Online Diabetic Wound Management
Prepare for the Diabetic Wound Care certification exam with our online course.
Save Lives and Limbs
WCEI's self-paced, online Diabetic Wound Management course focuses on overall diabetic wound care and the promotion of an optimal healing environment. Our course prepares you for the Diabetic Wound Certified (DWC) certification exam through the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO).
Online learning
Our course offers the flexibility to advance your education without disrupting your life. Benefits of this course include:
- Learning at your own pace with a six-month access period
- Starting and pausing course modules at any time
- Engaging lessons designed to increase material retention
Certification exam
If you intend to take the certification exam, a minimum of two years of full-time or four years of part-time wound care experience is required to be successful.
After registering for our course, select a credentialing board, complete their exam application, and pay their certification fees. The credentialing board determines your exam eligibility.
NAWCO administers its certification exams at PSI Testing Centers throughout the U.S.
Contact
Contact NAWCO for exam-related questions.
- NAWCO: 877-922-6292
Success commitment
We're here to help you succeed! If you don’t pass your credentialing exam after completing one of our courses, we'll provide you with six months of free access to the online Diabetic Wound Management course. Email a copy of your exam results within 30 days of receiving them to [email protected].
Intended audience
This course is intended for multiple professions including nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals interested in wound care.
Credits
| Nurses: | 39 contact hours |
| Physical therapists: | 39 contact hours |
| Physicians / Physician Assistants (PAs) | 39 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ |
| Dietitians: | 39 CPEUs |
Important accreditation notice for occupational therapists
This course isn't accredited for continuing education (CE) credit for occupational therapists. However, a certificate of completion will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certificate may be submitted as documentation to fulfill eligibility requirements for the NAWCO certification exam, in accordance with their current standards.
Disclosures
None of the planners/faculty, unless otherwise noted, for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Accreditation Information
In support of improving patient care, Relias LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
As a Jointly Accredited organization, Relias LLC is accredited to offer dietetic continuing education by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The CDR is an associate member of Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education.
Completion of this RD/DTR profession-specific or IPCE activity awards CPEUs (1 IPCE credit=1 CPEU).
If the activity is dietetics related by not targeted to RDs or DTRs, CPEUs may be claimed which are commensurate with participation in contact hours (1 hour/60 minutes=1 CPEU).
RDs and DTRs are to select activity type 102 in their Activity logs. Performance Indicator selection is at the learner's discretion.
Relias LLC is a licensed physical therapy continuing Education sponsor (#216.000290) by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Certificates must be retained by the licensee for a period of five years after course completion. Please check with your state for prior approval.
Tuition Rate
$1,897 Initial certification
$997 Alumni student
Recertification Information
Certification exam fees: Fees are not included in the tuition rate. Select a credentialing board, complete their exam application, and pay exam fees.
For information on hosting a course at your organization, visit our Host a Course page.
Included with Tuition
- Self-paced learning with access to course modules for six months
- Contact hours upon completion (Visit the Certificates section)
- Digital course resources
- Exam prep tools, including end-of-lesson knowledge quizzes
- Pre-exam certification review
Ongoing education
- Nurses: Free one-year Nurse.com Premium membership
- Physical therapists, occupational therapists, or dietitians: Free one-year subscription to Relias Academy
- Physicians: Access to free CMEs on FreeCME.com
Schedule
Once the course is purchased, you have six months to complete all thirteen modules at your own pace. After completing the online course, work with your selected credentialing board to schedule your certification exam at a testing center.
Online modules
- Section 1 Foundations of Diabetes Management
- Section 2 Neuropathy
- Section 3 Cutaneous Aspects of Diabetes
- Section 4 Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Wound Healing
- Section 5 Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam
- Section 6 Diabetic Foot Ulcer Infection
- Section 7 Principles of Wound Management
- Section 8 Topical Wound Management
- Section 9 Treatment Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Section 10 Adjunctive Therapies Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment
- Section 11 Treatment of Charcot Neuropathic Osteoarthropathy
- Section 12 Offloading the Diabetic Foot
- Section 13 Nutrition, Depression and Pain
- Section 14 Peripheral Arterial Disease and Diabetes
- Section 15 Amputation and Limb Care
- Section 16 Care of Skin and Nails Neuropathic Foot
- Section 17 Interdisciplinary Concepts
Learning objectives
- Describe the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Discuss overall epidemiology of diabetes and incidence of diabetic foot ulcers.
- Discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the foot.
- Describe the gait cycle.
- Identify two of the major functions of normal gait.
- List the six clinical presentations of diabetic neuropathy.
