Our Educational Programs
All our educational programs for students are run through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute (WOC-Institute)
Visit the WOC-Institute website here.
The WOC-Institute is owned and operated by the association of Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada (NSWOCC). Our tri-specialty is unique, and we strive to improve the lives of those patients cared for by wound, ostomy and continence nurses as well as support those healthcare professionals who have chosen this dynamic and evolving field through providing comprehensive education and skills-based training to improve their practices. We offer various online programs to allow nurses to improve their skills and understanding of wound, ostomy and continence, from a distance. Advanced programs (WOC-EP and SWAN) include clinical preceptorships. Group pricing is available upon request.
The WOC-Institute’s online and on-site educational programs are delivered by a team of highly knowledgeable and dedicated nurse leaders who are Canadian Association of Nurses (CNA) certified Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC).
Wound Ostomy and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP™)
The NSWOC™ graduate leads Wound, Ostomy and Continence teams, including SWAN™ and Skin Health graduates and has the knowledge, skills and judgment to manage complex patient issues in the areas of Wounds, Ostomy and Continence.
Skin Wellness Associate Nurse (SWAN™) Program
SWAN graduates work as integral team members alongside NSWOCs and other clinical specialists to care for stable patients within their scope of practice.
Industry Skin Wellness Associate (ISWA) Program
ISWA program graduates have an enhanced ability to position their product portfolios from a clinical practice lens and to provide optimal support for nurses caring for those with wound, ostomy and continence issues.
Foundations in Skin Health Programs
Individuals who complete the skin health programs develop foundational knowledge in Wound, Ostomy and/or Continence to aid in the day to day care of those living with an Ostomy, Wound or Continence issue. They work in collaboration under the direction of NSWOCs™. Wound, Ostomy and Continence Institute Programs.
WOC-Institute Programs at a Glance
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Education Program (WOC-EP) |
Skin Wellness Associate Nurse Program (SWAN) |
Industry Skin Wellness Associate (ISWA) |
Foundations in Skin Health |
|
Graduate Knowledge Level |
Advanced Practice Nurses/ Clinical Nurses Specialists / Nurse Leaders. Ability to work at full scope of the RN role in the areas of Wound, Ostomy and Continence, managing complex patients | Advanced clinical knowledge, above the generalist level, able to work to full scope of the practical nurse role in the areas of Wound, Ostomy and Continence, managing stable patients | Enhanced ability to provide optimal support for nurses caring for those with wound, ostomy and continence issues. Industry partners will gain the advanced ability to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals and to be ambassadors for ethical partnerships | Foundational knowledge of either Wound, Ostomy or Continence depending on the course(s) takes, works in collaboration with NSWOCs and SWANs |
Entry Requirements |
University Prepared RNs | Practical Nurses (LPN/RPN) and Diploma RNs | Proof of employment in industry | Any Healthcare Professional or Caregiver |
CNA Certification |
Yes | No | No | No |
Online/onsite |
Blended Online and On-site | Online | Online | Etiher Online or Onsite |
Competency-Based |
Yes | Yes | No | No |
Standards of Practice |
Yes | Yes | No | No |
Clinical Component |
225 hours of Clinical Preceptorship with an experienced NSWOC mentor |
75 hours of self-directed and experienced NSWOC-supported preceptorship |
50 hours of simulated experience in collaboration with NSWOCs, SWANs and other healthcare professionals |
No |
Ongoing Mentorship |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yearly refresher courses are recommended either on-site or online |
Program Length |
12 Months | 4 Months | 4 Months | 10 weeks on-line or 2 days on-site |
Designation |
NSWOC, WOCC(C) | SWAN | ISWA | Certificate of completion only, no designation |
Tuition per student |
$5250 | $3000 | $3000 | $600 |