Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification

Wound, ostomy and continence (WOC) is a specialty where nurses work with patients who have specific disorders of the skin, gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Initial certification as a WOC nurse is achieved through one of two options.

Nursing License and Academic Diploma

• A candidate must be a licensed registered nurse (RN) with a baccalaureate degree. The degree may be in nursing or another area. Copies of the current nursing license and the diploma must be included with the application.

Option 1: Educational Pathway

• In the educational path, an applicant must complete a program accredited by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) and pass an exam within the next five years.

Option 2: Experiential Pathway

• In the experiential route, an applicant must obtain 50 contact hours (or equivalent college credits) within a five-year period for each area (wound, ostomy or continence) where certification is sought. Also, 1,500 clinical hours must be accumulated during the same time frame, and 375 of those hours must be completed in the 12 months prior to submitting the application.