- List the neuropathic pain descriptors of distal symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy.
- Differentiate characteristics of somatic and autonomic nervous system.
- Identify five components of a comprehensive diabetes foot exam.
- Summarize risk factors, causes and classification of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).
- Name and explain characteristics of at least three common skin complications associated with diabetes.
- Discuss overall effects of diabetes and impaired wound healing.
- Classify diabetic foot infections and choose treatments based on classification.
- Summarize assessment findings and treatment recommendations for diabetic foot ulcer complicated by osteomyelitis.
- Explain the theory of moist wound healing.
- Identify five factors which enhance or impede the wound healing process.
- Identify five different dressing categories for topical wound management.
- Select safe topical treatment options based upon wound assessment and goal of wound care.
- Select appropriate diabetic foot ulcer treatments and interventions based upon wound characteristics and goal of treatment.
- Demonstrate procedure for conservative sharp debridement.
- Explain the rationale for offloading and footwear in the patient with neuropathy.
- Distinguish at what point in the diabetic wound one should consider “adjuvant therapy".
- Explain the importance of nutritional interventions and glucose control for the wounded diabetic.
- Describe and differentiate examples of diabetes related distress and diabetes associated depression.
- Define two clinical terms associated with pain.
- Identify four characteristics of peripheral arterial disease.
- Summarize types of pain and potential complications experienced post amputation.
- Demonstrate application of total contact cast.
- Summarize basic nail and skin care recommendations for the person with diabetes.
- Describe three interventions or methods to assist patient in compliance with care plan.
- Demonstrate procedure for trimming and filing of toenails.
- List three types of adult learners and describe one example of each.
- Discuss importance of evidence based standards of care, and specify examples of two diabetes associated practice guidelines.
Will certification actually help my career?
Studies show that certified nurses are preferred over non-certified nurses for job opportunities and promotions. Many of our alumni have reported salary increases up to 20%, new leadership roles, and greater professional recognition after certification. Additionally, employers highly value wound care, diabetic wound care, or ostomy credentials, as they demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care.
What does it mean to be wound care certified?
Being wound care certified means more than just having letters after your name. It means you’re committed to continuous learning and providing excellent care. You develop an in-depth clinical knowledge and proficiency in current standards of care versus existing trends. You stay current on the latest wound care trends and products, and you remain dedicated to using evidence-based practices to give patients a better quality of life.
Will I really be prepared for the exam?
Absolutely! Our courses are designed to build confidence in both clinical practice and exam success. In fact, 90% of WCEI alumni reported they felt prepared for their certification exam after taking our course, and 97% have successfully earned their certification. Our alumni consistently praise our comprehensive course materials, expert instructors, and interactive study tools as key factors in their success. Plus, if you don’t pass the exam, we stand by you with our Success Commitment — providing six months of free course access so you can continue preparing for the exam and reach your goal.
I’m worried about the cost of the course.
Investing in your education is a big decision. That’s why we offer flexible financing options through Affirm and employer reimbursement guidance to help make certification more accessible. Many of our learners have successfully received financial support from their employers — our team can help you build a case for funding. (See this blog)
I don’t have time to take the course.
Your schedule can be demanding, which is why we offer multiple learning formats to fit your needs so you can balance your education with work and life responsibilities. Our on-site and live online courses offer deep learning over four days, while our online self-paced course let’s you learn at your own pace over six months.
Do I meet the eligibility requirements?
Each certification has different eligibility requirements, and we’re happy to walk you through them! The good news is that WCEI offers multiple certification pathways, including courses that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact us — we’ll help you find the best path to certification based on your credentials and experience.
I’m already trained in wound care. Why does certification matter?
Having wound care training is valuable, but certification takes your expertise to the next level—providing professional credibility, career advancement opportunities, and a clear demonstration of your skills and dedication to excellence in wound care to your employer, colleagues, and patients. WCEI education prepares you for NAWCO and ABWM certification—leaders in wound care credentialing in the U.S. So no matter where your career takes you, your certification will be a valuable credential that is nationally recognized and respected, setting you apart in the field of wound care.
Overview
Save Lives and Limbs
WCEI's self-paced, online Diabetic Wound Management course focuses on overall diabetic wound care and the promotion of an optimal healing environment. Our course prepares you for the Diabetic Wound Certified (DWC) certification exam through the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO).
Online learning
Our course offers the flexibility to advance your education without disrupting your life. Benefits of this course include:
- Learning at your own pace with a six-month access period
- Starting and pausing course modules at any time
- Engaging lessons designed to increase material retention
Certification exam
If you intend to take the certification exam, a minimum of two years of full-time or four years of part-time wound care experience is required to be successful.
