Wound Treatment Associate Program

Informational graphic with a red background showing cost comparison: One pressure injury equals $43K and one WTA participant equals $1K, with the bold statement ‘Worth the investment!’ and citation (AHRQ, 2014).

Target Audience

Health Care Professionals: nurses (LPNs/LVNs, non-baccalaureate, baccalaureate or Master's prepared), licensed health care providers (e.g., nurse practitioners), physicians, physician assistants, physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), military medics/corpsmen (active duty), certified first responders, and corpsmen, and other interested licensed clinicians who want more wound care knowledge.

WTA Program

The Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Program was developed by the Wound Ostomy Continence (WOCN) Society. This evidence-based program was developed by internationally-recognized leaders and educators in wound management and prevention, including hands-on training during the Simulation Day.

Learners will complete a series of modules and a Simulation Day within 12 weeks to improve wound prevention practices, patient outcomes, and expand a team's comprehension and skills in wound care throughout all healthcare settings (WOCN Society, 2017).

Prepares nurses for a higher level of competency and knowledge, including preparation for the WTA-C certification (not required).

Overview of Online WTA 12-Week Session

Online self-paced modules (14 Lesson Topics) – see sample 12-week schedule under the Materials Tab
Online self-paced program includes:
- One VIRTUAL hands-on Mandatory Simulation Day
- Two phone calls (orientation and midway discussion) via ZOOM
Two online exams (completed after Sim Day, including an exam review with the CWOCN course coordinator)
Virtual Simulation Day (scheduled at time of registration) consists of two phases:
- Scheduled 2-hour Virtual (via ZOOM) Competency hands-on Testing session
- Student must obtain his/her own simulation patient (family member, friend, or colleague)
A Virtual Course Discussion and Exam Review will be scheduled for all students following the Simulation Day.

VIRTUAL Simulation Day Competencies

Wound Identification & Pressure Injury Staging
Braden Pressure Risk Assessment & Development of Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol
Performing and interpreting an ankle brachial index (ABI)
Sensory testing with a Semmes-Weinstein monofilament
Application of a 2-layer, 3-layer, or 4-layer sustained compression wrap
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) (subject to availability)

Accreditation

WOCN Society, an Accredited Provider for the ANCC: 32.25 nursing contact hours
Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBT): ProCert awards PTs & PTAs 21.0 CCUs