The Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden Wound Ostomy Continence (WOC) Nurse Certificate program prepares highly skilled nurses who care for vulnerable patients across multiple healthcare settings such as home care, assisted living, and long-term care. WOC nurses are vital members of health care teams who make an impact on the quality of life for patients and their families. Certification in the 'hot' specialty of WOC nursing can transform your career – our nationally accredited, graduate-level program offers students the convenience of either online or on-campus formats at a competitive tuition rate.
Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse Certification
Admissions Information
How to Apply
Application Deadline
August 30
Program Begins
Each September
Program Information
Information Sessions
Accreditation
- Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
Questions?
(856) 225-2318
gradsnc@camden.rutgers.edu
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 ulcers, 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, fully accredited by the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society, is one of only two graduate nursing certificate programs in the nation. In addition, the WOC nursing specialty is recognized by the American Nurses Association. Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden WOC program graduates are qualified to sit for the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Exams offered by the WOC Nursing Certification Board.
Convenient Formats
On-Campus
The on-campus format combines exceptional classroom instruction with clinical experience and provides three graduate nursing courses totaling 13 credits. Two (5)-credit didactic courses are taught during fall and spring semesters in a once weekly, late afternoon-early evening format. 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
The online format consists of an online synchronous meeting once a week plus asynchronous activities and provides three graduate nursing courses totaling 13 credits. Two (5)-credit didactic theory courses are taught entirely online during fall and spring semesters. The (3)-credit clinical practicum requires a one and a half day visit to campus, 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) 225-2318, or email gradsnc@camden.rutgers.edu. You may also contact WOC Program Director Janice M. Beitz by emailing janice.beitz@camden.rutgers.edu.