ONTARIO-The Ontario government says it is investing more than $21 million in two programs that will help 700 long-term care staff upgrade their skills. Officials say the programs are designed to help workers in rural and northern communities gain new qualifications to advance in their careers and ensure long-term care residents get the quality of care and quality of life they need and deserve.
“We’re making record investments to staff, build and upgrade long-term care across Ontario, including in rural and northern communities, to ensure residents have the safe and supportive homes they deserve,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We will continue to support innovative programs like Learn and Earn to ensure residents in rural and northern communities have access to quality care.”
Ontario is investing $21.5 million over four years to train 700 new long-term care staff through two targeted programs:
- The PSW Learn and Earn Program — Ontario is providing $17.6 million in new funding to help existing long-term care staff, including resident support personnel and dietary aides, train as personal support workers (PSWs), through online coursework followed by paid, on-site clinical placements.
- PSW to PN Learn and Earn Program — Ontario will invest $3.9 million to train 40 current PSWs to become registered practical nurses, giving eligible staff the ability to advance their careers and provide better resident care.
“I am delighted about the increased focus and investment made by Ontario’s government on innovative programs like the PSW Learn and Earn training program. HSCPOA recognizes the importance of PSWs within Ontario’s health-care system. Since opening registration December 1, 2024, HSCPOA has been building momentum with voluntary PSW registration and oversight of this important group of care providers. HSCPOA staff are excited about the growing interest in PSW registration and we’re here to help. Wherever care is provided, Ontarians can expect that PSWs registered with HSCPOA will be held to the highest standard for the supportive care they provide.” said Trevor Lee
CEO, Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA)
Both programs will be delivered by Humber Polytechnic and build on the early success of the Learn and Earn program that has already supported the training of more than 600 PSWs, helping to deliver more direct care to residents across the province. The program is especially beneficial to rural, remote and northern regions, as homes can grow their own staff and students can train without having to leave their communities.
“Our government is building a strong staff training pipeline to retain more workers and improve resident care,” said Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Minister of Long-Term Care. “This new investment will help existing staff build the skills they need to grow their careers and ensure long-term care residents continue to receive world-class care close to home.”