After registering for our course, select a credentialing board, complete their exam application, and pay their certification fees. The credentialing board determines your exam eligibility.
NAWCO administers its certification exams at PSI Testing Centers throughout the U.S.
Contact
Contact NAWCO for exam-related questions.
- NAWCO: 877-922-6292
Success commitment
We're here to help you succeed! If you don’t pass your credentialing exam after completing one of our courses, we'll provide you with six months of free access to the online Diabetic Wound Management course. Email a copy of your exam results within 30 days of receiving them to [email protected].
Certificates
Intended audience
This course is intended for multiple professions including nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals interested in wound care.
Credits
| Nurses: | 39 contact hours |
| Physical therapists: | 39 contact hours |
| Physicians / Physician Assistants (PAs) | 39 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ |
| Dietitians: | 39 CPEUs |
Important accreditation notice for occupational therapists
This course isn't accredited for continuing education (CE) credit for occupational therapists. However, a certificate of completion will be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certificate may be submitted as documentation to fulfill eligibility requirements for the NAWCO certification exam, in accordance with their current standards.
Disclosures
None of the planners/faculty, unless otherwise noted, for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.
Accreditation Information
In support of improving patient care, Relias LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
As a Jointly Accredited organization, Relias LLC is accredited to offer dietetic continuing education by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The CDR is an associate member of Joint Accreditation for Interprofessional Continuing Education.
Completion of this RD/DTR profession-specific or IPCE activity awards CPEUs (1 IPCE credit=1 CPEU).
If the activity is dietetics related by not targeted to RDs or DTRs, CPEUs may be claimed which are commensurate with participation in contact hours (1 hour/60 minutes=1 CPEU).
RDs and DTRs are to select activity type 102 in their Activity logs. Performance Indicator selection is at the learner's discretion.
Relias LLC is a licensed physical therapy continuing Education sponsor (#216.000290) by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Certificates must be retained by the licensee for a period of five years after course completion. Please check with your state for prior approval.
Tuition Cost
Tuition Rate
$1,897 Initial certification
$997 Alumni student
Recertification Information
Certification exam fees: Fees are not included in the tuition rate. Select a credentialing board, complete their exam application, and pay exam fees.
For information on hosting a course at your organization, visit our Host a Course page.
Included with Tuition
- Self-paced learning with access to course modules for six months
- Contact hours upon completion (Visit the Certificates section)
- Digital course resources
- Exam prep tools, including end-of-lesson knowledge quizzes
- Pre-exam certification review
Ongoing education
- Nurses: Free one-year Nurse.com Premium membership
- Physical therapists, occupational therapists, or dietitians: Free one-year subscription to Relias Academy
- Physicians: Access to free CMEs on FreeCME.com
Schedule & Content
Schedule
Once the course is purchased, you have six months to complete all thirteen modules at your own pace. After completing the online course, work with your selected credentialing board to schedule your certification exam at a testing center.
Online modules
- Section 1 Foundations of Diabetes Management
- Section 2 Neuropathy
- Section 3 Cutaneous Aspects of Diabetes
- Section 4 Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Wound Healing
- Section 5 Comprehensive Diabetic Foot Exam
- Section 6 Diabetic Foot Ulcer Infection
- Section 7 Principles of Wound Management
- Section 8 Topical Wound Management
- Section 9 Treatment Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Section 10 Adjunctive Therapies Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment
- Section 11 Treatment of Charcot Neuropathic Osteoarthropathy
- Section 12 Offloading the Diabetic Foot
- Section 13 Nutrition, Depression and Pain
- Section 14 Peripheral Arterial Disease and Diabetes
- Section 15 Amputation and Limb Care
- Section 16 Care of Skin and Nails Neuropathic Foot
- Section 17 Interdisciplinary Concepts
Learning objectives
- Describe the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Discuss overall epidemiology of diabetes and incidence of diabetic foot ulcers.
- Discuss the basic anatomy and physiology of the foot.
- Describe the gait cycle.
- Identify two of the major functions of normal gait.
- List the six clinical presentations of diabetic neuropathy.
- List the neuropathic pain descriptors of distal symmetrical sensorimotor polyneuropathy.
- Differentiate characteristics of somatic and autonomic nervous system.
- Identify five components of a comprehensive diabetes foot exam.
- Summarize risk factors, causes and classification of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).
- Name and explain characteristics of at least three common skin complications associated with diabetes.
- Discuss overall effects of diabetes and impaired wound healing.
