Online Ostomy Management Certification
Prepare for the Ostomy Management Specialist certification exam with our self-paced 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, online Ostomy Management course prepares you for the Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) exam with real-world training you can immediately put into practice.
Online learning benefits
Led by a WCC-certified RN, this course offers access for six months.
- Create your own learning path
- Engaging lessons designed to increase learning and retention
- Course resources include 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'll 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 examination, in accordance with their current standards.
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 5 years after course completion. Please check with your state for prior approval.
Tuition Rate
$1,897 Initial Certification
$1,797 Alumni Student
$597 Recertification
Certification examination fees: Fees are not included in the tuition rate. You will need to select a credentialing board, complete the exam application, and pay exam fees.
For information on hosting a course at your organization, visit our Host a Course page.
Included with tuition
- Online class modules
- Progress and proficiency tracking
- Contact hours upon completion (see Certificates tab)
- 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 Clinician.com
- Physicians: Access to free CMEs on FreeCME.com
Helpful links
Schedule
After registering, you have six months to complete all 22 sections at your own pace. Upon completion, work with your selected credentialing board to schedule your certification exam at a testing center.
Section 1: General Overview of Ostomy Care
- Define ostomy and stoma.
- Differentiate between an incontinent diversion and a continent diversion.
- Relate how the practice of the Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) may differ in select healthcare settings.
Section 2: Wound Healing
- Differentiate types of wound closure.
- Identify primary action(s) in each of the four phases of wound healing.
- Recall at least three benefits of moist wound healing.
- Relate at least three factors or conditions that can impair wound healing.
Section 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the GI System
- State the function of the four layers of the alimentary canal.
- Discriminate between the locations and the functions of each structure of the alimentary canal from the mouth to the anus.
- Define the functions of the accessory organs.
Section 4: GI Ostomies
- Discriminate between the types of GI incontinent ostomies.
- Differentiate between an end stoma, a loop stoma, and a double barrel stoma.
- Detail ideal stoma characteristics.
- Compare and contrast a Kock pouch and an ileoanal reservoir.
- Identify postoperative management of the patient with a GI ostomy.
Section 5: Gastrointestinal Disorders that May Require Ostomy Surgery
- Contrast dynamic and adynamic bowel obstructions.
- Differentiate symptoms and diagnostic findings of ulcerative colitis from Crohn’s disease.
- Recall at least three extraintestinal manifestations associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
- List at least three medications commonly used for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Identify surgical interventions frequently used for colorectal cancer, abdominal trauma, and ruptured diverticulum.
Section 6: Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System
- Identify the components of the upper urinary tract and the lower urinary tract.
- Recall at least three functions of the kidney.
- Outline the micturation process.
Section 7: Types of Urinary Ostomies
- Contrast an ileal conduit and a ureterostomy.
- Differentiate between an Indiana pouch and a Mitrofanoff diversion.
- Relate the care of an orthotopic neobladder.
Section 8: Urinary Tract Disorders that May Require Ostomy Surgery
- Identify at least three risk factors for bladder cancer.
- Differentiate between a segmental cystectomy and a radical cystectomy.
- Recall at least three interventions for interstitial cystitis.
- Relate the pathophysiology of neurogenic bladder.
Section 9: Adjustment to a Stoma:
- Summarize the 4 phases of adjustment.
- Identify emotions that a new ostomy patient is likely to experience before and after the creation of a stoma or a continent diversion.
- State at least 3 specific interventions to assist the patient with a stoma with adaptation to the stoma.
Section 10: Stoma Assessment
- Summarize key characteristics required for stomal and peristomal skin assessment.
- Demonstrate a stoma assessment.
Section 11: Stoma Siting
- Summarize the principles of stoma siting.
- Restate the steps of stoma siting procedure for optimal location on abdomen for a stoma.
Section 12:
- Pouching System and Accessory Products for Stoma Care: Outline the different types and indications of pouching systems and accessories used with stoma pouching systems.
- Classify ostomy pouching systems based on construction as one- or two-piece, closed end or drainable, and characteristics of the skin barriers.
- Demonstrate application, emptying, and removal of a cut to fit pouching system.
Section 13: Peristomal Skin Complications
- Recall the etiology, identification, and treatment of 5 peri-stomal complications.
Section 14: Stoma Complications
- Recall the etiology, identification, and treatment, both conservative and surgical, if appropriate, of 5 stomal complications.
Section 15: Fistula Management
- Differentiate between types of fistulas in terms of causative factors, pathophysiology, and principles of management.
Section 16: Special Ostomy Procedures
- List indications, contraindications, and procedure steps for colostomy irrigation.
- Relate causes, symptoms, and interventions for ileostomy food blockage.
- Demonstrate the “crusting” procedure.
Section 17: Pouching System Assessment
- Choose interventions for three pouching system challenges.
Section 18: Tubes
- Identify the purpose, design, location in the intestine, methods of accessing and management of three enterostomal and three enterostomy tubes.
- Summarize the best evidence for preventing urinary catheter-related complications.
- State how to assess for, prevent, and manage four enteral tube complications.
Section 19: Management of the Pediatric Patient With an Ostomy
- Identify conditions the pediatric patient may have that require a fecal or urinary diversion.
- Summarize the management of a pediatric patient with a urinary or fecal diversion.
Section 20: Patient Education
- 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 patient teaching methods for application, emptying and removal of a pouching system.
- Summarize 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.
Section 21: OMS Workbook
Section 22: OMS Final Exam
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.
