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Wound Care Education for Confidence in Care

Gain current, evidence-based wound care knowledge that helps you approach patients with confidence and build trust with peers, supervisors, and employers.

Practical education you can use immediately in practice. 

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Wound care nurse and smiling elderly patient

Wound Care Education Courses

Nurse wrapping hand

Skin + Wound Management

A comprehensive program covering wound assessment, treatment strategies, infection prevention techniques, and more. 

View Courses on Skin + Wound Management
Nurse holding ostomy materials

Ostomy Management

A complete focus on the treatment, therapy, and counseling for individuals during every stage of a fecal or urinary diversion. 

View Courses on Ostomy Management
Nurse conducting diabetic wound care on a patient's foot

Diabetic Wound Management

An analysis of the disease process, focusing on prevention strategies, limb salvage, and the unique requirements of diabetic patients.

View Courses on Diabetic Wound Management

Who we train

WCEI courses are open but not limited to: 

  • Registered Nurses (RNs)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
  • Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
  • Doctor of Medicine (MDs)
  • Physical Therapists (PTs)
  • Occupational Therapists (OTs)
  • Registered Dieticians (RDs)

More pathways to certification

No BSN? No problem! Check your eligibility for WCEI certifications below and learn about licensure, experience, education pathways, and certification. 

Check Your Eligibility

Stand out with nationally recognized credentials.

Our courses prepare you for NAWCO and ABWM certification — leaders in U.S. wound care credentialing. 

So no matter where your career takes you, your certification is a nationally recognized, respected credential that sets you apart in the wound care field. 

Choose Your Course

Your format, your schedule

Choose from in-person, live online, or online self-paced classes — our flexible prep formats suit your schedule and preferred learning style.

Find Courses
  • Onsite

    Four days of interactive learning with a certified instructor.
  • Online Self-Paced

    The most flexible option for the highly motivated with busy schedules. Access course materials for up to 180 days.
  • Live online

    Instructor-led virtual learning. Connect with your peers and instructor wherever you are in this four-day course.

What is WCEI?

Since 2002, the Wound Care Education Institute has provided high-quality, evidence-based wound care training for clinicians to improve patient outcomes. To date, over 40,000 clinicians have been wound care-certified or recertified after taking our courses.

Our courses are designed for nurses and clinicians seeking practical wound care education, continuing education contact hours, and exam preparation for NAWCO and ABWM credentials. 

About WCEI

Expert insights + resources

Our blog offers in-depth articles and practical advice to improve patient outcomes, support recovery, and advance your wound care expertise.

Our Blog

Why get wound care certified?

  • WCEI alumni report increases in salary up to 20%.
  • Demonstrate your skills with respected credentials from ABWM or NAWCO.
  • Studies show that certified nurses are preferred over non-certified nurses for job opportunities and promotions.
  • Employers highly value wound care, diabetic wound care, or ostomy credentials, as they demonstrate a commitment to excellence in patient care.

Our partners

McKesson Logo Solventum logo black VATA logo Integra Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I really be prepared for the exam?

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 you offer tuition payment plans or financial assistance?

Don't let costs stand in your way of furthering your education and career.  WCEI® offers a variety of options that may meet your needs:

If you need further assistance, contact a WCEI® financial advisor by emailing [email protected], or calling 877-462-9234.

What's the difference in the delivery options for each course?

Online Self-Paced Asynchronous Learning

  • Access to course materials for 6 months
  • Self-directed, independent learning
  • Requires an electronic device with internet access

Live Online Synchronous Learning

  • 4 consecutive online learning days
  • Remote access to the online course and other resource materials 29 days prior to the first day of class
  • Requires an electronic device with internet access
  • Real-time interaction with instructors and peers via Q&A, chat, and polling
  • Visual materials, interactivity, and practical examples

In-Person Distance Learning

  • 4 consecutive online learning days
  • Remote access to the online course and other resource materials 29 days prior to the first day of class
  • Real-time interaction with instructors and peers via Q&A, chat, and polling
  • Visual materials, interactivity, and practical examples
  • Networking with wound care professionals
How long do the online courses usually take?

The online Skin and Wound Management course will take approximately 23-40 hours to complete, and the Diabetic Skin and Wound Management course will take 30 - 35 hours. Completion times will vary based on time commitments, learning style, distractions, whether the student completes the supplemental course, etc.

Which courses are offered online?

All WCEI courses have an online course option to fit your flexible schedule. 

How long has WCEI been around?

The Wound Care Education Institute was founded in December of 2002 and has been a trusted resource for nurses & clinicians looking to further their wound care education. Learn more about WCEI's history

Is WCEI part of Relias?

WCEI has been a part of Relias since 2018 with the acquisition of OnCourse Learning. WCEI utilizes the trusted Relias Live platform for its courses, so you have the comfort of knowing that your course experience is provided by the leader in online learning solutions. 

Student testimonials

  • I've been working in the Wound and Ostomy Field since I obtained my WCC. As the full time Wound Ostomy Team member (working with two WOCNs), I've been told on numerous occasions from physicians that I'm considered a colleague. I've won over even the hardest physicians with my assessment, treatment, and skills! Nothing feels better than earning that kind of respect. Thank you to WCEI for opening the door! I just stepped though, and my life has been changed forever!

    Rachel P, RN, CWCS, DAPWC, WCC
  • 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
  • It means a lot for me to have that credential behind my name. It means that physicians and other nurses see me as an expert. I'm now a go-to person when it comes to all things wounds.

    Missy W, RN, WCC, OMS, Wound Program Director