WOC Traditional Pathway

Requirements

The Traditional Pathway is a blended education program. It is comprised of online clinical courses, onsite skills training (Bridge Week), a comprehensive final exam, clinical with an approved preceptor, and completion of the professional practice course.

Requirements

Admissions Requirements:
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Baccalaureate (or higher) degree
  • One year of clinical nursing experience post RN licensure
  • Current, clinical nursing experience OR proof of an acceptable nurse refresher course OR proof of a clinical performance examination
Application Requirements:
  • Completed Application
  • Verification of active, unencumbered RN license
  • Official BSN transcript; if baccalaureate in another field, then official nursing and baccalaureate transcripts
  • Have the University email an Official E-transcript to wocnec@emory.edu or postal mail an Official Transcript to:  WOCNEC, 250 East Ponce De Leon Avenue, Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030
  • International students must have official transcripts translated by CGFNS
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) with dates of employment (include month and year)
  • Non-refundable Application Fee
  • Marriage certificate or proof of name change IF names differ on the submitted documents
Requirements AFTER Application is Approved:
  • Clinical Preceptor Plan (due 90 days before Bridge Week)
Payment Requirements:
  • Pay tuition in full at time of enrollment or choose a payment plan
  • Application fee is non-refundable

If you have any questions about the admission or application requirements, please contact us before applying.

Join us for a Virtual Information Session. Information Sessions are a great opportunity to connect with our administration and instructor teams to learn more about our programs including admission criteria, program methodology, and graduation requirements.

COMPUTER RECOMMENDATIONS:

HARDWARE

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 (or equivalent AMD processor)
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Hard Disk: 500 GB SATA or 256 GB solid drive (SSD)
  • Removable Storage: Not necessary
  • Display: 1024x768 minimum (1280x800.13" display or larger would be better)
  • Networking: WiFi 802.11g (802.11n better, 802.11ac best)
  • Operating System: Windows 10 home premium or higher, Mac OS 10.13.6 High Sierra or higher

SOFTWARE

  • Modern Browser: Inbternet Explorer 11, Firefox (latest version), Chrome (latest version)
  • Microsoft Office
  • Anti-virus & Malware

Course Descriptions

All courses are online, asynchronous, and self-paced. Students are allowed 90 days online access for Wound, 90 days for Ostomy didactic, 60 days for Continence didactic and 45 days for Professional Practice didactic. Students can follow an accelerated schedule if desired, as it is self-paced. The courses include learning objectives, required readings, video lectures, podcasts, learning activities, quizzes, and exams. A score of 80% is required for all graded assignments, quizzes, and exams. WOCNEC is on a rolling calendar and once the application is approved and the Wound, Ostomy or Continence course is purchased, the student will start immediately.

Wound Course - (90 Days Didactic)

  • general skin care
  • prevention and management of pressure injuries
  • differential assessment and interventions for lower extremity ulcers, e.g., arterial, venous and neuropathic
  • principles of wound debridement
  • appropriate and cost effective topical therapy
  • appropriate and cost effective utilization of support surfaces
  • systemic support for wound healing
  • diabetic foot care

Ostomy Course - (90 Days Didactic)

  • stoma site marking
  • management of small bowel, large bowel and urinary diversions
  • product selection
  • sexual counseling/rehabilitation care
  • continent diversions

Continence Course - (60 Days Didactic)

  • assessment for causative and contributing factors
  • conservative management
  • CIC, pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, fluid and diet management, behavioral therapies (toileting programs), absorptive and containment product

Professional Practice - (Required Course/45 Days Didactic)*

  • marketing issues and strategies
  • reimbursement issues
  • legal issues
  • collaborative practice guidelines
  • establishing nurse run clinics

*Professional Practice is a required course for all Traditional Pathway students unless taken previously from a WOCN® accredited program. Transcript is required for exemption.

Certificate Options

Preceptor Information

Requirements

  • RN with a Baccalaureate Degree
  • Current Board Certification
  • At least one (1) year of full-time clinical experience as a WOC Nurse post certification
  • Sufficient patient census to provide needed learning experiences - this must be documented by simple statistics.

Most clinical sites require an affiliation agreement with Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. WOCNEC will work with the appropriate individuals in your identified clinical agency to establish the agreement. Establishment of an affiliation agreement can take a significant amount of time, so it is critical for us to get this information as soon as possible.

Student Preceptor Information

  • Full scope students are required to complete 120 hours of clinical with an approved preceptor.
  • Dual scope students are required to complete 80 hours of clinical with an approved preceptor.
  • Single scope students are required to complete 40 hours of clinical with an approved preceptor.

Students are required to submit their preceptor and clinical site information 90 days prior to their scheduled Bridge Week. Clinical rotation links are sent to the student upon Bridge Week request and confirmation.

New to Precepting?
Download the preceptor self-study packet.

Need a WOC Nurse?
Visit the WOC nurse preceptor directory.

Bridge Week

Bridge Week is a mandatory component of the traditional pathway. It is a “bridge” between theory and application in order to prepare students for their clinical experience. Bridge Week provides students an opportunity to network with other WOC nursing students, meet the instructors, clarify concepts, and perform hands-on skills and competencies.

The Bridge Week tuition is included for traditional students. Emory is not responsible for any travel, lodging, or other costs associated with coming to Atlanta for Bridge Week.

Bridge Week is not actually a “week”. Students attend the sessions that correlate with their program of study. The sessions are color coded by specialty. Click here for the Generic Bridge Week Schedule.

Please join one of our Information Sessions if you have questions, or email us at wocnec@emory.edu.

2023 Bridge Week Dates
  • Jan 9-12
  • Feb 6-9
  • March 6-9
  • Mar 27-30
  • April 24-27
  • May 22-25
  • Jun 26-29
  • Jul 17-20
  • Aug 7-10
  • Sep 12-14
  • Oct 10-12
  • Nov 14-16
  • Dec 5-7

2024 Bridge Week Dates
  • Jan 23-25
  • March 5-7
  • April 16-18
  • May 28-30
  • Jul 9-11
  • Aug 20-22
  • Oct 1- Oct 3
  • Nov 12-14
  • Dec 10-12

All health and related documents required for Clinical are due 8 weeks prior to Bridge Week. Click here to view a list of the requirements. All clinical courses must be completed at least 2 weeks prior to Bridge Week attendance. The comprehensive Final Exam is taken before Bridge Week. Students may not begin clinical until they attend Bridge Week and complete the Professional Practice course.

Tuition Costs and Policies

FAQ