Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program

For practical nurses and diploma RNs who aspire to become respected nurse leaders and integral members of their organization’s wound, ostomy, and continence leadership team, the CNA-accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program is the only program in Canada that offers: competency and evidence-informed advanced knowledge in wound, ostomy and continence management; confidence to transfer that knowledge into practice; recognition and respect for your competencies through the nationally recognized SWAN™ designation; and continuous learning and lifelong support through mentorship and collaboration in a SWAN™-Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) team.

SWAN™s are uniquely recognized for their advanced knowledge and their contributions as wound, ostomy and continence nurse champions in their workplaces and communities across Canada.

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Project:
Free Skin and Wound Care Education Programs and Backfill Support for Long-Term Care Home Staff

Please click below to access the application form.

Important Notice:

As of January 20, 2025, the program has reached its maximum capacity for the Skin and Wound Professional Growth Fund. Additional applications will be placed on a waitlist.

Additional Opportunities:

Applications for the regular SWAN Program (Fall 2025 cohort) are also open. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2025. For more information, visit https://www.wocinstitute.ca/swan-application.

Download the application form

Please ensure your application is complete and includes a letter of support from your employer. Applicants must be licensed practical nurses or diploma-educated RNs employed in Ontario long-term care facilities.

All Applications MUST be received by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, January 24th, 2025. Late applications will NOT be accepted.

Program Goal

The goal of the (SWAN™) 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.

Why was the program developed?

The Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) WOC Institute developed the SWAN™ 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 SWAN™ program as a means to support and empower NSWOCs and improve clinical outcomes by enhancing wound, ostomy and continence care teams.

Become a wound, ostomy and continence champion and nurse leader. Advance your knowledge by becoming a SWAN™.

Start your application today!

Program Outcomes

Develop Competence and Gain Advanced Knowledge in Wound, Ostomy & Continence Management

Graduate with evidence-informed, advanced knowledge in the tri-specialty areas of wound, ostomy, and continence

Gain Confidence

Confidently transfer knowledge into practice and become a respected member of the wound, ostomy, and continence leadership team in your organization

Earn Respect and Recognition

Proudly display your competency as a wound, ostomy and continence nurse champion with nationally recognized SWAN™ designation

Access Continuous Learning and Lifelong Support

Lifelong mentorship and peer support through the SWAN Community of Practice and Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC) Membership

Participate in annual skill enhancement workshops and skills labs, and advanced courses such as the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute Advanced Wound Debridement course

Contribute to an Interprofessional Team

Receive and share expertise

Professional support in a SWAN-Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) Team

Program Outline

5-month, competency and standards of practice-based:
- 3 sections (wound, ostomy & continence)
  - 26 paced, online modules
- Self-directed clinical preceptorship
- Ongoing mentorship with CNA certified NSWOCs
- Individualized support from an Academic Advisor
- Bi-weekly interactive learning sessions

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

Important Dates and Deadlines

Cohort	Start date	End Date	Application Deadline	Graduation
Fall Cohort	Third Monday in August	Late January	31/05/2025	At the NSWOCC National Conference in May
Winter Cohort	Third Monday in January	Late June	15/10/2025	At the NSWOCC National Conference in May

Many organizations have forced nurses into a position where they are task-oriented. The SWAN’s vision is that we want students to be thinking about the “why” and “how”. To get people to switch their thinking and actively think about what your rationale is for making a nursing-related decision.

Vida Johnston, BScN, RN, NSWOC, WOCC(C)

SWAN Lead Academic Advisor

Translate Theory into Practice

After Sharon Hunter graduated from the CNA-accredited Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) program, she felt much more confident in promoting herself as an expert and resource within the field of wound care.

SWAN™ program graduates gain evidence-informed, advanced knowledge in the tri-specialty areas of wound, ostomy, and continence that they can confidently translate into practice. Not only can this confidence help registered practical nurses/licensed practical nurses and diploma RNs like Shanon advocate for their own skills as professionals, but advocate for patients’ needs too.

Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute