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DVS Program

Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions - 5905 DVS

DVS

705

Qualified Instructors

This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.

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On Campus

Median Wage

$25 /hour

*Jobbank.gc.ca; 2026

Learn to support patients' well-being alongside healthcare professionals

The Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program at CDI College prepares you for a career as a Patient Service Associate (PSA) or Orderly and Health and Social Services Assistant (HSSA) within the healthcare and social services system.

 

You will develop the knowledge and practical skills to provide care and assistance to people of all ages who require support, helping promote their comfort, safety, independence, and quality of life.

  • RELATIONSHIP-CENTRED APPROACHES
  • COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
  • ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
  • UNDERSTANDING PATIENT NEEDS
  • FIRST AID
  • INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL
  • LONG-TERM CARE
  • ACUTE CARE AND CRITICAL CARE
  • PALLIATIVE AND END-OF-LIFE CARE
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Authorized by the Ministry of Education. CDI College Business. Technology. Health Care (Permit 528500)

Program Intro Background

Program Courses

Analysis of the Occupations, Legislative and Ethical Aspects [753-702]

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Information about the roles of Patient Service Associate (PSA) or Orderly and Health and Social Services Assistant (HSSA). Organization and operation of the health and social services system. Roles, responsibilities, scope of practice, and working conditions. Legislative, regulatory, and ethical considerations. Occupational health and safety. Stress management and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Communication, Collaboration and Family, Social and Cultural Realities [753-714]

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Verbal and non-verbal communication. Establishing a trusting relationship with the person and their family members. Adapting communication to the person's needs, age, cultural background, and limitations. Collaboration with the care team and the interdisciplinary team. Continuity of care, information sharing, and conflict resolution.

Prevention and Control of Infections and Contamination [753-722]

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Infection prevention and control. Application of routine practices and additional precautions. Safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Safe handling, disposal, and storage of soiled or contaminated materials. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and the environment. Prevention of health and safety risks for the person, oneself, and others.

Needs of Clients With Physical Illnesses and Disabilities [753-733]

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Recognizing a person's needs based on their age, health status, and level of independence. Observing clinical manifestations, signs of pain and discomfort, and physical, sensory, and neurological changes. Relating the person's condition to the required interventions, necessary precautions, and the care team's directions.

Relational Approaches [753-743]

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Adapting care approaches for individuals with diverse health conditions and clinical needs. Recognizing behaviours, responses, and needs associated with cognitive disorders, mental health conditions, intellectual or physical disabilities, and chronic illnesses. Applying approaches that promote respect, safety, well-being, and collaboration with the person and their family members.

Personal Assistive Services Related to Activities of Daily Living in the Context of Long-Term Care [753-756]

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Work planning and organization. Continuity of care and information communication. Assistance with mobility, transfers, positioning, and comfort. Support with personal hygiene, elimination, dressing, eating, and hydration. Cleaning, disinfecting, maintaining, and organizing equipment, supplies, and the care environment while following infection prevention and control measures.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care [753-762]

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Principles and approach to palliative and end-of-life care. Adapting personal assistance services to meet the needs of individuals receiving end-of-life care. Measures to promote comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Communication with the person and their family members. Collaboration with the care team. Recognizing signs associated with the end of life and providing appropriate interventions within the scope of the role.

First Aid [753-772]

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Application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway obstruction relief, and automated external defibrillator (AED) techniques. Responding to hemorrhages, injuries, burns, poisonings, allergic reactions, and medical emergencies. Applying emergency protocols and procedures in accordance with the requirements of different healthcare settings.

Interventions With Clients Experiencing Loss of Autonomy in Long-Term Care [753-785]

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Implementation of required interventions for individuals experiencing a loss of autonomy in a long-term care facility. Assistance with activities of daily living, observation of the individual's condition, adaptation of interventions to meet their needs, and collaboration with the healthcare team to ensure continuity of care, in accordance with established standards and protocols.

Tasks Related to Assistive Services in Short-Term and Critical Care [753-804]

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Organizing and carrying out patient care assistance tasks in acute care and critical care settings. Preparing the environment and equipment, and assisting with patient admission, transfer, and discharge. Contributing to continuity of care. Applying current safety, prevention, and clinical protocols.

