The Advanced Palliative Practice Skills (APPS) program includes up-to-date, best practice and evidence-informed palliative care knowledge, utilizing the innovative Partnering for Palliative Education learning environment, powered by D2L Brightspace

Due to continuous changes in hospice and palliative care, we recommend re-taking APPS every five years.

For PSWs and Health Care Aides

New Online Format

Learners work at their own pace!  Learners are expected to work through APPS by reading and interacting with the course modules. The course is designed so that as a learner successfully completes one module, and achieves 100% on that module’s quiz, then the next module will automatically become visible and accessible.

Once learners have completed all modules and quizzes, they will be eligible to attend a 2.5-hr Culminating Classroom Session on Zoom.

Course Overview

The online APPS course builds upon the Fundamentals of HPC Program, and focuses on the PSW’s scope of practice relating to the foundational concepts of HPC. Participants will learn/develop skills and strategies for:

•  enhancing communication with the person, family, and team members
•  effective team functioning and self-care
•  relieving common end-of-life symptoms

There is a significant amount of course work required in APPS.   Please review the following in detail:

• Course Content, Objectives and Expectations
• Technology Requirements
• All course work / materials provided online. Throughout the course, assigned homework must be completed prior to attending the next classroom session; this allows facilitators to build upon the curriculum and participants to apply theory to practice
• Learners are required to interact with peers and facilitators during the virtual Culminating Session. 
• Brightspace tracks progress so facilitators can assist learners to stay on track.

Course Offering:

APPS Fall 2026 Online

• Course Cost:  $40  The course fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
• Course Start Date: Sep 8, 2026
• Coaching Session Dates: Oct 20-Nov 3, 2026
• Online Course Work to be Completed by: Nov 3, 2026

Certificates will be issued upon successful completion of, and active participation in, all course components.   Incomplete attendance or non-participation (e.g., camera off, multitasking) may affect the issuing of your certificate.    

Contact hpcinfo@hospicewaterloo.ca for more information.