Mission

To improve the quality of health care through the Certification of Healthcare professionals, who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and professionalism required for caring for clients with Wounds.

Scope Of Practice

SCOPE OF PRACTICE LICENSED NURSES – RN/LVN/LPN

Wound Care Certified Nurse role requires delivery of care that utilizes substantial specialized knowledge, judgement and skills, which are based on the clinical research and application of the principles of wound management as acquired by completing a specialized skills training program. Wound care nurse activities require clinical supervision / delegation of a medical provider. Licensed Nurses working as a Certified Wound Care Nurse, shall perform his/her duties per the prescribing Medical provider’s orders with a focus on patient safety, and function within the parameters of the legal scope of practice and in accordance with the federal, state, and local laws; rules and regulations; and policies, procedures and guidelines of the employing health care institution and or practice setting.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE LICENSED MEDICAL PROVIDERS – MD, DO, DPM, PA, APRN

Medical provider: A doctor of medicine or osteopathy (MD/DO) who is authorized to practice medicine or surgery by the State in which the doctor practices. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Podiatrist (DPM) and Physician assistants (PA) who are authorized to practice under the State law and who are performing within the scope of their practice as defined under The State Law.

Wound care is a clinical specialty that requires substantial specialized judgment and proficiency, focused on compassionate, clinically appropriate, and patient centered care effective for the wound treatment and for the promotion of overall health.

All medical providers shall practice with a focus on patient safety, and function within the parameters of the legal scope of practice and in accordance with the federal, state, and local laws; rules and regulations; and policies, procedures and guidelines of the employing health care institution and or practice setting.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE NON-LICENSED HEALTHCARE ALLIED PROFESSIONALS MA, NA, PCT, MA, EMT

Medical Assistant (MA), Nurse’s Aide (NA), Patient Care Technician (PCT), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Paramedics and other non-Licensed Allied Healthcare professionals.

Wound Care Technician (WCT-C) role requires understanding of the care that is being ordered by the attending medical provider and the proficiency in wound care skills and tasks.

Wound Care Technician Role: (1) Wound care skills, (2) safety/emergency procedures, (3) basic patient care skills, (4) infection control, (5) communication and interpersonal skills, (6) care of cognitively impaired clients, (7) focused assessments, (8) carrying out delegated tasks / reporting, and (9) wound care materials & supply management.

Wound Care Technician performs assigned tasks assigned by a Licensed Clinical staff member of a wound care team. Wound Care Technician utilizes specialized knowledge, training and skills, which are based on the clinical research and application of the principles of wound management as acquired by completing a specialized training program.

Wound Care Technician requires Clinical Supervision / Delegation of a Licensed Medical Provider or a Licensed Nurse. Wound Care Technician shall perform his/her duties per the prescribing Medical Provider’s orders with a focus on patient safety, and function within the parameters of the legal guidelines and in accordance with the federal, state, and local laws; rules and regulations; and policies, procedures and guidelines of the employing health care institution and or practice setting.

EDUCATIONAL & LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION

LICENSED NURSES – RN/LVN/LPN

To qualify for the Wound Care Nurse Certification, each candidate must hold a current, unrestricted Nursing License in either the United States, a US Territory, Canada or Australia. A nursing certificate or license acquired internationally, that is equivalent to a Nursing License in the United States is also acceptable by OWCNAHP.

International Candidates; must possess a current, unrestricted Nursing License in the country of practice.

MEDICAL PROVIDERS – MD, DO, DPM, PA, APRN

To qualify for the Wound Care Specialist Certification, each candidate must hold a current, unrestricted State License in either the United States, a US Territory, Canada or Australia. For international candidates; Active Medical License acquired local in the country of practice is also acceptable by OWCNAHP.

LICENSED HEALTHCARE ALLIED PROFESSIONALS – MA, NA, PCT, MA, EMT

To qualify for the Wound Care Technician Certification, candidate shall meet the following:

• High School Diploma
• Allied Health Training completion certificate
• Letter of sponsor from employer or a sponsor (Licensed Nurse or a Licensed Medical Provider)

CERTIFICATION

Each Applicant can achieve the OWCNAHP certification by completing the following:

• Eight (8) hours of class room instructions through OWCNAHP certified providers
• Two (2) hours of skills competencies
• Twenty (20) continuing education credits in certification specific educational activities.
• Eighty (80) hours of bedside work experience.

CERTIFICATION PERIOD

Successful completion of the OWCNAHP certification requirements will allow the certified professional to hold the certification title for a period of Five (5) Years.

RE-CERTIFICATION

OWCNAHP certified wound care professionals can re-certify by completing the following:

• Take the online Re-certification exam, Approved by OWCNAHP.
• Register and re-take the OWCNAHP certification training program.
• Certified professional must hold a current active practice license in any U.S. territory or in a International country. (if applicable).