Post-Master's Certificate Program
Wound, Ostomy, & Continence (WOC) Nursing
Wound, ostomy, and continence nursing has always played a critical role in acute care settings. Now, WOC nursing is becoming increasingly valuable as health care switches from acute care to the outpatient setting and as home health and long-term care mushroom. As the population ages and as care moves to home health and long-term settings, the demand for nurses with this specialized training is growing.
WOC (formerly Enterostomal Therapy) nurses provide acute and long-term support to more than one million patients who undergo ostomy surgeries each year. They also play an essential role in managing urinary incontinence among the 13 million Americans with this condition. They are particularly skilled at managing complex cases in frail elderly patients.
Nurses with specialized training in wound care are increasingly valuable within the acute, long-term and home care settings for their ability to treat pressure ulcers, surgical incisions, draining and traumatic wounds, and tubes and fistulas.
The University of Virginia School of Nursing now offers WOC training within its Masters programs. WOC nursing incorporates principles and practices that promote, maintain and restore health for persons with wounds, ostomies and continence problems throughout their lives. WOC nurses specialize in the care of individuals with disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary and integumentary systems.
The curriculum builds on both the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of the master's prepared nurse.
The School of Nursing offers three WOC courses annually (two didactic courses and a practicum). The Certificate program can be completed within 12 months. The two WOC didactic courses meet on Thursday afternoons in the fall and spring semesters. The practicum is in the summer session. Any MSN student pursuing a CNS or ACNP may choose to focus on WOC as their area of specialization.
Program Contact:Catherine Ratliff, PhD, RN, CWOCN, GNP; email: crr9m@virginia.edu
Program Director: Arlene Keeling, PhD, RN (434) 924-5906, email: awk2zvirginia.edu
Clinicals
Students complete 160 clinical hours in GNUR 795 in the summer session. Clinical hours are completed at the University of Virginia Medical Center.
Certification
Students are qualified to sit for the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing certification from the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the School of Nursing is competitive and based on evaluation of all portions of the application. To be considered for the Post-Master's Certificate, applicants must submit a completed application and:
- Have a master's degree in nursing from a nationally accredited school
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate and graduate study
- Hold an unencumbered RN license for the state where you intend to do your practica
- Submit clear statements of educational/professional goals, as well as on diversity
- Submit three satisfactory academic and professional recommendations
- Submit a copy of your resume or CV
- Be available for an interview if requested
Application deadline:
Fall or Summer entry: April 1
Spring entry: November 1
International applicants are required also to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. Visit their websites for more information. The University of Virginia institutional code number is R-5820, nursing #0610.
Downloads, Prorgam of Study, and Links
For More Information
For additional information on admission to and programs of study at the UVa School of Nursing, please fill our our online form. You are also welcome to call the Office of Addmissions at (434) 924-0141 / (888) 283-8703.
Questions on admissions and financial aid should be directed to Clay Hysell, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Services, email hysell@virginia.edu