WTA-C - Certified Wound Treatment Associate

The Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) program is offered by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society. The WTA-C exam is provided by by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB).

The WTA program is a continuing education program instructing on wound, ostomy, and continence care to enhance knowledge and patient outcomes. 

Students will learn routine skincare, how to prevent skin breakdown, wound assessment and documentation, management of non-healing wounds, cellulitis, ulcers, and more. 

Wound Treatment Associate Program

Offered by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society, the WTA program prepares clinicians to provide basic, bedside wound care. 

*Current course content will be reviewed and revised after 10/01/2022 to meet accreditation renewal.

Who is the WTA Program For?

WTA training is directed towards LPN/LVNs, military medics, or any clinician who wants more knowledge in wound care.

Only nurses (LPN/LVNs and RNs) are eligible for certification through examination after graduating from this program.

Cost

Cost depends on the facility offering a WTA program. There are WTA programs in most states to contact for further information.

Exam fee through the WOCNCB: $250

Hands-on training and testing are required. The program consists of prerecorded online modules and lectures followed by on-site skills check-offs. Training is designed to be flexible and self-paced and can be completed within 3 months.

The WTA program can be offered in any healthcare setting but must be under the direction of a WOC nurse that serves as a WTA coordinator. The coordinator will be responsible for ensuring students perform skills satisfactorily and meet testing competencies.

Another faster option is to attend a 3-5 day on-site course by experts verified through the WOCN Society, which also includes competency training and testing.

A current LPN/LVN or RN license is required for WTA-C certification.

To apply for the certification examination, the candidate must also complete one of the following education or practice pathways:

Pathway 1:

• Complete and receive certification from either the WOCN Wound Treatment Associate program (described above) or the WEB WOC Skin and Wound Care Associate course.

• Provide documentation of 16 clinical hours in wound care under the direct supervision of a wound care expert.

Pathway 2:

• 24 hours of continuing education hours specific to wound care within 12 months before application.

• 160 hours of clinical preceptorship also within 12 months. Preceptors can be an RN holding a wound care certification (not WTA certification), MD, PA, or NP certified through the American Board of Wound Management.

• A clinical skills checklist to complete with the preceptor along with the documented hours.

Applying for the WTA-C Examination through the WOCNCB

Nurses apply online, receive confirmation of eligibility via Scantron, and then have a 12-month window to schedule the exam. Testing is completed in-person at a Scantron testing site, available in every U.S. state and internationally.

Candidates receive a printed score report immediately after the exam.

Recertification is required every five years. The exam must be retaken in order to recertify.

Renewal Fee: $250

The WOCNCB offers a candidate handbook and exam tips. The reference textbook list and review courses are not endorsed by the WOCNCB.

Meazure Learning offers a sample test to demonstrate the testing environment.

Learn more about the WTA program offered by the WOCN and WTA Program Facilities.

The WOCNCB also offers the following:

• Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)

• Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON)

• Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWOCN)

• Certified Continence Care Nurse (CCCN)

• Certified Foot Care Nurse (CFCN)