PSW, RPN, RN — what's the difference?
Lesson 1 of 4 in Career Path — PSW to RPN to RN · 22 minutes
Many newcomers conflate these three roles, but they're distinct. Different scope of practice, different education, different pay, different career paths. This lesson is the clear comparison.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish PSW, RPN, RN by scope and education
- Compare typical pay (Job Bank wage ranges)
- Recognize the career stair-step structure
- Decide which role fits your goals
From the lesson
Healthcare in Canada has a clear ladder of nursing-adjacent roles. The PSW is the entry. The RPN is the second step. The RN is the third. Each has more scope, more education, and more pay than the previous. Many newcomers start as PSWs and climb to RPN; some go further to RN; some stay PSW happily. This lesson is the honest comparison.
1. Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Education: 6-month to 12-month PSW certificate from a community college or private career college. ~$3,000-$8,000 tuition. (Some employers offer free programs for staff who commit to working there.)
Scope: Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating). Vital signs (some). Documentation. Following the care…