A generous contribution from the South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) will help Georgian College address a shortage of personal support workers (PSW) in southwestern Ontario.

The South West LHIN contribution will provide up to 60 $5,000 bursaries – to support new students starting the PSW program as early as January 2020 at the Owen Sound Campus.

The bursaries present a tremendous opportunity for anyone thinking of pursuing a career in the field or going back to school. They will also go a long way to relieve some of the financial pressure students face so they can focus on achieving their academic and career goals.

“This is exciting news for Georgian, the Owen Sound community and our students,” said Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, Georgian’s President and CEO. “We know there is a shortage of PSWs in the province and the Owen Sound region in particular. PSWs are the backbone of care in Ontario – and there simply aren’t enough of them. We are incredibly grateful to the South West LHIN for partnering with us to ensure this vital need is met in our communities.”

Through Georgian’s program, students can become a personal support worker in just eight months. There is a high demand for PSWs and opportunities for local placements and jobs when they graduate.

“Many changes are coming in our healthcare system but one thing is certain: high quality professionals are required in support services to make sure we deliver as much care in homes and the community as possible,” said Renato Discenza, CEO of the South West LHIN. “This program is an investment in community care and is very important to the goal of patient-centred care. It upgrades community skills and enhances patients’ lives.”

Students in Georgian’s PSW program gain real-world experience with two clinical placements at a local agency in their community. While there are many career opportunities after graduation, the bursaries will be given to students who are passionate about working at in-home or community-based organizations providing compassionate care and integral support services to people.

Those who are accepted to the program for January, May or September 2020 are eligible to receive one of the 60 bursaries on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more about this opportunity at Get Help to Go Back on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Owen Sound Campus. For those who apply in person at the event, Georgian will cover the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) application fee.

source: media release