[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text]4-6 years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Degree Requirements[/hen-ui-text]BSN or higher[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-center”][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Certification[/hen-ui-text]Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nearly 2.5% of the U.S. population has a chronic wound, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13696998.2023.2232256″ target=”_blank”]new evidence[/hen-ui-link] shows that those numbers are rising among Medicare beneficiaries under age 65.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/wound-care-nurse/”]Wound care nurses[/hen-ui-link] are [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurses (RN)[/hen-ui-link] with specialized skills and expertise in wound care. They can be certified in wound care, continence, ostomies, foot care, or all four.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Review the steps needed to become a wound care nurse, important certifications, and salary potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Wound Care Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wound care and ostomy nurses work in wound care centers, hospitals, home care agencies, and residential care facilities. They collaborate with wound care providers to identify wound types and select the most appropriate treatment plan to promote wound healing. They also dress wounds, educate patients and their families, and prepare patients for diagnostic tests, treatments, and procedures.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many wound care nurses are particularly skilled in managing colostomies or “ostomies,” a group of surgically created openings that allow waste to leave the body through the abdomen. Wound care nurses have a thorough understanding of ostomy function, when and how to change ostomy pouches and bags, and how to keep the opening and skin healthy and intact.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wound care nurses must have an eye for detail to identify subtle changes in the appearance of wounds and ostomies. They also need to have good teamwork and time management skills.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wocncb.org/” target=”_blank”]Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board[/hen-ui-link] (WOCNCB), more than 10,000 certified wound care nurses exist.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a certified wound care nurse can increase your employment opportunities, including as a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/travel-nurse/”]travel nurse[/hen-ui-link]. It also could raise your salary potential and lead to greater professional satisfaction.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Wound Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a wound care nurse begins with earning a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] degree from an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accredited program[/hen-ui-link]. After graduation, you must meet all [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]licensure requirements in your state[/hen-ui-link]. Then, to become an RN, you must take and pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]Nursing Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most employers prefer certified wound care nurses certified in basic life support or advanced cardiac life support.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn a BSN Degree From an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A BSN generally takes four years and is required to become a certified wound care nurse. However, this time can vary depending on your schedule and prior education or work experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can also earn a BSN by first earning a two-year [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link], then completing an[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”] RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link] in about 8-24 months. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field may complete an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN program[/hen-ui-link] in as little as 16 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every state in the U.S. requires nurse candidates to pass the NCLEX exam to get an initial nursing license. The test determines whether it is safe for an entry-level nurse to begin practice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/how-to-master-nclex-style-test-questions/”]NCLEX exam uses a variety of question types[/hen-ui-link] organized into client-needs categories. You are only required to pass the NCLEX once. If you need a nursing license in another state, you do not need to retake the test.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Wound Care Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New RNs needing wound care experience may seek employment in areas where patients with wounds are commonly treated. This includes a diabetes care unit, wound care unit, oncology unit, or critical care.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming a Certified Wound Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Several organizations, such as t[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wocncb.org/UserFiles/file/24ComparisonChecklist-v9.pdf” target=”_blank”]he WOCNCB[/hen-ui-link], offer multiple certifications for wound care nurses. Certification validates a nurse’s knowledge and experience. The eligibility requirements for certification vary depending on the organization.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Wound Care Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The minimum degree required to work as a wound care nurse is a BSN. If seeking wound care certification, additional education in wound care may be required by the certifying organization.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification options are also available for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link]. This category of nurse — a group that includes [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioners[/hen-ui-link], clinical nurse specialists, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/”]nurse-midwives[/hen-ui-link], and certified registered nurse anesthetists — hold advanced degrees and specialty certifications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] is the minimum education required to become a wound care nurse. The program generally takes four years to complete for full-time students. The curriculum often involves evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. A BSN makes you eligible for entry into a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]graduate nursing program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: BSN programs may require 30 college credits, certain prerequisite courses, and a minimum GPA of around 3.0. Check with your program for specifics.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: BSN coursework contains pathophysiology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, foundational nursing practice, nursing care of age groups and disease processes, self-care, and preventive care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Students generally complete a BSN program in four years. Students with a BSN in a non-nursing program may complete an accelerated BSN in as little as 16 months.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Accredited BSN programs must include a specific number of clinical hours, up to 800 hours. Students learn patient care, such as taking blood pressure, changing a dressing, or starting an intravenous line. They also learn leadership, critical thinking skills, public health, cultural awareness, and administration.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Wound Care Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A wound care nurse must hold an active and unencumbered registered nursing license in the state to become certified. A wound care nurse may also hold an APRN license. States require RNs and APRNS to renew their license. The requirements for renewal vary by state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most employers want certified wound care nurses to guide and direct their wound care treatments and protocols. Several organizations offer certification. Testing requirements for certification are the most rigorous through the WOCNCB.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]WOCNCB test eligibility is determined in one of two ways:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate from one of the eight accredited WOC nursing programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Complete 1,500-4,500 practice hours in wound care and obtain a certain number of continuing education credits (depending on the type of certification you seek).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specialty certifications include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Wound Care Nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Ostomy Care Nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Continence Care Nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified Foot Care Nurse[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may also seek certification through the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy. One of the eligibility requirements is either a completed wound and skin care course or certification from the WOCNCB. You must also complete 120 hours of hands-on clinical training or two years of full-time (or four years part-time) experience in the care of patients with wounds.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Board of Wound Healing offers a certified skin and wound specialist certification requiring two years of experience in the hospital or outpatient setting with training as a wound care assistant. You must also complete 200 hours of training and active practice each year in the past two years. In addition, you must complete 20 [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education units[/hen-ui-link] and core competencies in wound care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Wound Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A wound care nurse’s responsibilities may vary depending on the work setting. Certified wound care nurses work in various settings, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Outpatient treatment facilities, including wound care centers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diabetes clinics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Hospitals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing homes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oncology facilities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The nature of a patient’s wound and your work as a wound care nurse will vary depending on the care setting and patient population. For example, patients in a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8024242/” target=”_blank”]diabetic clinic[/hen-ui-link] more often have chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds for which the wound care nurse must apply supplemental interventions. However, a wound care nurse may only be consulted once or twice for a surgical wound on a patient with no chronic conditions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The added education and certification may not drastically increase a wound care nurse’s salary potential, but it does improve work-life balance and employment opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wound care nurses earn an average salary of $101,710, compared to an average salary of $87,870 for all RNs, according to ZipRecruiter.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before pursuing additional education and certification, it’s helpful to know the salary range for a wound care nurse in your geographical area.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Wound Care Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a wound care nurse do?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wound care nurses collaborate with wound care providers to identify wound types and select the most appropriate treatment plan to promote wound healing. They also dress wounds, educate patients and their families, and prepare patients for tests, treatments, and procedures.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to get a degree in wound care nursing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While there is no degree specifically in wound care nursing, the minimum degree required to work as a wound care nurse is a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). Generally, a BSN education takes about four years to attain.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it worth becoming a wound care nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a certified wound care nurse can increase professional opportunities and salary potential. Wound care nurses make an average yearly salary of $101,710 compared to $87,870 for RNs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is wound care certification hard?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The difficulty of the testing depends on your level of training and experience in wound care. Wound care nurses must recertify every five years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”my-8″]This page was last reviewed on August 4, 2024[/hen-ui-text]