Certified Wound Specialist (CWS)
Credential: Certified Wound Specialist (CWS)
Credentialing Agency: American Board of Wound Management (ABWM)
Renewal Period: 1 year
The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM), Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) certification validates individuals master level knowledge and specialty practice in wound management. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and three years of clinical experience in wound care, or have completed a fellowship of at least one year in duration that is certified by a credentialing organization. Candidates must possess a full and unrestricted professional license in at least one state, and in all states in which the candidate currently practices. Candidates must successfully demonstrate their roles related to wound care through the application process, submit required documentation, and pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Wound Specialist (CWS)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 3 years
- Education: Bachelors
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 1 year
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
American Board of Wound Management (ABWM)
1800 M St, NW Suite 400S
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-457-8408
Fax: 202-530-0659
Contact Page
Education/Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree and three years of clinical experience in wound care, or have completed a fellowship of at least one year in duration that is certified by a credentialing organization.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidates must be licensed or certified to practice one of the following professions: MD, DO, DPM, RN, PA, PT, OT, DMD, VMD.
- Candidates with a professional license must have a full and unrestricted professional license in at least one state and in all states in which the candidate currently practices.
- Candidates must provide three letters from professional references. For candidates with one year fellowship experience, two of the three letters must be from the Fellowship program director and the CWS who was directly involved in the candidate's training.
- Candidates must provide a personal statement with a detailed description of three years of clinical wound care experience and direct patient care.
- Candidates must provide a professional resume or curriculum vitae.
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Candidates must adhere to the ABWM Code of Ethics.
In addition to classifying by topic, items will be classified by task. Tasks that are eligible for assessment include: history and physical exams, evaluation and diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, and professional practice tasks.
Written Exam
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Wound Healing Environment
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Wound Healing
-
Assessment and Diagnosis
- History
- Physical examination
- Wound and skin assessment
- Pain assessment
- Risk assessment
- Functional assessment
- Laboratory/Imaging
- Nutrition
-
Patient Management
- Wound bed preparation/debridement
- Dressings
- Cellular and/or tissue products for wounds
- Topical agents
- Complications in healing
- Nutrition
- Biophysical technologies
- Compression therapy
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Negative pressure wound therapy
- Pressure redistribution
- Surgical closure or tissue transfer
-
Etiological Considerations
- Neurapathy
- Diabetes
- Venous insufficiency
- Ischemia
- Pressure ulcers
- Lymhedema
- Trauma
- Surgical
- Atypical wounds
- Dermatological
- Infectious
- Burns
- Edema
-
Professional Issues
- Documentation
- Patient adherence
- Legal concepts
- Reimbursement and medical economics
- Medical ethics
- Multidisciplinary teams
- Epidemiology
- Evidence-based practice and research
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) examination:
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Wound Specialist (CWS)
Renewal Period: 1 year