Why Pursue a Career in Personal Support Work?

As healthcare needs continue to rise across Canada, so does the demand for personal support workers (PSWs).

You might be wondering, then, if this is the right job for you. Certainly, there’s a lot to consider…

That’s why we’ve compiled an easy-to-skim list of reasons why this career choice could really be your calling.  Start reading now!

Thrive in Any Economy

Demand for some careers fluctuates due to economic conditions.

Food prices impact hospitality workers. More building projects means more construction workers. Consumer spending creates a need for retail workers.

What about personal support workers?

Unlike other sectors, Canadian healthcare will always be needed regardless of the state of the economy.

Interest rates rising and falling? PSWs will still be in demand.

A housing downturn? PSWs will still be in demand.

Shift in consumer spending? PSWs will still be in demand.

In fact, it is projected that between now and 2031, there will be 191,000 new job openings for personal support workers.

AI-Proof Your Career

PSWs are unlikely to be significantly impacted by AI due to the deeply human and personal nature of their work.

PSWs provide essential, hands-on care. They assist with daily activities, offering emotional support and ensuring patients’ physical and psychological well-being. These tasks require empathy, adaptability and personal interaction.

While AI can assist in managing schedules, tracking health metrics and streamlining documentation, it cannot replace the compassionate care and responsive presence that PSWs offer.

Additionally, many individuals receiving support prefer and benefit from the human touch. It builds trust and emotional connection.

In short, the work of PSWs will remain a vital part of healthcare, less susceptible to automation than technical or administrative roles.

Help Others to Attain Job Security

The rapid growth in healthcare offers substantial job security for PSWs.

One of the key benefits of pursuing personal support worker jobs is entering a sector with rapidly growing demand for qualified professionals.

This demand is driven by Canada’s growing senior population.

In 2021, approximately 475,000 Canadians reported unmet home care needs, a figure that has been continuously rising.

PSWs will play a major role in helping to meet these needs.

Benefit from Competitive Employee Perks

Many PSW roles come with various benefits, including:

• Pension plans
• Vacation leave
• Health insurance
• Professional development opportunities

These incentives enhance overall job satisfaction and enrich your career experience, ensuring you stay updated on the latest practices in the field.

Advance Your Career with a Range of Roles

For many, becoming a PSW is just the beginning. This career opens up many doors for further education, opportunities to grow into other fields. Here are just a few.

• Nursing: with additional education and training, PSWs can pursue nursing programs to become a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN).
• Occupational therapy assistant: supporting occupational therapists in helping clients improve their daily living skills.
• Social services worker: providing support and advocacy for individuals and families in need of social services.
• Manager or supervisor in a healthcare setting: with experience, PSWs may take on supervisory roles overseeing other support staff.
• Case manager: coordinating care for clients and ensuring they receive the appropriate services.
• Rehabilitation worker: helping individuals recover from injuries or disabilities.
• Mental health support worker: assisting individuals with mental health challenges and promoting their well-being.

Make a Difference in Your Community

Working as a PSW allows you to have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. By providing essential personal care, you play a vital role in enhancing your clients’ health, dignity and overall well-being.

The rewarding nature of this work not only benefits others but also brings:

• Personal satisfaction
• A profound sense of fulfillment
• Meaningful connections

As a PSW, you will spend considerable time with clients, allowing you to build trusting and meaningful relationships. These connections enrich the lives of those you care for. They foster a sense of community and belonging, making your role even more impactful.

Your contributions can create lasting change in the lives of individuals and their families, transforming your work from a job into a vital service that resonates throughout the community.

Make an Informed Career Choice Today

When most people are trying to make a decision about a new career, they have three options.

First, they could jump right into applying for a certificate, degree or diploma program and start training right away.

Second, they could take a step back and put the decision on hold.

Third, they could actively seek out more information by speaking to professionals about the career that interests them. This is exactly what we recommend.

To learn more about the NACC Personal Support Worker program at OIHI, scroll past the FAQs and fill out the form below to connect with us directly.

Common questions about PSWs.