SWAN Program

The SWANTM 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.

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 five (5) 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?
CohortApplication DeadlineStart DateEnd DateGraduation
6 – Fall 2022June 30, 2022Aug 22, 2022Jan 28, 2023May 2023
7 – Winter 2023November 30, 2022Jan 16, 2023June 25, 2023May 2024
8 – Fall 2023June 30, 2023Aug 21, 2023Jan 28, 2024May 2024
9 – Winter 2024November 30, 2023Jan 15, 2024June 23, 2024May 2025
10 – Fall 2024June 30, 2024Aug 19, 2024Jan 26, 2025May 2025

Start & Complete Your Application: Step-by-Step Process

English | Français

Textbooks

NOTICE: The SWAN Program uses the new Core Curriculum Texts produced by the Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Society. If you have questions please contact the Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute Chair: Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc at chair@wocinstitute.ca.

Ostomy:

Carmel Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ Core Curriculum: Ostomy Management [2E]

ISBN-13: 9781975164560

Book#: EFMC5 (2022)

Wound:

McNichol Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society™ Core Curriculum: Wound Management [2E]

ISBN-13: 9781975164591

Book#: OKQC5 (2022)

Wound, Ostomy & Continence Institute students are able to purchase these books directly from the publisher at a discount. Students are encouraged to purchase their books early, to ensure that they have them at the opening of the course. Students are may go directly to Login Canada and purchase their textbooks at a discount. Please go to lb.ca/wocinstitute

Continence:

All continence readings will be provided by the WOC Institute

Please check your provincial nursing association for potential funding opportunities!


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The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute is wholly owned and operated by Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC).

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With the aim to improve accessibility and healthcare for Indigenous people, we are excited to share a new website with a directory of resources, training, & support related to Indigenous Wound, Ostomy and Continence Health. Visit the “Sharing Circle” at https://t.co/oNlvOrgfON! https://t.co/YSdTn61s3s
h J R
@NSWOC

- 1 day ago

Don't miss out! Join us from 6-7pm ET this evening for an in-depth presentation on the science and peer-reviewed evidence of Medical Grade Manuka Honey and its impact on wound healing. Register for free at https://t.co/ERmnC73Zjv https://t.co/UtFcgaJP5T
h J R
@NSWOC

- 43 days ago

Today, on June 21, NSWOCC recognizes and celebrates the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. #NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay https://t.co/FKywcvZocO
h J R
@NSWOC

- 51 days ago

NSWOCC is proud to share that Marcia Leard, NSWOCC's newly appointed President, was recently awarded the COVID Warrior Coin Award by the Lieutenant Governor of PEI, for her efforts to aid the COVID response in the province. Read the full announcement at https://t.co/qd1b9C9jhP https://t.co/XTK6UDzouP
h J R
@NSWOC

- 55 days ago

The NSWOCC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcia Leard, RN, BScN, NSWOC, WOCC(C) of Summerside, PEI, as the President of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC). Read the full announcement at https://t.co/L7wi1uQiIM https://t.co/WVpcSBLbiW
h J R
@NSWOC

- 56 days ago

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