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
We are accepting applications for our Fall 2022 SWAN Program, which begins on August 22, 2022. The application deadline is August 22, 2022.
Start & Complete Your Application: Step-by-Step Process
English | Français
| Cohort | Start Date | End Date | Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 – Fall 2022 | Aug 22, 2022 | Jan 28, 2023 | May 2023 |
| 7 – Winter 2023 | Jan 16, 2023 | June 25, 2023 | May 2024 |
| 8 – Fall 2023 | Aug 21, 2023 | Jan 28, 2024 | May 2024 |
| 9 – Winter 2024 | Jan 15, 2024 | June 23, 2024 | May 2025 |
| 10 – Fall 2024 | Aug 19, 2024 | Jan 26, 2025 | May 2025 |
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!
- College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Association of New Brunswick Licensed Practical Nurses
- Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario
- College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Prince Edward Island (CLPNPEI)
- Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers auxiliaires du Québec
- College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba
- Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
- College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta
- British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals
