Director of a youth career and employment centre in Toronto, which assisted over 30,000 individuals, including young people, immigrants, and career changers.
Fely Palmares – PSW Lead Clinical Supervisor, and Academic Program Lead at Ontario Institute of Health and Innovation (OIHI)
Fely Palmares is a seasoned healthcare professional with over a decade of experience in community health nursing and personal support worker (PSW) education. From 2011 to 2023, she served as a Registered Nurse at VHA Home HealthCare, providing comprehensive care to diverse populations. Concurrently, Fely has been instrumental in shaping future PSWs through instructional roles at institutions such as Clarkridge Career Institute (2015–2018), Anderson College (2022–2025), and Fleming College Toronto (2024–2025). Her dedication to clinical education is further exemplified by her tenure as a Clinical Supervisor at Seneca College (2023–2025), where she ensured students gained practical, hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
Michael Rodriguez – PSW Professional and graduate of OIHI’s Partner Institution FCT
Once an architect and entrepreneur, Michael Rodriguez embraced a transformative journey into healthcare. As a Personal Support Worker in a long-term and home care facility, he found purpose in nurturing and uplifting those in vulnerable sectors. With each compassionate interaction, he fulfilled his dream of making a meaningful impact, proving that true fulfillment often lies in serving others.