Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Education Program

As baby boomers continue to age, an expected surge in chronic illness will dramatically increase demand for WOC nurse specialists. Health care organizations and family caregivers greatly value WOC nurses for their advanced knowledge and skill in treating a wide range of critical issues: pressure injuries, surgical incisions, wounds, complex fistulas, tubes and drains. WOC nurses provide highly-skilled acute and rehabilitative care to people with complex wounds, fecal or urinary ostomies, and incontinence. They are expert clinicians, consultants, and educators across a wide variety of health care settings.

Why Become a WOC Nurse?

• Professional prestige of being a nurse specialist.
• Increased potential to demand higher salary and benefits.
• Acquire graduate-level nursing credits.
• Personal satisfaction of providing quality care to vulnerable patients.
• Study at an institution renowned for research, scholarship, and academic excellence.

Nationally Accredited, Graduate-Level Program

Our program is fully accredited by the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society and is one of the only graduate-level nursing certificate program in the nation. In addition, our WOC nursing specialty is recognized by the American Nurses Association. Graduates of the Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden WOC program are qualified to sit for the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Exams offered by the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), which began certifying nurses in 1978. The WOCNCB certification is valid in every state.

Convenient Formats

On-Campus

• Provides three graduate nursing courses totaling 13 credits.
• Combines exceptional classroom instruction with clinical experience.
• Two (5)-credit didactic courses are taught during fall and spring semesters in a once weekly, late afternoon-early evening format.
• A three-credit course including a 160-hour clinical preceptorship is offered in the summer.

Experienced faculty, distinguished WOC nurses, and interprofessional colleagues present on topics including wound care, urinary and fecal diversions (ostomy), and urinary/fecal incontinence. The (3)-credit clinical course component consists of a 160-hour clinical practicum with an expert credentialed preceptor, plus a bi-weekly class that meets in the summer semester.

Online

• Provides three graduate nursing courses totaling 13 credits.
• Consists of an online synchronous meeting once a week plus asynchronous activities.
• Two (5)-credit didactic theory courses are taught entirely online during fall and spring semesters.

The (3)-credit summer clinical practicum requires a one and a half day virtual immersion, a 160-hour clinical practicum with a credentialed preceptor, and periodic online synchronous meetings during summer sessions.

Questions?

Let us show you how our Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse Certification (WOC) program can fit your academic plans and career goals. Please call (856) 225-6718, or email gradsnc@camden.rutgers.edu. You may also contact WOC Program Director Janice M. Beitz by emailing janice.beitz@camden.rutgers.edu.