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In the next 30 years, the number of Canadians over the age of 85 is expected to triple and the demand for health care workers will increase. Loyalist College has partnered with Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) and the Government of Canada to launch a fully-funded Supportive Care Assistant training program for residents of Eastern and Central Ontario. The program is subsidized by the Federal Government and is being offered at no cost to participants.

The Supportive Care Assistant program was developed to address the labour shortages in the long-term care sector. The program includes six weeks of online training and a two-month, paid work placement. Flexible delivery allows you to complete the online component based on your schedule, at your own pace. The program can also help accelerate the next step of your career. As a program graduate, you would have access to a $5,000 stipend if you choose to pursue further studies and complete a personal support worker certificate.

The program is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada and is part of CICan’s Building Capacity in Long-term Care project.

Role of a Supportive Care Assistant

A career in long-term care can be challenging but rewarding. You can make a difference in the lives of others and create meaningful connections with older adults, other people requiring assistance, and their families. As a Supportive Care Assistant, you will assist certified personal care providers and the health care teams to support clients. The role involves performing non-clinical activities which could include:

• Assisting with meals
• Assisting with cleaning and disinfecting
• Stocking materials required by clients and health care staff
• Making clients’ beds, cleaning their rooms and other areas
• Providing companionship, comfort, and support
• Assisting with moving about and accompanying clients as they move about
• Participating in recreational activities with clients

Program curriculum

The six-week online training is divided into learning modules that include: Professionalism; Supportive client-centered Assistance; Communication; Supportive Assistance; and Infection control and safety. There is also a module related to the work placement that participants must completed before, during, and after their placement. Each module will take approximately 20 hours to complete.

After completing the required modules, participants will be connected to an employer who will provide 280 hours of paid employment over a two to four-month period.

The self-paced online component can be started at any time but must be completed before beginning the work placement. Registration is now open!

Participant eligibility

Participants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for this program:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada (not open to international students)
• Legally entitled to work in Canada according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations
• For English first language speakers, students must provide proof of proficiency as determined by the college or institute (Grade 10 English or equivalency)
• For English as a second language speakers, students must provide proof of English language skills (IELTS 6.0; CLB 6; CEFR B2) or equivalency as determined by the college or institute
• Ability to complete a Standard First Aid/CPR Level 3 course and to pass a Vulnerable Sector background check prior to admission

Additionally, students should:

• Have an interest in working with older adults and other people requiring assistance
• Be able to communicate effectively and have strong interpersonal skills
• Be friendly, flexible, and able to provide warm encouragement
• Have regular access to a PC or MAC computer with an internet connection and recent versions of Google Chrome or Internet Explorer installed
• Have basic computer skills
• Have access to transportation for work placement(s)
• Be available to work shifts (evenings/nights/weekends)
• Be physically able to stand/walk with some bending, twisting, and lifting

*Note: Additional requirements related to the work placement may include a criminal record check and proof of certain immunizations. Students may be exposed to communicable diseases during their work placement.

Program Fees and Bursaries

As mentioned earlier, this program is fully funded by the Government of Canada, which means students will not be responsible for paying tuition fees.

The dependent care bursary is back! Get $1,000 to support dependent care during your work placement. Click here to apply. Note that the bursary is first-come first serve. Apply early!

After successful completion of the program, students are also eligible for a $5,000 stipend to continue their studies as personal care providers (PSW’s). The $5,000 will help cover costs associated with the new training and can be used for tuition, books, certifications, dependent care, uniforms, transportation etc. Please note that you would need to meet the admission requirements for Loyalist College and apply separately. It is also recommended that you apply for the personal care provider program as soon as possible as spaces might be limited.

Apply Now

For more information on the Supportive Care Assistant program, and to apply for admission as a participant, please email

If you are an Employer looking to become a project partner or if you currently work in Long-Term, Personal Care or in a Retirement setting and would like information about the Supportive Care Assisting program as personal development training, please email