Complete Guide to Wound Care Certification (WCC) for RNs

As the need for specialized care of chronic and complex wounds increases, so does the demand for wound care-certified nurses. Earning your Wound Care Certification (WCC) as a registered nurse (RN) demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge, opens new career pathways, and provides access to higher-paying roles across healthcare settings.

This guide breaks down how to get your wound care certification, the benefits it offers, cost considerations, renewal guidelines, and how Nomad Health supports RNs through the entire process.

How to Get Your Wound Care Certification (WCC)

To earn your WCC credential, RNs typically go through an accredited education program and pass a national certification exam. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Meet eligibility requirements (detailed below)
2. Enroll in an accredited wound care course (e.g., through WCEI)
3. Complete the course (typically 2–5 days, online or in-person)
4. Submit your exam application
5. Pass the WCC exam
6. Receive your official WCC designation

Once certified, you’ll be officially recognized as a Wound Care Certified Nurse (WCC).

Benefits of Obtaining Your Wound Care Certification

Earning a WCC opens doors across clinical settings, offering both personal and professional value:

• Specialized knowledge in chronic wounds, pressure injuries, and advanced wound healing
• Access to higher-paying travel and hospital-based roles
• Eligibility for wound care-focused leadership and education roles
• Improved care outcomes and greater confidence at the bedside
• Recognition and trust from interdisciplinary teams and patients alike

WCC-certified nurses are especially valuable in long-term care, rehab facilities, home health, and acute care settings.

Requirements for Wound Care Certification

To be eligible for WCC certification, you must:

• Hold an active RN license (U.S. or international equivalent)
• Have at least two years of clinical nursing experience
• Complete an accredited wound care course (such as WCEI’s approved program)
• Agree to the WCC Code of Ethics
• Pass the national certification exam

Some programs may offer a clinical pathway for experienced wound care nurses without formal coursework, but education is the most common route.

Navigating the Certification Process

Here’s what to expect:

1. Choose Your Path
   • The most common route is the Education Pathway, which includes completing an approved wound care course.
2. Complete Your Wound Care Course
   • Many nurses choose WCEI’s program for its flexibility and exam pass rate. Options include:
     • 100% online
     • Live classroom sessions
     • Hybrid formats
3. Apply for the WCC Exam
   • Submit your credentials and education verification to the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO).
4. Schedule and Take the Exam
   • The exam includes 110 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit.
5. Get Certified
   • Once you pass, you’ll receive your WCC credential, valid for 5 years.

Overcoming Common WCC Challenges

Tip: Nurses report that real-world wound care experience makes studying and exam prep much easier.

Online Resources and Communities for WCC Support

• Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI)
• NursingWorld.org Certification Hub
• Reddit communities like r/nursing or wound-care-specific Discords
• Facebook groups for wound care professionals
• Continuing education platforms (e.g., Relias, Nurse.com)

Joining online forums or nurse study circles can provide moral support, tips, and resource sharing.

How Much Does it Cost to Obtain for Wound Care Certification?

Typical Costs

The total cost to become Wound Care Certified typically ranges from $2,780 to $4,400, including course tuition, exam fees, and optional study materials. Certification renewal every five years costs an additional $295 to $350.

Financial Planning Tips

• Employer or hospital reimbursement (especially for CEUs)

• Continuing education stipends through travel agencies

• Scholarships from nursing organizations or wound care associations

• Spread course payments over time or use agency-provided benefits

Nomad Health travel nurses often use educational stipends or assignment bonuses to offset certification costs.

Ongoing Education and Renewal Requirements

Your WCC certification is valid for five years. To maintain your credential, you must:

• Complete six hours of continuing education annually (30 hours total) in wound care topics
• Submit proof of education and renewal application
• Pay a renewal fee (~$295)

Renewal helps ensure your wound care knowledge remains up-to-date with current evidence-based practices.

How Nomad Health Supports RNs in Obtaining Their WCC

Nomad Health is more than a travel nurse staffing platform—we’re a career advancement partner.

Here’s how we support RNs working toward WCC certification:

• Access to wound care-focused travel nursing jobs with competitive pay
• Flexibility to complete certification between or during contracts
• Transparent job search with no recruiters, no pressure
• Career guidance and curated continuing education resources
• Travel nurse benefits that can be used for certification reimbursement or prep

Explore Travel Nursing Opportunities with Nomad Health

Ready to advance your nursing career with a WCC certification? Let Nomad connect you to roles that recognize and reward your skills in wound care.