QC
February 7, 2025 | Quebec
The healthcare and social services system continues to evolve to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population. As a result, Patient Service Associates (PSAs) play an essential role in supporting individuals who require assistance, whether in healthcare facilities or home care settings.
To help meet these growing needs, CDI College offers the Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program. This hands-on training prepares students for a career as a Patient Service Associate (PSA) while also developing the skills required to work as a Health and Social Services Assistant (HSSA).
Discover why this profession is more important than ever, how this program responds to the needs of today's healthcare system, and why it can lead to a meaningful and rewarding career.
Why Is the Demand So Strong?
An aging population, changing models of care, and the growing emphasis on home care continue to increase the need for patient care assistance services throughout Québec.
Patient Service Associates provide care and support to people of all ages who require assistance due to illness, temporary or permanent loss of independence, or other functional limitations.
Their work helps promote patients' comfort, safety, independence, and overall quality of life.
A Variety of Healthcare Settings
Today, Patient Service Associates work in a wide range of environments, including:
- healthcare facilities;
- long-term care;
- acute care;
- critical care;
- home care; and
- other healthcare and social services settings.
This variety allows graduates to choose a work environment that aligns with their interests and career goals.
How Does the Program Prepare Future Graduates?
The Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and supervised clinical placements to provide practical, career-focused education.
Throughout the program, students progressively develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide care to a wide range of individuals while following established healthcare standards and best practices.
Students learn how to:
- provide care and assistance to individuals who require support;
- promote patients' comfort, safety, and independence;
- apply infection prevention and control measures;
- perform safe patient handling and transfers;
- communicate effectively with healthcare teams, patients, and their families.
This balanced approach helps students develop both the technical expertise and interpersonal skills valued throughout the healthcare profession.
Clinical Placements at the Heart of the Learning Experience
Clinical placements are an essential part of the program.
They allow students to apply their knowledge in real healthcare settings while developing professional judgment, confidence, and independence.
These practical experiences also help prepare graduates for a smooth transition into the workforce.
An Essential Role in Patient Care
Patient Service Associates do much more than perform routine tasks.
They play an active role in supporting patients' well-being by assisting with daily activities, promoting comfort, and helping preserve dignity.
Working closely with other members of the healthcare team, they help deliver care tailored to each person's needs.
Their compassion, professionalism, and commitment make them invaluable members of the healthcare system.
A Career with Many Opportunities
The demand for qualified healthcare professionals remains strong across many areas of the healthcare and social services system.
With their training, graduates can pursue careers in a variety of settings based on their interests and available opportunities.
Beyond strong employment prospects, this profession offers the opportunity to build a stable, meaningful career dedicated to helping others.
Every day brings the chance to support someone's well-being while contributing to a team committed to delivering high-quality care.
Why Choose CDI College?
CDI College offers practical, career-focused training designed around the realities of today's healthcare environment.
Students benefit from:
- instruction provided by experienced professionals;
- classroom learning, hands-on training, and supervised clinical placements;
- a supportive learning environment focused on student success; and
- career services that help prepare graduates for employment.
Offered at our Montreal and Laval campuses, the Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of this essential profession.
A Meaningful Career Starts Here
Choosing a career as a Patient Service Associate means combining technical skills with compassion and professionalism.
Through the Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program, you'll develop the knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on experience needed to provide high-quality care and assistance with respect, professionalism, and compassion.
