Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Traditional Pathway
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The Traditional Pathway Program is a blended education program that meets the eligibility requirements for WOCNCB® certification. It is comprised of online courses, onsite training, and clinical hours with an approved preceptor.
Courses are online, asynchronous, and self-paced. There is an onsite requirement of 2-3 days (depending on program of study) to clarify concepts and practice essential psychomotor skills (see Bridge Week). Each clinical specialty requires 40 hours of clinical with an approved preceptor.
The amount of time spent on each program component is flexible within the time limits of the program.
Requirements
Traditional Pathway
- Active, unencumbered RN license in the U.S. or Canada
- Baccalaureate (or higher) degree
- One year of full-time clinical nursing experience post-RN licensure
- Current clinical nursing experience, proof of an acceptable nurse refresher course, or proof of a clinical performance examination
- Ability to attend onsite requirement and complete clinical in the U.S. without a student VISA. Canadian students must meet the onsite requirement; may complete clinical in Canada.
- Completion of the WOCNEC Student Handbook course (link will be provided upon receipt of application; course is free).
- Completed application
- Verification of active, unencumbered RN license
- Official BSN transcript; if baccalaureate is in another field, then official nursing and baccalaureate transcripts sent via email to wocnec@emory.edu or postal mail to: WOCNEC, 250 East Ponce De Leon Avenue, Suite 400, Decatur, GA 30030
- Academic evaluation by CGFNS or WES if degree(s) earned outside the U.S.
- Resume or curriculum vitae with dates of employment, including month and year
- Non-refundable application fee
- Marriage certificate or proof of name change if names differ on the submitted documents
- Completion of the Bridge Week and Clinical Informational course upon start of program (course is free).
- Clinical site and preceptor information due 90 days before Bridge Week.
- Pay tuition in full at time of enrollment or choose a payment plan
- Modern browser
- Microsoft Office (or ability to open/edit/upload Microsoft Word documents)
- Video and audio capabilities
- Review the Bridge Week and clinical informational course
- Complete all courses in program (any combination of Wound/Ostomy/Continence plus Professional Practice)
- Attend Bridge Week
- Complete clinical and logs (40 hours per specialty; 120 hours for tri-specialty)*
- Evaluations
*Can deduct Bridge Week hours (26 hours for tri-specialty)
Course Descriptions
Explore Our Courses
General Wound Care Management
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 Ostomy Care
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.
Continence 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.
Understanding Wound Care in Nursing
This program offers an introduction to Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (WOC) nursing, including the history and evolution of the specialty and an overview of the WOC nurse role. Content emphasizes evidence‑based practice, patient and staff education, and professional development. The program also addresses practical considerations for implementing the WOC or specialty nurse role within healthcare organizations.
*WOC Nursing Profession is a required course for all Traditional Pathway students unless:
- You provide a transcript from a WOCN® accredited program showing successful completion of the course within the past year; OR
- You have been continuously WOCNCB® certified via the Traditional Pathway; AND
- You currently work as a WOCNCB® certified WOC nurse in another specialty (e.g., work as a wound care nurse and wish to pursue certification in ostomy).
- All exception decisions are at the sole discretion of the Program Director.
Preceptor Information
Student and Preceptor Requirements
- RN with minimum baccalaureate degree
- Current WOCNCB certification in relevant specialty
- At least 1 year of full-time specialty practice post-WOCNCB certification
- Prior preceptor or nurse educator experience (does not need to be in WOC nursing) OR preceptor workshop or other structured program for preceptors
- Sufficient patient census for expected learning experiences (documented by simple statistics)
NOTE: Most clinical sites require an Affiliation Agreement with Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing for WOC nursing students to participate in clinical. The name and contact information for the person responsible for clinical contracts and/or placements will be very helpful to start the process as it can take some time.
Providers (MDs, NPs, PAs, PTs, RNs, etc.) who specialize in urology, continence, pelvic health, etc. may be eligible to serve as continence only preceptors; WOCNCB certification is not required.
- Full Scope (Tri-Specialty): 120 clinical hours (26 hours earned at Bridge Week; remainder with an approved preceptor).
- Dual Scope (Dual Specialty): 80 clinical hours (14-22 earned at Bridge Week depending on specialties; remainder with an approved preceptor).
- Single Scope (Single Specialty): 40 clinical hours (4-14 earned at Bridge Week depending on specialty; remainder with an approved preceptor).
- We can provide a list of preceptors in your area if needed.
Students are required to submit preceptor and clinical site information 90 days prior to Bridge Week. Clinical rotation links are sent upon the Bridge Week request and confirmation.
Bridge Week
Bridge Week Dates
Bridge Week is an onsite requirement for all Traditional Pathway students and serves as a “bridge” between your didactic learning and your precepted clinical experience. You will have an opportunity to meet the Emory WOCNEC Team and other students from across the country (and Canada), clarify concepts, practice essential psychomotor skills, and start to prepare for certification. You will earn clinical hours at Bridge Week, which will count towards the total clinical hours required for your program of study. Please see the Bridge Week Schedule below for the full list of skills and activities. Bridge Week consistently receives exceptional reviews and is the reason many students choose our program.
There are no tuition or extra fees associated with Bridge Week, but students are responsible for travel expenses to Decatur, GA. Once you arrive in Decatur, the Emory Nursing Learning Center, hotels, restaurants, and the MARTA station are a short walking distance from each other. A group discount code will be provided for the Marriott. Breakfast is included in the rate, we provide lunch, and students typically go to dinner with their new WOC nursing student friends.
- August 4-6
- September 1-3
- October 13-15
- November 17-19
- December 15-17
- January 26-28
- March 9-11
- April 20-22
- June 8-10
- July 20-22
- August 24-26
- October 5-7
- November 9-11
- December 14-16
Policies
WOCNEC Traditional Pathway Policies
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