A benchmark for wound care changes form
First Certified Wound Specialist exam set for October
The American Academy of Wound Management (AAWM) in North Bay Village, FL, a national, nonprofit certifying board for wound specialists, has scheduled its first certification by examination during the 14th annual Clinical Symposium on Wound Care, to be held Oct. 4 in Denver.
The examination replaces the certification-by-portfolio method the organization used in the past. Qualified applicants for certification who pass the examination will earn the designation of Certified Wound Specialist (CWS), which they may use following their names. Multidisciplinary questions will cover the following topics related to wound management: general knowledge, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapeutics, and psychosocial issues. Liza Ovington, PhD, CWS, president of Ovington & Associates in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is coordinating the examination.
Board certification is available for physicians, nurses, therapists, researchers, and other health care professionals involved in wound care. AAWM offers three levels of certification: diplomate, which may be achieved by health care professionals with a doctoral degree from an accredited university and two years of clinical or research experience in wound care; fellow, for those with a master’s degree in related health disciplines and two years of clinical or research experience in wound care; and clinical associate, for health professionals with five years of clinical or research experience and/or a bachelor’s degree in a related health discipline.
AAWM, a full voting member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance, developed its certification program to:
• Identify a standard of knowledge essential for developing a comprehensive wound management program.
• Recognize competence of candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for board certification.
• Advance cooperation and resource exchange among the various disciplines and organizations involved in the treatment of patients with chronic wounds.
• Encourage continued professional growth and development of individuals in wound management.
• Establish a code of ethics, responsibility, and high professional standards for all certified individuals.
Certification benefits include a certificate registered by AAWM, a listing in and a copy of the National Registry of Board Certified Wound Specialists, a subscription to the quarterly publication of AAWM, discounts on continuing medical education programs, and an opportunity to help shape the future of wound care delivery.
A membership category is available for those who are professionally involved in wound care but do not meet the wound specialist eligibility requirements for certification. Students and residents in health-related disciplines with a special interest in wound care are encouraged to become members. Associate members must have an associate’s degree and must have been actively working in wound care for a minimum of one year. International membership is available to health care providers or professionals involved with wound care outside the United States and its territories.
For more information, contact the American Academy of Wound Management, 1720 Kennedy Cause way, Suite 109, North Bay Village, FL 33141. Tele phone: (305) 866-9592. Fax: (305) 868-0905. E-mail: [email protected].
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