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Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker
Area of study
Health & Human Services
Credential
Certificate
Program Length
1 Year | Full time
Open Virtual TourProgram Overview
CIP Code: 51.2601
The Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker program equips students with essential skills to provide patient-centered care and support complex care needs as part of an interdisciplinary team. The curriculum aligns with current health care practices, offering practical skills training through two preceptor-led work practicum placements.
Core Information
September 2026 (Days)
January 2027 (Days)
Program Highlights
- Comprehensive Training: Covers anatomy, physiology, human health conditions, and disease states.
- Hands-on Experience: Two industry placements in long-term and acute care settings.
- Specialized Skills Development: Training in communication, patient care, and assisting with complex care needs.
- Essential Certifications: Includes CPR, WHMIS, PHIA, Violence Protection, and Safe Patient Handling.
- Culturally Competent Care: Focus on patient rights, social determinants of health, and culturally appropriate practices.
- Industry-Standard Software Training: Teaches software application skills for healthcare professionals.
Career Outcomes
- Health Care Aide
- Personal Support Worker
- Health Care Support Worker
- Patient Care Aide
Entry Requirements
2025-2026
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Grade 12 Math (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- Grade 12 English Language Arts (40S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
- Grade 11 Biology (30S) with a grade of 50 per cent or higher, or equivalent.
2026-2027
Manitoba high school diploma (or expected completion within 45 days of the program start date), or equivalent, including:
- Credit in 40S Mathematics
- Credit in 40S English Language Arts
- Credit in 30S or 40S Biology
Mature Student eligibility and requirements for this program can be found on our Mature Students page.
Additional Requirements
- Demonstrated English language proficiency (if educated outside Canada).
Visit Admission Requirements to learn more.
Tuition and Fees
| Estimated Program Costs | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $8,005 |
| Fees | $990 |
| Estimated Textbook Costs | $700 |
| Total Estimated Program Costs | $9,695.00 |
Costs are estimates and are subject to change. Visit Tuition and Fees and Program Information for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
This hybrid-delivery program blends in-person and online learning. Around 70% is taught face-to-face in full-day classes, while 30% is online. You will experience lectures in person and virtually, plus independent activities. Your instructor will provide your detailed schedule.
This program runs for 8 consecutive months, excluding student success weeks and holidays. See the Academic Schedule for details.
Yes, students complete two preceptor-led practicums, each lasting four weeks, under the supervision of a registered nurse. These placements include:
- Acute care practicum in a hospital setting
- Long-term care practicum in a residential facility
Important Details:
- Successful completion of both practicums is required for graduation.
- MITT does not guarantee placement site choice or proximity to a student’s residence.
- Placements may be assigned out of town or in remote locations.
- Practicum shifts may be scheduled outside standard program hours.
Pre-placement clearance requirements
To be eligible for practicum, students must meet the following requirements:
- Clear Police Information Check (PIC)/Vulnerable Sector (VS) Check (completed in Manitoba, valid for six months)
- Clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry Checks (valid for six months, covering practicum duration)
- Current, approved immunization record as per WRHA guidelines
Additional notes:
- Students must meet all clearance requirements, or they may be ineligible for practicum placement and program completion.
- Students are responsible for all costs associated with these clearances.
- Clearance documents must be obtained within the timelines specified by MITT.
- Students are covered by Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) insurance during their practicum.
Work placement eligibility
Work placement is a mandatory component of this program. To participate, students must meet all work placement eligibility criteria. MITT cannot guarantee placements to students who do not meet these requirements:
- A minimum grade of 70 per cent in all prerequisite courses
- Demonstrated safe patient standard compliance
- Emergency First Aid, BLS/CPR and AED Certification Training
- N95 Fit Mask Test
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certificate
- Violence Protection Program (VPP) training
- Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, Capabilities, Environmental and Social (PIECES) training
- Hearing Voices training
- Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) certificate
- Mental Health training
- Dementia training
- Valid Co-op Work Permit (applies to international students only)
Textbooks and Supplies
A complete supply list and textbook information can be found on the Program information page.
Laptop Requirements
Students must bring a Tier 2 laptop for this program. More information and technical specifications are available on the Laptop and Technical Needs page.
Yes, we offer campus tours. Explore our Campus Tour options.
Yes, financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Explore financial aid options.
Take Your First Step Towards Success
Learn more about this program
Fill out this form, and one of our helpful recruitment experts will contact you to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and guide you through the next steps.
Health Care Aide and Personal Support Worker
All Courses
Introduction to the Healthcare Environment (HLTH-1000) — 42 hours
Explore the diverse roles of healthcare practitioners in Manitoba. Topics include the Canadian Health Care System, government roles, patient and provider rights, culturally appropriate care, and social determinants of health.Communication Essentials (COMM-1000) — 42 hours
This course is designed to equip participants with the essential skills needed for effective communication within various professional settings in Canada. The course combines lectures, interactive workshops, group discussions, and practical exercises to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios and case studies appropriate for a range of industries to apply the concepts learned in class. Feedback from peers and instructors will refine and enhance communication skills throughout the course.Anatomy and Physiology 1 (HLTH-1010) — 42 hours
Learn about human body structure and major system functions essential for maintaining health.Human Development for Healthcare Professionals (HLTH-1020) — 42 hours
Study human growth across life stages, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social development, as well as caregiving techniques.Software Application Skills (COMP-1000) — 42 hours
Learn essential software applications, including spreadsheets, scheduling tools, and research databases.Communications in Healthcare (HLTH-1100) — 42 hours
Develop advanced communication skills for interactions with healthcare professionals, patients, and families.Human Health Conditions and Disease States (HLTH-1120) — 42 hours
Focus on roles in healthcare, disease management, and culturally appropriate care.Global Citizenship (GLOB-1000) — 42 hours
Inspired by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, this course introduces students to global challenges and issues to broaden their knowledge, skills, and perspectives on the world today. Through discussions, readings, and online and in-class activities, students will explore diverse cultural perspectives, critically examine systems of oppression and discrimination, and engage with the stories and experiences of global citizens who have fought for social justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability around the world. Students will emerge from this course with greater cultural competence, improved intercultural communication skills, and a deepened commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion at work, at school, and in their communities.Medical Terminology (HLTH-1130) — 42 hours
Study the language of healthcare, covering terms related to body systems and diseases. Emphasis on accurate documentation.Anatomy and Physiology 2 (HLTH-1110) — 42 hours
Continue exploring human anatomy and physiology, focusing on the relationships and functions of body systems.Supporting Complex Care Needs 1 (HLTC-1200) — 84 hours
Gain foundational patient care skills, including hygiene, skin care, and safe practice standards.Supporting Complex Care Needs 2 (HLTC-1300) — 84 hours
Expand on foundational skills to include medication assistance, fluid balance, and respiratory care.Health Care Aide Training Seminars (HLTC-1100) — 12 hours
Complete certifications in CPR, WHMIS, VPP, and more to meet healthcare industry standards.Health Care Aide Long Term Care Practicum (HLTC-1900) — 160 hours
Apply classroom skills in a long-term care setting. Practicum includes supervised patient care activities.Health Care Aide Acute Care Practicum (HLTC-1950) — 160 hours
Build on practicum experience with more advanced, independent acute care activities.