SWAN Program

The SWANTM Program is geared towards RPN, LPN and Diploma RNs who want to advance their knowledge in the areas in Wound, Ostomy and Continence. Upon completion they will be eligible to use the SWAN designation.

What is the SWANTM Program?

The Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute, developed the Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWANTM) Program in response to the growing need in Canada for healthcare professionals with advanced wound, ostomy and continence knowledge. The NSWOCC and WOC-Institute developed the paced online SWANTM education program as a means to support and empower NSWOCs and improve clinical outcomes by enhancing wound, ostomy and continence care teams. The SWANTM program prepares non-specialty nurses to provide basic, bedside wound, ostomy and continence care.

Skilled nurses provide optimal patient care.

The goal of the SWANTM Program is to educate and prepare more skilled wound, ostomy and continence nurses across the spectrum of care (e.g. acute care, long-term care and homecare). Graduates will have an enhanced ability to provide optimal care for individuals with wound, ostomy and continence issues as members of a collaborative NSWOC team. The program is designed to provide non-specialty nurses the ability to provide optimal wound, ostomy and continence care under the direction of the NSWOC, Clinical Nurse Specialist (Wound, Ostomy or Continence) or Physician and to be integral members of the WOC team.

Course Length

  • Two cohorts per year starting in February and August respectively.
  • Courses are four (4) months long.

Topics Covered

  • Integumentary System
  • Wounds
  • Ostomies
  • Continence Care

Program Cost

  • $3,000 Tuition
  • $50 Course Administration Fee
  • $100 NSWOCC membership: “WOC Student Associate Membership” registration fee
Ready to apply?

Please check your provincial nursing association for potential funding opportunities!


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Registration is OPEN! The theme of this year's conference is “PLUGGED IN & CHARGED UP” and will be focused on advancing specialized care in the 3 domains of wound, ostomy and continence through a virtual conference platform. Learn more or register now at https://t.co/LKuTSDrR0f https://t.co/EivkrJDCUF
h J R
@NSWOC

- 2 hours ago

We're looking for LPN/RPN leaders to join our 2021 Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) Cohort! On Thurs., Jan. 28th at 7pm EST, join our SWAN Community of Practice Lead & the rest of the SWAN Team for a webinar to learn more. RSVP in advance at: https://t.co/87Z8PFNQrF https://t.co/NFtKDUNThJ
h J R
@NSWOC

- 5 days ago

Congratulations to our first-ever cohort of Skin Wellness Associate Nurses who graduated this winter! Join these LPN/RPN nurse leaders by advancing your nursing career in 2021 - apply to become a SWAN today! Learn more at https://t.co/3HH0AXUNcC https://t.co/Z0rq2ciWz0
h J R
@NSWOC

- 26 days ago

Calling all LPN/RPNs: Make it your new year's resolution to advance your career by becoming a Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN) in 2021! Learn more and apply now at https://t.co/3HH0AXUNcC https://t.co/DxgoCKjoZ1
h J R
@NSWOC

- 27 days ago

@OpencityInc: It has been a pleasure working with @NSWOC on these projects and others in 2020. Thanks for the poinsettia https://t.co/UBQwjk4bWr
h J R
@NSWOC

- 27 days ago

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