A look inside Fanshawe College St. Thomas-Elgin Regional Campus: Personal Support Worker Program

Fanshawe College’s St. Thomas-Elgin Regional Campus is opening its doors on Saturday, March 29th for the Annual Spring Open House, offering prospective students a chance to explore the local programs.

Personal Support Workers continue to be in high demand and the 30-week, PSW certificate program offered at Fanshawe equips students with both technical and interpersonal skills necessary to provide care in a variety of settings.

Priscilla Packiam, recently appointed program coordinator, breaks down what those considering this career path can expect.

The program combines theory with hands-on experience, as students spend their first semester learning foundational topics like human anatomy, mental health, and life transitions. Simulation labs also provide a safe space to practice essential skills before beginning their clinical placements.

By the second semester, students gain practical experience in real-world healthcare environments notes Packiam.

For those interested in further education, the program can serve as a stepping stone to nursing through specialized bridging programs. Some also decide to move into areas like palliative care, dementia care, or mental health with additional certification.

What makes the St. Thomas campus stand out, according to Packiam, is its small class sizes and personalized instruction.

At Saturday’s open house, attendees will have the chance to speak directly with faculty, including Packiam, and current students who are eager to share their experiences.

The Fanshawe College Open House runs on March 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Thomas-Elgin Regional Campus.

For more information or to register for the Open House, visit FanshaweC.ca.

The next intake of students for the Personal Support Worker program will be May 2025.

Written by: K. Freeman