DescriptionSingle or Dual Specialty CourseCourse DatesRequired Text
Tuition Cost and Application ProcessScholarshipsCareer OpportunitiesContact

 Description

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For detailed information on our three primary programs, please review our WOCNEC information packet.

The theoretical component of this particular program is composed of four self-study modules completed sequentially at the student's own pace, though students are expected to work through the modules, complete one week of onsite instruction, and complete all clinical and project requirements within 15 months. The modules are:

		Acute and Chronic Wound Care
		Management of Ostomies and Continent Diversions
		Management of Patients with Fecal and Urinary Incontinence
		Successful Implementation of the Specialty Nurse Role

Each module includes learning objectives, suggested readings, core content, and learning activities, some of which are graded. Satisfactory completion of each module requires the student to study selected materials and review accompanying audiovisuals (e.g., certain modules include required diagrams and/or color photographs that illustrate various pathological conditions), take proctored examinations and receive a score of at least 80%, and complete relevant case studies and learning exercises. When the three clinical modules and the testable components of the Role Implementation module have been concluded, the student must complete one week of onsite instruction at Emory that includes selected seminars, simulations labs, supervised clinical experience in the area of foot and nail care, products testing, competency testing, and a final examination. At this stage, the student can either return home or remain in Atlanta to do 120 hours of clinical and project requirements. As with the split-option program, any offsite preceptors must meet established criteria and be approved by Emory; the WOCNEC office will assist in identifying potential preceptors.

		Offsite clinical preceptors requirements
		Preceptor application packet
		Off-site clinical agencies

Those prospective students who wish to focus on just one or two specialties/modules should see the single or dual specialty section below.

To assist the prospective student in selecting the course of study that best meets their particular needs and situation, the faculty have identified the advantages and disadvantages of each of the three program types. For the distance learning program, the advantages are:

		Minimal time away from home and work, resulting in lowest cost of the three programs
		Self-paced learning as opposed to structured and fast-paced classroom instruction

The disadvantages are:

		No classroom discussion to add clarity or answer questions; however, WOCNEC faculty will be available via phone and email to minimize this disadvantage
		The tremendous amount of self-discipline required to fulfill a self-study program can result in “overload” when done in addition to fulltime work, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: The faculty believes this option is best for nurses who are extremely organized, self-disciplined, and have some experience in wound, ostomy, and continence care.

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 Single or Dual Specialty Course

While this program typically involves preparation for practice in the tri-specialty of wound, ostomy, and continence care, we also offer courses of study focusing on single or dual specialties:

		wound care only
		ostomy care only
		continence care only
		wound and ostomy care
		wound and continence care
		ostomy and continence care

Therefore, students who are interested in only one or two of the three specialty areas may elect to take the relevant clinical module(s) as well as the Professional Practice module (the professional practice component of the program is required for all students, the only exception being students who have already completed a WOCN-accredited specialty course). Single or dual specialty students must complete the modules, several days of onsite clinical instruction at Emory, and 40-80 hours of clinical with approved offsite preceptors and specific projects. Tuition is titrated for single or dual specialty courses. Our office has complied a listing of some of our off-site clinical agencies.

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 Course Dates

Start dates are individualized, allowing applicants to start the program as soon as they are accepted for admission, have submitted a "Projected Clinical Preceptorship Plan" and tuition has been paid. The admission process typically takes two-to-three weeks. Distance learning students may elect to pay by the module; the first module will be sent as soon as payment is received.

Onsite weeks are scheduled based on student readiness, but are typically held every other month. Students should request their on-site week when they are starting the last module.

Available Onsite Weeks for Distance Learning:

		July 7 – July 11, 2008
		August 11 – August 15, 2008
		September 8 – September 12, 2008
		October 27 – October 31, 2008
		December 1 – December 5, 2008
		February 16 – February 20, 2009
		March 2 – March 6, 2009
		April 27 – May 1, 2009
		May 11 – May 15, 2009
		June 22 – June 26, 2009
		July 13 – July 17, 2009
		August 10 – August 14, 2009
		August 31 – September 4, 2009
		October 26 – October 30, 2009
		November 30 – December 4, 2009

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 Required Text

The required text for the course is the three-volume WOC Nursing Series. To order, please call 1 (800) 545-2522, or FAX 1 (800) 535-9935. In Canada, call toll-free 1 (800) 387-7278. For on-line orders, please visit Elsevier.

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 Tuition Cost and Application Process

The total cost of the program, excluding textbook costs, housing, possible fees for clinical preceptorship, etc., is $4,000 (a tuition fee of $3,900, which includes modules, telephone and/or email support and one week onsite week + the $100 application fee, which includes the introductory module; the application fee must be included with the completed application). The student may pay either the entire $3,900 or $975 per module. All fees are payable to Emory WOCNEC.

A Baccalaureate Degree is required for admission; RNs with a Baccalaureate in a field other than nursing must document coursework or experience in health assessment, research and statistics, leadership and management, and community health nursing.

		Application checklist
		PDF of distance learning application form
		PDF of health form

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 Scholarships

Scholarships are available through the WOCN. Once completed, the downloadable application must be received by the WOCN National Office by May 1st or November 1st . Applications may be submitted before the program begins, during the program, or by the first application deadline immediately following graduation.

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 Career Opportunities

In the interest of making our graduates aware of current job opportunities, AfterCollege™ has posted a page that lists entry-level opportunities with employers throughout the country that have expressed an interest in hiring Emory WOCNEC students — this link reflects all job postings in real time.

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 Distance Learning Contact

Mailing Address:
Emory University WOCNEC
c/o Kathy Rodgers
Room AT732
1365 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30322-1013

Telephone:
404.778.3159

Fax:
404.778.4778

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