Live Online Ostomy Management Certification
Prepare for the Ostomy Management Specialist certification exam with our live online course.
Improve Outcomes for Ostomy Patients
Each year, thousands face life changing surgeries to correct gastrointestinal or urinary tract disorders. Ostomy specialists are trained to understand both the physiological and emotional challenges people with stomas face after these procedures.
Developed and taught by an ostomy-certified instructor, this four-day live online course prepares you for the Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) certification exam with real-world training you can immediately put into practice.
Live online learning
- Connect with your peers in a virtual classroom.
- Engaging lessons increase material retention.
- Course resources including knowledge checks, practice exams and more ensure exam readiness.
Instructor
This course is taught by Joy Hooper, RN, BSN, CWOCN, OMS, WCC, AWCC, a dynamic, passionate Ostomy Management expert.
Certification exam
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.
The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO) administers its certification exams at PSI Testing Centers throughout the U.S.
Contact NAWCO at 877-922-6292 for exam-related questions.
Success commitment
We're here to help you succeed! If you don’t pass your credentialing exam after completing one of our courses, we will provide you with six months of free access to the online Ostomy Management course. Email a copy of your exam results within 30 days of receiving them to [email protected].
Credits
| Nurses: | 36 contact hours |
| Physical therapists: | 36 contact hours |
| Physicians / Physician Assistants (PAs) | 36 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ |
| Dietitians: | 36 CPEUs |
Contact hours include 6.0 hours for completion of the required pre-course modules.
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.
Accreditation information
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.
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.
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 5 years after course completion. Please check with your state for prior approval.
Tuition Rate
$2,097 Initial certification
$1,997 Alumni Student
Certification Exam and Recertification Fee: Fees are not included in the tuition rate. You will need to select a credentialing board, complete their exam application, and pay exam fees.
Group Code: A group code identifies a course tuition rate for organizations who have an agreement with WCEI. The code is given to individuals associated with the organization who are taking a course. The code, if applicable, must be used when registering for the course.
What you get with WCEI courses:
- Premium Content: Our course content is updated and reviewed by industry professionals at a minimum of every three years. We pride ourselves on having the most current, up to date course content in the industry.
- Learner Supportive Platform: Our wound care courses are hosted on the propriety Relias Live Learning Management System.
- Flexible Payment Options: We offer a variety of flexible payment options through Affirm.
- Continuous Learning: We provide continuing education throughout your career.
Learn more about how WCEI stands out from our competitors.
Included with tuition
- Online pre-class modules
- Live instructor-led education
- Contact hours upon completion (visit Certificates tab)
- WCEI Ostomy Management Course workbook
- 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
Live online schedule
Participants in the Ostomy Management course must complete the eight sections of computer-based pre-course training, attend the live sessions in their entirety, and submit the electronic evaluation form to receive CE credits. Schedules can vary, so please refer to your specific course dates for more information.
Pre-course modules (8 hours)
Days 1–4
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Classroom training
Day 5
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Exam information
The exam is available at a PSI testing center or an online live proctor. If testing with NAWCO, please call 877-922-6292 to make arrangements. Certification exams are offered by the credentialing boards.
Curriculum
Pre-course modules
- General Overview of Ostomy Care
- Principles of Wound Management
- Gastrointestinal System
- Gastrointestinal Ostomies
- GI Disorders That May Require Ostomy Surgery
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System
- Types of Urinary Diversions
- Urinary Tract Disorders That May Require Ostomy Surgery
Live class lessons
- Adjustment to a Stoma
- Stoma Assessment
- Stoma Siting
- Appliances, Pouching, and Accessory Products for Stoma Care
- Peristomal Skin Complications
- Stoma Complications
- Fistula Management
- Special Ostomy Procedures
- Appliance Assessment
- Tube Management
- Pediatric Ostomy Management
- Patient Education
- Test-Taking Tips
Learning objectives
- List key characteristics required for stomal and peristomal skin assessment.
