Requirements

The WOC Nursing Home Study Program  consists of the following:

1. Four modules of study

• Introduction & Wound Management
• Abdominal Stoma Management
• Urinary and Fecal Incontinence
• Professional Practice

2. 160 hours of clinical practicum with an approved preceptor

The four modules, and clinical practicum are completed at the student's individual pace, with one year allowed for achievement. This program design meets the criteria established by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Accreditation Committee.

Program Description

The WOC Nursing Education Home Study Course includes a self-study didactic component and a 160-hour clinical practicum. Wicks Educational Associates, Inc. has developed this course to meet the needs of the Baccalaureate-prepared nurse who is interested in the WOC Nursing specialty.

Self-instructional study is known by a variety of names including distance learning, independent study, correspondence education and programmed instruction. The self-instruction course that Wicks Educational Associates, Inc. offers can best be described as "distance learning." Students may have little face-to-face contact with the instructors who have designed the course.

Self-instruction depends on materials that have been specifically written to meet the course objectives. To facilitate learning, the materials will function as the instructor. Therefore, materials developed for the program will guide, motivate, explain, stimulate and enrich your experience as an independent learner.

Program Flow

The program material is presented in five (4) modules of study as follows:

*These continuing nursing education activities were approved by the PA State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

Each module is made up of multiple lessons.

Example: Module One - Introduction

Lesson 1 - Home Study Course Overview
Lesson 2 - Wound Assessement and Documentation
Lesson 3 - Wound Bed Preparation

Each lesson is made up of multiple subjects or topics for you to study.

Example:  Lesson 3 - Anatomy and Physiology

Subject 1:1 Anatomy and Physiology of Integumentary System
Subject 1:2 Physiology of Wound Healing
Subject 1:3 Nutrition Assessment
Subject 1:4 Acute Wounds

Each module contains learning activities, assignments and self-assessment exercises. Modules Two andThree include a written examination; Module Four includes leariing activities and written assignments in lieu of an examination. The comprehensive final examination is administered at the completion of the clinical practicum.

Each lesson identifies the approximate time commitment in order to complete the lesson. This time does not include that which you may spend at a library obtaining required articles or researching subject material.

Special Features

Our goal is to provide the learner with support to facilitate the successful completion of the course. We have developed a variety of learning resources to enhance the learning experience.

You will be provided with the following resources to support the home study process: Program Director-On-Call; support staff to assist in the preceptor process; manufacturers' Literature and samples.

Program Director-On-Call

The program director or designated WOC Nurse educator will be available to answer questions or discuss issues with you. Communication is available by telephone or email.

Manufacturers' Literature and Samples

We will be happy to provide your name and address to the many ostomy, wound and incontinence product manufacturing companies which handle the products you may be recommending to your patients. These companies will send literature and samples to you at your home or office and may want to meet with you regarding their products.  WEA, Inc. does not endorse any product or company.  

Admission Process

Requirements for Admission

• Registered Nurse with a Baccalaureate Degree
• One year of clinical experience within the past 5 years

Admission and Completion Process

The following is a brief overview of the steps for admission and completion of the WOC Nursing Home Study Program:

• Complete the application form and submit it along with additional required documentation listed on the application form and $75 application fee to Wicks Educational Associates, Inc.
• When all documentation is received, WEA will mail to the student an acceptance letter and an invoice for tuition.
• The student remits the total tuition amount.
• The student receives Module One (Introduction & Wound Management), the Student Handbook.
• Upon successful completion of Module One, the student is guided through Modules Two through Four..
• The student begins the 160-hour clinical practicum with an approved preceptor after all modules are completed.
• Upon fulfillment of the theory and clinical practicum, the student graduates as a WOC Nurse and is eligible to take the national board certification exam.

Expenses

On-Site Fee             $   250.00 per week ( Home Study students may choose to do a combination of home study and on-site.

 Criteria for Attending On-Site Classes

• Completion of all requirements for the Wound & Introduction Module (1) is a prerequisite for attending the classes for incontinence and or abdominal stoma management.
• Home Study students attending an on-site class must have completed the preceding module.  All assignments must be completed, graded, and a passing grade of 80% achieved on the Module examination.

The tuition and application fee must be paid in full before the study modules are sent to the student. The cost of the clinical component is negotiated between the student and the clinical preceptor and is the student's responsibility.

Tuition/fees may be adjusted periodically.

Accreditation

The WOC Nursing Education Program has been accredited by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN).