Algonquin’s personal support worker program is now accepting applications to its new on-site classroom at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre after signing on for an academic partnership with Algonquin.
Spring intake for the new program is the first of its kind at the college.
President Cheryl Jensen and Perley Rideau’s president and chief executive Akos Hoffer signed a memorandum of understanding on Jan. 13 outlining the new partnership for Algonquin’s personal support worker program.
It offers students practical and theoretical skills through the Perley and Rideau’s on-site learning centre and guidance from experienced staff.
The college created the program with the Perley Rideau as an innovative way to address the lack of personal support workers in the community.
The Perley Rideau has helped the personal support worker program on curriculum development and work placements for about 20 years.
Now, the two institutions are further developing their partnership to help students succeed in the changing healthcare industry.
“This is part of the natural evolution in working with Algonquin,” said Doris Jenkins, director of nursing operations at the Perley Rideau in a Jan. 26 interview with the Times.
Jenkins said there are some real-world things you can’t learn in an ordinary classroom that this program will provide.
Aspects to the daily operations of the healthcare industry like building cooperative relationships with clients and staff are imperative skills that students will gain from this program upon graduation.
Jenkins said this program will not only offer academic advantages, but also a solid foundation in helping students find future employment.
“It’s the longest job interview students will ever have,” added Jenkins.
Students will work with staff members at the Perley Rideau throughout the program, helping open doors to employment opportunities.
Residents of the Perley Rideau who have experience with Algonquin’s students will be helpful with students’ integration into the industry.
“They’re very excited to support the program and its students,”Jenkins said.