- Discuss the different types and indications of pouching systems and accessories used with stoma pouching systems.
- Explain the steps of stoma siting procedure for optimal location on abdomen for a stoma.
- Discuss emotions that a new ostomy patient is likely to experience before and after the creation of a stoma or a continent diversion.
- Discuss the etiology, identification and treatment — both conservative and surgical, if appropriate - of the five stomal complications.
- Differentiate between types of fistulas in terms of causative factors, pathophysiology and principles of management.
- List indications, contraindications and procedure steps for colostomy irrigation.
- Describe causes, symptoms and interventions for ileostomy food blockage.
- Identify the purpose, design, location in the intestine, methods of accessing and management of three enterostomal and three enterostomy tubes.
- State how to assess for, prevent, and manage four enteral tube complications.
- Discuss conditions in the pediatric patient that may require a fecal or urinary diversion.
- Summarize the management of a pediatric patient with a urinary or fecal diversion.
- Summarize the goals of pre-operative teaching, list what should be covered, and develop an individualized teaching plan for a patient based on an assessment of their learning needs.
- Demonstrate a stoma assessment.
- Demonstrate application, emptying, and removal of a cut-to-fit, two-piece pouching system.
- Demonstrate patient teaching methods for application, emptying and removal of a pouching system.
- Demonstrate the “crusting” procedure.
- Explain the goals of post-operative teaching, list what should be covered, and develop an individualized teaching plan based on an assessment of their learning needs.
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)
What impact on my salary would a wound care certification have?
The salary for wound care nurses varies based on factors like geographic location, education, and certification. The average base hourly rate for a wound care nurse is currently $40.61 as of 2023 according to Indeed. This translates to around $95,314 annually based on the same data.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Improve Outcomes for Ostomy Patients
Each year, thousands face life changing surgeries to correct gastrointestinal or urinary tract disorders. Ostomy specialists are trained to understand both the physiological and emotional challenges people with stomas face after these procedures.
Developed and taught by an ostomy-certified instructor, this four-day live online course prepares you for the Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) certification exam with real-world training you can immediately put into practice.
Live online learning
- Connect with your peers in a virtual classroom.
- Engaging lessons increase material retention.
- Course resources including knowledge checks, practice exams and more ensure exam readiness.
Instructor
This course is taught by Joy Hooper, RN, BSN, CWOCN, OMS, WCC, AWCC, a dynamic, passionate Ostomy Management expert.
Certification exam
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.
The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO) administers its certification exams at PSI Testing Centers throughout the U.S.
Contact NAWCO at 877-922-6292 for exam-related questions.
Success commitment
We're here to help you succeed! If you don’t pass your credentialing exam after completing one of our courses, we will provide you with six months of free access to the online Ostomy Management course. Email a copy of your exam results within 30 days of receiving them to [email protected].
Certificates
Credits
| Nurses: | 36 contact hours |
| Physical therapists: | 36 contact hours |
| Physicians / Physician Assistants (PAs) | 36 AMA PRA Category 1 credits™ |
| Dietitians: | 36 CPEUs |
Contact hours include 6.0 hours for completion of the required pre-course modules.
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.
Accreditation information
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.
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.
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 5 years after course completion. Please check with your state for prior approval.
Tuition Cost
Tuition Rate
$2,097 Initial certification
$1,997 Alumni Student
Certification Exam and Recertification Fee: Fees are not included in the tuition rate. You will need to select a credentialing board, complete their exam application, and pay exam fees.
Group Code: A group code identifies a course tuition rate for organizations who have an agreement with WCEI. The code is given to individuals associated with the organization who are taking a course. The code, if applicable, must be used when registering for the course.
What you get with WCEI courses:
- Premium Content: Our course content is updated and reviewed by industry professionals at a minimum of every three years. We pride ourselves on having the most current, up to date course content in the industry.
