Our Professions

Personal Support Worker (PSW)

Job Description

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) play an essential role in supporting individuals who have lost their autonomy—whether they are seniors, adults, or young people living with disabilities or illness.

They are responsible for:

  • providing personal care and hygiene assistance (bathing, dressing, shaving);

  • assisting with mobility and meals;

  • maintaining a safe and clean living environment;

  • offering emotional and psychological support.

In more medicalized settings, they may also take vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse) and record observations in the patient’s file. This profession requires dedication, good physical condition, patience, and initiative.

Targeted Work Environments

Personal Support Workers primarily work in living environments and community-based care settings, where day-to-day support and human relationships are central. They are employed in private seniors’ residences (RPA), long-term care facilities (CHSLD), community care centres, as well as in Indigenous communities and remote or northern regions. Their role is essential in environments focused on supporting autonomy, ensuring continuity of care, and building long-term, trust-based relationships with residents.

TRAINING: AEP Program – Support Services in Health Care and Social Services Facilities

This program trains Orderlies (PAB) and Health and Social Services Assistants (ASSS).

  • Duration: 705 hours (approximately 6 months)

  • Credential awarded: Attestation of Vocational Studies (AEP)

  • Training program code: 4270 (MEQ – Québec)

  • Occupation code (NOC): 33102 (National Occupational Classification – Canada)

  • Sector: Health (19)

Training Objectives

  • Provide safe and compassionate support to clients in carrying out activities of daily living (ADLs)

  • Contribute to continuity of care and infection prevention

  • Maintain a clean, disinfected, and functional environment

  • Help improve the quality of life of vulnerable individuals

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the AEP program, the candidate must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Have completed at least Secondary 3 in French, Mathematics, and a second language
    OR

  • Hold a recognized equivalency of educational level (AENS)
    OR

  • Have passed a recognized admission test (TDG or CFMS)

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Job Description

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide basic nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or a physician, serving diverse client populations including seniors, adults, youth in rehabilitation, hospitalized patients, and individuals receiving care in community settings.

Their responsibilities include, among others:

  • administering prescribed medications and treatments;

  • monitoring patients’ health status (vital signs, clinical observations);

  • collecting data and maintaining medical records;

  • collaborating with the healthcare team (nurses, physicians, psychosocial professionals);

  • providing direct support to patients and their families.

This role requires a high level of professionalism, sound clinical judgment, strong adaptability, and a strong commitment to quality patient care.

Targeted Work Environments

Licensed Practical Nurses work in more medically structured care settings while maintaining close and regular contact with patients. They are employed in hospitals, long-term care facilities (CHSLD), CLSCs, rehabilitation centres, medical clinics, and community health facilities, including those located in Indigenous and northern communities. Their role is fully integrated into clinical teams and focuses on patient monitoring, administering prescribed care, and contributing to overall care coordination.

TRAINING: DEP – Health, Assistance, and Nursing Care

This program prepares individuals to work as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in healthcare settings.

  • Duration: Approximately 1,800 hours (16 to 24 months, depending on the training center)

  • Credential awarded: Diploma of Vocational Studies (DEP)

  • Training program code: 5325 (MEQ – Québec)

  • Occupation code (NOC): 32101 (National Occupational Classification – Canada)

  • Sector: Health (19)

Training Objectives

  • Master basic nursing care techniques

  • Participate in assessing patients’ physical and mental conditions

  • Provide care in compliance with clinical protocols

  • Actively contribute to the interdisciplinary healthcare team

  • Prevent infections and promote health

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the DEP program, candidates must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Hold a Secondary School Diploma (DES)
    OR

  • Have passed the General Development Test (TDG) with the required prerequisites in Mathematics and French
    OR

  • Hold a recognized equivalency of educational level (AENS)

Registered Nurse (RN)

Job Description

Nurses play a central role in the healthcare system. They assess patients’ health status, develop care plans, deliver treatments, and provide comprehensive clinical follow-up. They work with all types of patients, including newborns, children, adults, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those living with chronic or acute illnesses.

They are responsible for, among other things:

  • assessing patients’ physical and mental condition

  • developing and adjusting care plans

  • administering complex treatments (IV therapy, medications, specialized care)

  • providing therapeutic education to patients and their families

  • coordinating care with the interdisciplinary team

  • intervening in emergency or critical situations

This profession requires a high level of professional autonomy, advanced clinical skills, strong leadership, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

Targeted Work Environments

Registered Nurses practice in diverse and specialized clinical environments that require a high level of professional autonomy and clinical judgment. They work in hospitals (general care, emergency, specialized units), CLSCs, home-care services, rehabilitation centres, as well as in Indigenous communities and remote regions where their expertise is particularly critical. Their practice often takes place in complex contexts where accessibility, continuity of care, and adaptability are key factors.

TRAINING: DEC – Nursing

This program prepares students to practice as Registered Nurses (RNs) in accordance with the standards of the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec (OIIQ).

  • Duration: 3 years (approximately 2,805 hours, including clinical placements)

  • Credential awarded: Diploma of College Studies (DEC)

  • Training program code: 180.A0 (MEQ – Québec)

  • Occupation code (NOC): 31301 (National Occupational Classification – Canada)

  • Sector: Health (19)

Training Objectives

  • Assess the physical and mental health of various patient populations

  • Develop personalized care plans and ensure their implementation

  • Intervene in diverse clinical settings (emergency, surgery, community health, etc.)

  • Apply care protocols in accordance with professional standards

  • Promote health and prevent illness

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the DEC in Nursing, candidates must meet one of the following conditions:

  • Hold a Secondary School Diploma (DES) including:

    • Secondary IV Physical Sciences

    • Secondary IV Mathematics (TS or SN)

    • Secondary V language of instruction and second language
      OR

  • Hold a recognized college-level equivalency
    OR

  • Be admitted through an adult education pathway with the required prerequisites