Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Experiential Pathway
On This Page
The Emory University Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) Experiential Pathway allows RNs with at least 1,500 clinical hours in the specialty — approximately nine months of full-time employment — to expedite the WOC Certification process. This pathway offers online, asynchronous, and self-paced continuing education courses that serve as a review of established concepts. Courses include learning objectives, an outline of the video lesson for notetaking, video lectures, podcasts, learning exercises, case studies, quizzes, and exams.
All Experiential courses are online, self-contained, self-study courses; there is no faculty feedback nor participation and no course materials are provided outside of the course itself.
Requirements
Wound, Ostomy, or Continence Certification
The Experiential Pathway Courses for Wound, Ostomy, and Continence are intended to be a review of established concepts for nurses who are already working in the specialty and meet the WOCNCB® eligibility requirements for certification via this pathway. WOCNCB® Eligibility Requirements are listed below. Emory WOCNEC does not evaluate eligibility; contact the WOCNCB® directly with eligibility questions.
- 50 CE/CME specialty specific credits/contact hours (or equivalent in college course work)
- 1,500 specialty specific practice hours (must include 375 hours in the year preceding WOCNCB® application)
- All academic work and clinical practice hours must be:
- Post-baccalaureate degree
- While practicing as an RN
- Completed within the past 5 years
Foot and Nail Certification
The Experiential Pathway Foot and Nail course is designed for healthcare providers looking to certify in the Foot and Nail specialty. WOCNCB® Eligibility Requirements are listed below. Emory WOCNEC does not evaluate eligibility; contact the WOCNCB® directly with eligibility questions.
- Current RN License
- Baccalaureate (or higher) degree
- 24 CE/CME specialty specific credits/contact hours (8 may be in basic wound care)
- 40 clinical hours under the direct supervision of an expert in foot care (12 may be in basic skin and wound care)
- All academic work and clinical hours must be:
- While practicing as an RN
- Completed within the past 5 years
Course Descriptions
Experiential Pathway Courses
Self-Study in Wound Care
This wound care course provides a comprehensive overview of skin integrity and wound management, including pressure injury prevention, diabetic foot care, infection management, and principles of wound debridement. Learners gain skills in the differential assessment and management of lower‑extremity ulcers and explore cost‑effective selection of topical therapies and support surfaces to optimize patient outcomes.
Specialized Care for Graduate Nurses
This ostomy care course covers essential principles of stoma site marking, pre‑ and post‑operative anatomy, and patient education. Learners gain foundational knowledge in the management of urinary and fecal diversions—both standard and continent—along with appropriate product selection and utilization. The course also addresses rehabilitative aspects of care, including psychosocial and sexual counseling considerations.
Self-Study for Incontinence Care
This continence care course provides an overview of assessment strategies to identify causative and contributing factors affecting continence. Management approaches include diet and fluid modification, behavioral therapies such as toileting programs, pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, clean intermittent catheterization, absorptive and containment products, medications, and surgical considerations. The course emphasizes a comprehensive, individualized approach to continence care across settings.
Certify in the Foot and Nail Specialty
This course introduces foundational concepts in foot and nail care, including anatomy, common pathologic conditions, wound and lower‑extremity ulcer assessment and management, and comprehensive patient evaluation. Learners explore the professional role of the Foot and Nail Care nurse through case studies and procedural demonstrations. This course does not include a clinical component or clinical placement assistance.
Policies
Experiential Pathway
Contact
Address
250 East Ponce De Leon Avenue
Suite 400
Decatur, GA 30030
Office Hours
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET
Contact Information
Office: 404-778-4067
Email: wocnec@emory.edu