NSWOCC® Partners with Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care to Advance Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Across Ontario
- WOC Institute
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC®), through its Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOC) Institute, is proud to partner with the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care on a groundbreaking initiative to expand wound, ostomy, and continence care expertise across Ontario’s long-term care homes.
On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, NSWOCC Chief Executive Officer Cathy Harley and WOC Institute Academic Chair Dr. Kimberly LeBlanc joined the Honourable Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, Ontario’s Minister of Long-Term Care, for the announcement at Union Villa Long-Term Care in Markham, Ontario. This investment will enhance quality of life for residents by enabling faster, more convenient care while reducing emergency department visits and preventable hospitalizations.
Expanding Clinical Capacity Across Ontario
The Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care is funding enhanced training for 150 Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) through NSWOCC’s CNA-accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program, as well as 600 Personal Support Workers (PSWs) through NSWOCC’s CNA-accredited PSW and Caregiver Skin Health Education Course.
This investment covers tuition and registration fees, as well as backfill support for participating long-term care homes. Backfill funding will be administered through NSWOCC, ensuring staff can participate in training without compromising resident care.
This initiative builds on previous provincial funding that supported 90 practical nurses and diploma-educated RNs to enroll in the SWAN Program earlier this year.
Read the Government of Ontario announcement:
About the SWAN™ Program
The CNA-accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program provides advanced education in wound, ostomy, and continence care, preparing RPNs to become clinical leaders and champions within their workplaces.
Program Features (5 months):
26 online modules
Self-directed clinical preceptorship
Ongoing mentorship with CNA-certified NSWOCs
Bi-weekly interactive learning sessions
The 150 funded participants will join a dedicated SWAN cohort separate from the regular Winter 2026 intake to ensure focused academic and mentorship support.
SWANs are nationally recognized for their advanced knowledge and their essential role in preventing wounds, managing complex cases, and improving patient outcomes.
About the PSW and Caregiver Skin Health Course
This CNA-accredited 12-week online course equips PSWs with foundational skills in skin, wound, ostomy, and continence care, empowering them to identify early signs of skin breakdown and escalate concerns promptly.
Course Overview:
Format: 100% online, self-paced
Time Commitment: 4–5 hours/week
Modules: 8 interactive modules + resources and workbooks
Support: Weekly mentorship with a CNA-certified NSWOC
Accreditation: 10 CNA educational hours
"We applaud the Ontario government for this investment in enhancing the skin and wound care knowledge of registered practical nurses and personal support workers, which demonstrates their commitment to quality improvement and sustainability. Through this action, the government is demonstrating their respect for the health and dignity of seniors living in Ontario."
Catherine Harley, CEO, Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC)
How to Apply
For Registered Practical Nurses – CNA-Accredited SWAN™ Program
Application Form: https://www.wocinstitute.ca/swan
Deadline: January 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST
Eligibility: Practical nurses or diploma-educated RNs employed in Ontario long-term care homes
For Personal Support Workers – CNA-Accredited PSW and Caregiver Skin Health Course
Application Form: https://www.wocinstitute.ca/psw
Deadline: January 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST
Eligibility: Personal Support Workers employed in Ontario long-term care homes
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