- Learner Supportive Platform: Our wound care courses are hosted on the propriety Relias Live Learning Management System.
- Flexible Payment Options: We offer a variety of flexible payment options through Affirm.
- Continuous Learning: We provide continuing education throughout your career.
Learn more about how WCEI stands out from our competitors.
Included with tuition
- Online pre-class modules
- Live instructor-led education
- Contact hours upon completion (visit Certificates tab)
- WCEI Ostomy Management Course workbook
- 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
Live online schedule
Participants in the Ostomy Management course must complete the eight sections of computer-based pre-course training, attend the live sessions in their entirety, and submit the electronic evaluation form to receive CE credits. Schedules can vary, so please refer to your specific course dates for more information.
Pre-course modules (8 hours)
Days 1–4
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Classroom training
Day 5
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Exam information
The exam is available at a PSI testing center or an online live proctor. If testing with NAWCO, please call 877-922-6292 to make arrangements. Certification exams are offered by the credentialing boards.
Curriculum
Pre-course modules
- General Overview of Ostomy Care
- Principles of Wound Management
- Gastrointestinal System
- Gastrointestinal Ostomies
- GI Disorders That May Require Ostomy Surgery
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System
- Types of Urinary Diversions
- Urinary Tract Disorders That May Require Ostomy Surgery
Live class lessons
- Adjustment to a Stoma
- Stoma Assessment
- Stoma Siting
- Appliances, Pouching, and Accessory Products for Stoma Care
- Peristomal Skin Complications
- Stoma Complications
- Fistula Management
- Special Ostomy Procedures
- Appliance Assessment
- Tube Management
- Pediatric Ostomy Management
- Patient Education
- Test-Taking Tips
Learning objectives
- List key characteristics required for stomal and peristomal skin assessment.
- Discuss the different types and indications of pouching systems and accessories used with stoma pouching systems.
- Explain the steps of stoma siting procedure for optimal location on abdomen for a stoma.
- Discuss emotions that a new ostomy patient is likely to experience before and after the creation of a stoma or a continent diversion.
- Discuss the etiology, identification and treatment — both conservative and surgical, if appropriate - of the five stomal complications.
- Differentiate between types of fistulas in terms of causative factors, pathophysiology and principles of management.
- List indications, contraindications and procedure steps for colostomy irrigation.
- Describe causes, symptoms and interventions for ileostomy food blockage.
- Identify the purpose, design, location in the intestine, methods of accessing and management of three enterostomal and three enterostomy tubes.
- State how to assess for, prevent, and manage four enteral tube complications.
- Discuss conditions in the pediatric patient that may require a fecal or urinary diversion.
- Summarize the management of a pediatric patient with a urinary or fecal diversion.
- Summarize the goals of pre-operative teaching, list what should be covered, and develop an individualized teaching plan for a patient based on an assessment of their learning needs.
- Demonstrate a stoma assessment.
- Demonstrate application, emptying, and removal of a cut-to-fit, two-piece pouching system.
- Demonstrate patient teaching methods for application, emptying and removal of a pouching system.
- Demonstrate the “crusting” procedure.
- Explain the goals of post-operative teaching, list what should be covered, and develop an individualized teaching plan based on an assessment of their learning needs.
FAQs
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)
What impact on my salary would a wound care certification have?
The salary for wound care nurses varies based on factors like geographic location, education, and certification. The average base hourly rate for a wound care nurse is currently $40.61 as of 2023 according to Indeed. This translates to around $95,314 annually based on the same data.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Additional Wound Care Courses
Certified Wound Care Marketing Specialist
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Diabetic Wound Management
An analysis of the disease process, focusing on prevention strategies, limb salvage, and the unique requirements of diabetic patients.
Skin + Wound Management
A comprehensive program covering wound assessment, treatment strategies, infection prevention techniques, and more.
What Others Say Matters
-
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 -
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