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, online Ostomy Management course prepares you for the Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) exam with real-world training you can immediately put into practice.
Online learning benefits
Led by a WCC-certified RN, this course offers access for six months.
- Create your own learning path
- Engaging lessons designed to increase learning and retention
- Course resources include 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'll 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 examination, in accordance with their current standards.
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 5 years after course completion. Please check with your state for prior approval.
Tuition Cost
Tuition Rate
$1,897 Initial Certification
$1,797 Alumni Student
$597 Recertification
Certification examination fees: Fees are not included in the tuition rate. You will need to select a credentialing board, complete the exam application, and pay exam fees.
For information on hosting a course at your organization, visit our Host a Course page.
Included with tuition
- Online class modules
- Progress and proficiency tracking
- Contact hours upon completion (see Certificates tab)
- 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 Clinician.com
- Physicians: Access to free CMEs on FreeCME.com
Helpful links
Schedule & Content
Schedule
After registering, you have six months to complete all 22 sections at your own pace. Upon completion, work with your selected credentialing board to schedule your certification exam at a testing center.
Section 1: General Overview of Ostomy Care
- Define ostomy and stoma.
- Differentiate between an incontinent diversion and a continent diversion.
- Relate how the practice of the Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) may differ in select healthcare settings.
Section 2: Wound Healing
- Differentiate types of wound closure.
- Identify primary action(s) in each of the four phases of wound healing.
- Recall at least three benefits of moist wound healing.
- Relate at least three factors or conditions that can impair wound healing.
Section 3: Anatomy and Physiology of the GI System
- State the function of the four layers of the alimentary canal.
- Discriminate between the locations and the functions of each structure of the alimentary canal from the mouth to the anus.
- Define the functions of the accessory organs.
Section 4: GI Ostomies
- Discriminate between the types of GI incontinent ostomies.
- Differentiate between an end stoma, a loop stoma, and a double barrel stoma.
- Detail ideal stoma characteristics.
- Compare and contrast a Kock pouch and an ileoanal reservoir.
- Identify postoperative management of the patient with a GI ostomy.
Section 5: Gastrointestinal Disorders that May Require Ostomy Surgery
- Contrast dynamic and adynamic bowel obstructions.
- Differentiate symptoms and diagnostic findings of ulcerative colitis from Crohn’s disease.
- Recall at least three extraintestinal manifestations associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
- List at least three medications commonly used for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Identify surgical interventions frequently used for colorectal cancer, abdominal trauma, and ruptured diverticulum.
Section 6: Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System
- Identify the components of the upper urinary tract and the lower urinary tract.
- Recall at least three functions of the kidney.
- Outline the micturation process.
Section 7: Types of Urinary Ostomies
- Contrast an ileal conduit and a ureterostomy.
- Differentiate between an Indiana pouch and a Mitrofanoff diversion.
- Relate the care of an orthotopic neobladder.
Section 8: Urinary Tract Disorders that May Require Ostomy Surgery
- Identify at least three risk factors for bladder cancer.
- Differentiate between a segmental cystectomy and a radical cystectomy.
- Recall at least three interventions for interstitial cystitis.
- Relate the pathophysiology of neurogenic bladder.
Section 9: Adjustment to a Stoma:
- Summarize the 4 phases of adjustment.
- Identify emotions that a new ostomy patient is likely to experience before and after the creation of a stoma or a continent diversion.
- State at least 3 specific interventions to assist the patient with a stoma with adaptation to the stoma.
Section 10: Stoma Assessment
- Summarize key characteristics required for stomal and peristomal skin assessment.
- Demonstrate a stoma assessment.
Section 11: Stoma Siting
- Summarize the principles of stoma siting.
- Restate the steps of stoma siting procedure for optimal location on abdomen for a stoma.
Section 12:
- Pouching System and Accessory Products for Stoma Care: Outline the different types and indications of pouching systems and accessories used with stoma pouching systems.
- Classify ostomy pouching systems based on construction as one- or two-piece, closed end or drainable, and characteristics of the skin barriers.
- Demonstrate application, emptying, and removal of a cut to fit pouching system.
Section 13: Peristomal Skin Complications
- Recall the etiology, identification, and treatment of 5 peri-stomal complications.
Section 14: Stoma Complications
- Recall the etiology, identification, and treatment, both conservative and surgical, if appropriate, of 5 stomal complications.
Section 15: Fistula Management
- Differentiate between types of fistulas in terms of causative factors, pathophysiology, and principles of management.
Section 16: Special Ostomy Procedures
- List indications, contraindications, and procedure steps for colostomy irrigation.
- Relate causes, symptoms, and interventions for ileostomy food blockage.
- Demonstrate the “crusting” procedure.
Section 17: Pouching System Assessment
- Choose interventions for three pouching system challenges.
Section 18: Tubes
- Identify the purpose, design, location in the intestine, methods of accessing and management of three enterostomal and three enterostomy tubes.
- Summarize the best evidence for preventing urinary catheter-related complications.
- State how to assess for, prevent, and manage four enteral tube complications.
Section 19: Management of the Pediatric Patient With an Ostomy
- Identify conditions the pediatric patient may have that require a fecal or urinary diversion.
- Summarize the management of a pediatric patient with a urinary or fecal diversion.
Section 20: Patient Education
- 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 patient teaching methods for application, emptying and removal of a pouching system.
- Summarize 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.
Section 21: OMS Workbook
Section 22: OMS Final Exam
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.
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
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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