- Classify diabetic foot infections and choose treatments based on classification.
- Summarize assessment findings and treatment recommendations for diabetic foot ulcer complicated by osteomyelitis.
- Explain the theory of moist wound healing.
- Identify five factors which enhance or impede the wound healing process.
- Identify five different dressing categories for topical wound management.
- Select safe topical treatment options based upon wound assessment and goal of wound care.
- Select appropriate diabetic foot ulcer treatments and interventions based upon wound characteristics and goal of treatment.
- Demonstrate procedure for conservative sharp debridement.
- Explain the rationale for offloading and footwear in the patient with neuropathy.
- Distinguish at what point in the diabetic wound one should consider “adjuvant therapy".
- Explain the importance of nutritional interventions and glucose control for the wounded diabetic.
- Describe and differentiate examples of diabetes related distress and diabetes associated depression.
- Define two clinical terms associated with pain.
- Identify four characteristics of peripheral arterial disease.
- Summarize types of pain and potential complications experienced post amputation.
- Demonstrate application of total contact cast.
- Summarize basic nail and skin care recommendations for the person with diabetes.
- Describe three interventions or methods to assist patient in compliance with care plan.
- Demonstrate procedure for trimming and filing of toenails.
- List three types of adult learners and describe one example of each.
- Discuss importance of evidence based standards of care, and specify examples of two diabetes associated practice guidelines.
FAQs
Will certification actually help my career?
Studies show that certified nurses are preferred over non-certified nurses for job opportunities and promotions. Many of our alumni have reported salary increases up to 20%, new leadership roles, and greater professional recognition after certification. Additionally, employers highly value wound care, diabetic wound care, or ostomy credentials, as they demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care.
What does it mean to be wound care certified?
Being wound care certified means more than just having letters after your name. It means you’re committed to continuous learning and providing excellent care. You develop an in-depth clinical knowledge and proficiency in current standards of care versus existing trends. You stay current on the latest wound care trends and products, and you remain dedicated to using evidence-based practices to give patients a better quality of life.
Will I really be prepared for the exam?
Absolutely! Our courses are designed to build confidence in both clinical practice and exam success. In fact, 90% of WCEI alumni reported they felt prepared for their certification exam after taking our course, and 97% have successfully earned their certification. Our alumni consistently praise our comprehensive course materials, expert instructors, and interactive study tools as key factors in their success. Plus, if you don’t pass the exam, we stand by you with our Success Commitment — providing six months of free course access so you can continue preparing for the exam and reach your goal.
I’m worried about the cost of the course.
Investing in your education is a big decision. That’s why we offer flexible financing options through Affirm and employer reimbursement guidance to help make certification more accessible. Many of our learners have successfully received financial support from their employers — our team can help you build a case for funding. (See this blog)
I don’t have time to take the course.
Your schedule can be demanding, which is why we offer multiple learning formats to fit your needs so you can balance your education with work and life responsibilities. Our on-site and live online courses offer deep learning over four days, while our online self-paced course let’s you learn at your own pace over six months.
Do I meet the eligibility requirements?
Each certification has different eligibility requirements, and we’re happy to walk you through them! The good news is that WCEI offers multiple certification pathways, including courses that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact us — we’ll help you find the best path to certification based on your credentials and experience.
I’m already trained in wound care. Why does certification matter?
Having wound care training is valuable, but certification takes your expertise to the next level—providing professional credibility, career advancement opportunities, and a clear demonstration of your skills and dedication to excellence in wound care to your employer, colleagues, and patients. WCEI education prepares you for NAWCO and ABWM certification—leaders in wound care credentialing in the U.S. So no matter where your career takes you, your certification will be a valuable credential that is nationally recognized and respected, setting you apart in the field of wound care.
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Skin + Wound Management
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What Others Say Matters
-
I would absolutely recommend taking the wound care certification course. I thought I knew what I was doing before the course, but after, I'm more confident and can just build on those skills. I don’t think anybody should be doing wound care without the certification. It just adds so much to your knowledge and confidence by knowing what you’re doing to treat wounds. And since my colleague and both I got certified, our wound care rates are through the roof — they’re just amazing!
Tara S, FNP, WCC, Carroll County Memorial Hospital -
I'm a Registered Dietitian working in a Long-Term Care Facility. After talking with a fellow worker, I decided to pursue the NWCC certification to advance my understanding and competency in wound care from a nutritional perspective. I learned so much and now have the knowledge to support the wound care team with proper nutritional interventions. I'm also grateful for the recognition and respect of the nurses and physicians on our team.
Tami P, MS, RD, NWCC