OMS - Ostomy Management Specialist

The Ostomy Management Specialist (OMS) certification is a specialized credential for healthcare professionals involved in the care and management of patients with ostomies. Administered by the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy (NAWCO), this certification demonstrates expertise in providing care for patients with colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies. It’s designed for nurses, physical therapists and other healthcare providers who focus on improving the quality of life for ostomy patients through effective management, education and support services.

Eligibility

• Active unrestricted license: LPN, LVN, RN, NP, PA, OTA, OT, PT, PTA  MD, DO or DPM

• 1 year of full-time active practice in the care and/or consultation of ostomy patients in the past 5 years

• Meet one of three Pathway Requirements:

  • Experiential: Recognized author of published work related to ostomy care, nationally-known speaker on ostomy-related topics or served as an officer, committee representative or volunteer of a nationally recognized ostomy care organization

  • Continuing Education: 60 hours of CE in ostomy and wound care, including 30 ostomy-specific, within the past 5 years

  • Education: Complete an Ostomay Management Training Course relevant to the OMS Exam of at least 30 hours in length

• Agree to adhere to the NAWCO Code of Ethics

Completion Time: 2 Hours

Cost: $380

• A $30 nonrefundable processing fee is required on all applications

• Initial Certification: $350

• Recertification: $350

• Re-examination: $350

• Lapsed Credential Reinstatement: $350 + $300 Late Fee

Exam Format

The OMS exam is a multiple-choice exam containing up to 110 questions with a total testing time of 2 hours. Exam results indicate whether the candidate passed or failed. A passing score of 80% is required for certification. Candidates receive exam results within 7 to 10 days of taking the exam via email. Those taking the computerized version of the exam receive their results immediately following completion of the exam.

Applicants who fail the exam receive instructions and a re-examination application via email. Each attempt requires a $380 retesting fee. Applicants have 4 attempts to pass the exam, with resting fees required each time.

Application Process

• Complete the NAWCO OMS application online at nawccb.org.

• Receive a confirmation notice of eligibility with a unique authorization number via email within 1 to 2 weeks

• Complete an Ostomy Management Training Course if not already attending

• Schedule the OMS exam within 2 years of completing the training course

• Pas the OMS exam

Renewal is required every 5 years. To be eligible for renewal, candidates must:

• Have an active, unrestricted LPN, LVN, RN, NP, PA, OTA, OT, PT, PTA  MD, DO or DPM license

• Current OMS certification

• Agree to adhere to the NAWCO Code of Ethics

• Submit a completed OMS recertification application

• Pay the renewal fee

An OMS may recertify their certification by retaking the OMS certification exam, completing an ostomy management training course that meets certification committee criteria or documenting fulfillment of continuing education (CE) requirements. 

Renewal Fees

• Recertification: $350

• Plus a $30 nonrefundable processing fee

To recertify via continuing education (CE), candidates must complete 60 hours of approved CE in skin and wound care in the past five years. To receive credit for CE, the program must be approved/accredited by any state board governing the candidate’s primary license, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Physical Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education or Council on Podiatric Medical Education.

• OMS Candidate Exam Handbook

The NAWCO also offers the following certifications:

• Diabetic Wound Certified (DWC)

• Wound Care Certified (WCC)