Does Becoming Wound Care Certified Increase Your Salary?

Being wound care certified demonstrates a depth of knowledge and skills in treating and managing wounds. But does it increase your salary?

There’s plenty of research that supports the benefits of wound care certification — from improved patient outcomes to enhanced confidence. But with the increasing need for specialized nursing skills, wound care certification can also help you stand out in the job market and put you in a position for a higher salary.

Certification brings value to organizations

When you become wound care certified, you demonstrate a commitment to quality patient care and an ability to provide specialized treatment for acute and chronic wounds. These are skills hospitals, health systems, and other organizations desire in their staff.

Certified wound care nurses and specialists also bring value in other ways, including:

• Reducing patients’ risk of complications and infection
• Decreasing hospital readmissions
• Improving the quality and safety of wound care across the organization

Clinicians with advanced skills in wound management can position themselves to negotiate for higher salaries. In fact, the Nurse.com 2024 Nurse Salary and Work-Life Report found that 36% of nurses (across all license types) said they negotiate their salary always or most of the time.

The Nurse.com report also shared that nurses across all licensures often received a salary increase after achieving certification:

• LPNs/LVNs reported an average increase of $13,482.
• RNs reported an average increase of $10,000.
• APRNs/ARNPs reported an average increase of $40,000.

A dedication to lifelong learning

Wound care certification also demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning. But how does this relate to salary?

A dedication to continuous learning shows that nurses are willing to invest in their professional development and stay updated on the latest wound care research and best practices. It enables nurses to apply for specialty positions or roles — such as consultants, educators, or researchers — that require advanced education including wound care certification. These positions can offer higher salaries and more autonomy.

Plus, it creates opportunities for career advancement and leadership within their current organizations. Certified wound care nurses can mentor others, lead quality improvement initiatives, or participate in policy making, bolstering their reputation and impact in the wound care field.

How to become wound care certified

If you’re considering becoming certified in wound care, do your research first so you can choose the certification that best aligns with your career goals and aspirations. Whether you’re a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or advanced practice nurse, there are certification options available to suit your level of education and experience, including:

• Wound Care Certified (WCC) through the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy
• Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN), Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON), and Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse (CWOCN) through the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board
• Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) and Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) through the American Board of Wound Management

For most wound care certifications, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria, including completing an accredited wound care course, attaining hands-on clinical experience in a wound care setting, and passing a certification exam. You’ll also need to maintain your certification by fulfilling continuing education requirements.

The Nurse.com report highlighted that 48% of nurses (across all license types) planned to pursue a certification. And as you make decisions around your next steps for wound care certification, the Wound Care Education Institute (WCEI) can help you achieve your certification goals. Offering on-site and virtual accredited course options on Skin and Wound Management, Ostomy Management, and Diabetic Wound Management, WCEI offers education and training that supports your schedule, preferences, and needs.

Wound care certification is a worthwhile investment for nurses and clinicians who want to advance their skills and careers in this growing and rewarding field. By becoming wound care certified, you can improve your earning potential, job prospects, and patient outcomes, as well as contribute to the advancement of wound care.