Ostomy Management Recertification
Get recertified with our Ostomy Management Recertification course.
Keep Your Knowledge Current for Lasting Results
Your certification is an investment in your career and the lives of your patients - maintain your competitive edge in ostomy care by taking our Ostomy Management recertification course.
If your credential is through the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO), you can skip the certification exam if you complete the recertification course onsite or online.
After registering, find your preferred credentialing board, complete the recertification application, and pay any relevant fees. The credentialing board determines your eligibility.
Continuing education credits
Continuing education (CE) and accreditation information may be found under the Certificates section for each course type.
Important accreditation notice for occupational therapists
This course isn't accredited for CE credit for occupational therapists. However, a certificate of completion can be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certificate may be submitted as documentation to fulfill eligibility requirements for the NAWCO examination, in accordance with their current standards.
Alumni Recertification Tuition Rate
$1,297 Onsite
$797 Live Online
$597 Online
Included with Tuition
- Online pre-class modules
- Live instructor-led education
- 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 Relias Academy
- Physicians: Access to free CMEs on FreeCME.com
Schedule
Four-day Course
The course includes eight self-paced, home-based computer instructional modules, followed by an on-site classroom course with lectures, hands-on skills laboratories, and practice sessions.
| Days 1 - 4 | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | Classroom Training |
Curriculum
- Section 1 Introduction
- Section 2 Wound Healing
- Section 3 Anatomy and Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System
- Section 4 GI Ostomies
- Section 5 Ostomy Surgery
- Section 6 Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System
- Section 7 Urinary Diversions
- Section 8 Urinary Disorders that May Require Surgery
- Section 9 Adjustment to a Stoma
- Section 10 Stoma Assessment
- Section 11 Stoma Siting
- Section 12 Appliances, Pouching, and Accessory Products for Stoma Care
- Section 13 Peristomal Skin Complications
- Section 14 Stoma Complications
- Section 15 Fistula Management
- Section 16 Special Ostomy Procedures
- Section 17 Appliance Assessment
- Section 18 Tube Management
- Section 19 Pediatric Ostomy Management
- Section 20 Patient Education
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, and 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
Keep Your Knowledge Current for Lasting Results
Your certification is an investment in your career and the lives of your patients - maintain your competitive edge in ostomy care by taking our Ostomy Management recertification course.
If your credential is through the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO), you can skip the certification exam if you complete the recertification course onsite or online.
After registering, find your preferred credentialing board, complete the recertification application, and pay any relevant fees. The credentialing board determines your eligibility.
Certificates
Continuing education credits
Continuing education (CE) and accreditation information may be found under the Certificates section for each course type.
Important accreditation notice for occupational therapists
This course isn't accredited for CE credit for occupational therapists. However, a certificate of completion can be issued upon successful completion of the course. This certificate may be submitted as documentation to fulfill eligibility requirements for the NAWCO examination, in accordance with their current standards.
Tuition Cost
Alumni Recertification Tuition Rate
$1,297 Onsite
$797 Live Online
$597 Online
Included with Tuition
- Online pre-class modules
- Live instructor-led education
- 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 Relias Academy
- Physicians: Access to free CMEs on FreeCME.com
Schedule & Content
Schedule
Four-day Course
The course includes eight self-paced, home-based computer instructional modules, followed by an on-site classroom course with lectures, hands-on skills laboratories, and practice sessions.
| Days 1 - 4 | 8:00AM - 5:00PM | Classroom Training |
Curriculum
- Section 1 Introduction
- Section 2 Wound Healing
- Section 3 Anatomy and Physiology of the Gastrointestinal System
- Section 4 GI Ostomies
- Section 5 Ostomy Surgery
- Section 6 Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System
- Section 7 Urinary Diversions
- Section 8 Urinary Disorders that May Require Surgery
- Section 9 Adjustment to a Stoma
- Section 10 Stoma Assessment
- Section 11 Stoma Siting
- Section 12 Appliances, Pouching, and Accessory Products for Stoma Care
- Section 13 Peristomal Skin Complications
- Section 14 Stoma Complications
- Section 15 Fistula Management
- Section 16 Special Ostomy Procedures
- Section 17 Appliance Assessment
- Section 18 Tube Management
- Section 19 Pediatric Ostomy Management
- Section 20 Patient Education
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, and 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
Looking to increase your organization’s revenue potential, enhance your customer base, and become more competitive?
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