Wound, ostomy, continence (WOC) nursing plays a critical role in the safe patient care of individuals across the life span and across health care settings (acute care, home care, assisted living, long-term care). As the population ages and with the dramatic surge in chronic illnesses like diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular disease, oncologic disorders, and urinary/fecal incontinence, the demand for WOC specialized nurses is growing rapidly.

WOC nurses (formerly called enterostomal therapists) provide acute and rehabilitative care to people with acute and/or chronic complex wounds, fecal or urinary diversions (ostomies), and/or urinary or fecal incontinence. Specialized WOC nurses are incredibly valuable to health care organizations for their ability to treat pressure ulcers, surgical incisions, draining and traumatic wounds, complex enterocutaneous fistulas, and percutaneous tubes and drains. WOC nurses specialize in care of individuals with disorders of the integumentary, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems.

Benefits to becoming a WOC nurse specialist through Rutgers School of Nursing-Camden wound, ostomy, continence nurse education program (WOCNEP):

• The professional prestige of being a WOC nurse specialist
• The likelihood of higher salary and benefits
• The potential effect on beginning advanced practice education because of graduate credits
• Eligibility to sit for national certification from the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board
• Gaining continuing education credits that your home state may require
• Personal satisfaction of providing quality care to vulnerable patients
• The opportunity to study at an institution renowned for research, scholarship, and academic excellence

The School of Nursing-Camden offers its WOC program as a stand-alone graduate nursing certificate. The three graduate nursing courses (totaling 13 credits) are offered annually (fall, spring, summer) and are comprised of two didactic courses and a 160-hour clinical practicum. The credits may be transferred into doctor of nursing practice (D.N.P.) degree programs since they are graduate level. Students must have their baccalaureate degree in nursing to apply for this program.

Students who complete the School of Nursing-Camden WOCNEP are qualified to sit for the wound, ostomy, continence nursing certification exams offered by the WOC Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB). WOCN certification is recognized by the American Nurses Association.