Interventions in Short-Term or Critical Care Settings [753-815]

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Providing care and assistance to individuals in acute care and critical care settings. Adapting patient care assistance services based on the person's condition and changes in their clinical status. Observing and reporting significant changes. Collaborating with the care team while following established protocols, safety procedures, and scope of practice.

Tasks in the Context of Home Care [753-823]

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Planning and organizing home care interventions. Ensuring continuity of care and effective communication of information. Adapting personal assistance services based on the person's condition, environment, and individual needs. Collaborating with family members and the interdisciplinary team. Preventing high-risk situations and providing non-invasive assistance with activities of daily living within the scope of practice.

Entering the Workforce [753-835]

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Integration into a long-term care, acute care, critical care, or home care setting. Applying acquired knowledge and skills in a real-world environment. Participating as a member of the care team, providing patient care assistance services in accordance with established standards, protocols, and scope of practice, communicating professionally, and adapting to the requirements of the workplace.

Admission

Benefits of this program

Graduation Requirements and Employment Opportunities

Prerequisites

  • The person holds a Secondary School Diploma or a recognized equivalent. OR
  • The person is at least 18 years of age on September 30 of the school year in which the training begins and has successfully completed Secondary III credits in the language of instruction, second language, and mathematics in programs of study established by the Minister, or has received recognition of equivalent learning. OR
  • The person is at least 18 years of age at the time of admission and has the functional prerequisites, namely successful completion of the General Development Test (GDT) as well as the course in the language of instruction (FRA3103-1 / FRA3051-1) or recognized equivalent learning.
  • Successful completion of the College admission test is required.

 

Note: The condition related to concurrent studies does not apply to this category.

  • Program offered in French or English
  • Day, evening or weekend classes
  • Learn in an inclusive environment
  • Dedicated and passionate instructors
  • Market-driven program
  • Healthcare professionals are in high demand
  • Accelerated course times so you can graduate quickly
  • Earn your diploma of vocational studies in just a few months
  • Career Services department provides assistance finding jobs and building resumes
  • Authorized by the Ministry of Education. CDI College Business. Technology. Health Care (Permit 528500)
  • Patient Service Associate (PSA) or Orderly
  • Health and Social Services Assistant (HSSA)
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Nurse Aide
  • Nursing Care Assistant
  • Personal Care Attendant – Home Care

Prerequisites

  • The person holds a Secondary School Diploma or a recognized equivalent. OR
  • The person is at least 18 years of age on September 30 of the school year in which the training begins and has successfully completed Secondary III credits in the language of instruction, second language, and mathematics in programs of study established by the Minister, or has received recognition of equivalent learning. OR
  • The person is at least 18 years of age at the time of admission and has the functional prerequisites, namely successful completion of the General Development Test (GDT) as well as the course in the language of instruction (FRA3103-1 / FRA3051-1) or recognized equivalent learning.
  • Successful completion of the College admission test is required.

 

Note: The condition related to concurrent studies does not apply to this category.

  • Program offered in French or English
  • Day, evening or weekend classes
  • Learn in an inclusive environment
  • Dedicated and passionate instructors
  • Market-driven program
  • Healthcare professionals are in high demand
  • Accelerated course times so you can graduate quickly
  • Earn your diploma of vocational studies in just a few months
  • Career Services department provides assistance finding jobs and building resumes
  • Authorized by the Ministry of Education. CDI College Business. Technology. Health Care (Permit 528500)
  • Patient Service Associate (PSA) or Orderly
  • Health and Social Services Assistant (HSSA)
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Nurse Aide
  • Nursing Care Assistant
  • Personal Care Attendant – Home Care
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“It was encouraging to know that the instructor had twenty years of experience. I feel well prepared for this new career, especially since I was able to learn practical tools to use on the job.”

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“My instructor's experience and knowledge greatly enhanced my learning in this program. Being able to learn on actual hospital and residence equipment and beds was very helpful. I also really appreciated the guest speakers we had.”

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