National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO)
What is NAWCO?
The National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy is a non-profit organization that provides professional certification and credentialing for healthcare clinicians specializing in wound care, ostomy, diabetic wound management, and related areas. Founded in 2002, NAWCO has grown to become one of the largest and most recognized wound care certification boards in the United States. Its mission is to advance wound care standards, promote multidisciplinary collaboration, and support healthcare professionals in achieving excellence through education and certification.
NAWCO offers several certification options to meet the diverse needs of healthcare professionals at various stages of their careers. The Wound Care Certified (WCC®) credential is one of the most well-known certifications, available to RNs, LPNs/LVNs, PTs, OTs, and other licensed healthcare providers who deliver direct wound care. It focuses on comprehensive wound assessment, prevention, and treatment across all care settings.
NAWCO Certifications
WCC Certification
The Wound Care Certified (WCC) certification is for licensed practitioners in the fields of nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medicine in US that are providing consultative or hands on skin and wound management care. This certification is intended to demonstrate a mastery level of knowledge in Skin and Wound Management.
This credential is one of the most well-known certifications, available to RNs, LPNs/LVNs, PTs, OTs, and other licensed healthcare providers who deliver direct wound care. It focuses on comprehensive wound assessment, prevention, and treatment across all care settings. Candidates must hold a current healthcare license and have relevant wound care experience or complete an approved educational program before sitting for the national certification exam.
AWCC Certification
Once wound care professionals have already earned a foundational certification like the WCC, they can display their advanced clinical proficiency in wound management by taking the Advanced Wound Care Certified (AWCC) certification. This certification demonstrates a detailed knowledge of complex wounds, advanced treatment techniques and technologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to wound care.
DWC Certification
For healthcare professionals looking to promote effective diabetic wound and skin management, the Diabetic Wound Certified (DWC) certification demonstrates mastery in caring for diabetic wounds. This certification builds a deeper understanding of diabetic wound assessment, etiology, treatment, and prevention methods.
NWCC Certification
For those looking to improve their nutritional wound management knowledge, NAWCO’s Nutrition Wound Care Certified (NWCC) certification helps you stand out as a nutritional expert on a wound care team. This certification provides an advanced understanding of how proper nutrition and nutritional care plans impact effective wound healing.
Currently, WCEI does not offer a standalone preparation course for the NWCC certification, but our Skin & Wound Management certification prep courses cover much of what is included in the NWCC exam.
OMS Certification
For wound care professionals looking to improve their ostomy management skills, the Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) certification is an excellent way to demonstrate expertise in ostomy care. Becoming certified as an OMS helps to assure both patients and healthcare organizations that the candidate is highly qualified and trusted to deliver top-quality ostomy care, education, and management.
To help prepare for the OMS Certification exam, WCEI offers a comprehensive Ostomy Management Certification Course, where students gain an end-to-end understanding of how to provide effective ostomy care.
WPC Certification
For non-licensed clinicians involved in wound care, the Wound Prevention Certified (WPC) certification recognizes clinicians who are highly skilled in providing structured care plans, delivering tactful & informative patient education, and utilizing preventative wound care measures.
WCEI does not offer a certification prep course for the WPC exam at this time.
LLE Certification
Clinicians looking to further specialize in lymphedema care should consider the Lymphedema Lower Extremity (LLE) certification. This credential helps clinicians bolster their knowledge in the "identification, assessment, management, prevention, and continuing evaluation of patients” who suffer from lymphedema and edema.
WCEI does not offer a certification prep course for the LLE exam at this time.
Why Choose NAWCO?
Earning a NAWCO certification is a significant professional milestone that demonstrates your expertise and commitment to quality patient care. These credentials are highly regarded by hospitals, wound centers, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation programs across the country. Certification not only validates your clinical knowledge but can also enhance your career opportunities, strengthen your professional credibility, and contribute to better patient outcomes.
Additionally, obtaining NAWCO wound care certifications often leads to increased earning potential throughout your career.
How Long Do NAWCO Certifications Last?
NAWCO certifications are valid for five years after earning a passing score on the wound care certification exam.