In a field as specialized and complex as wound care, sales professionals must do more than know their products — they must understand the science, the standards and the language of the clinicians they serve.

After more than four decades in wound care and more than 20 years as part of the Wound Certification Prep Course (WCPC), one thing is still clear to me: consistent, evidence-based education is the foundation for everything we do. 

This training shapes how we care for patients, prepare future clinicians and equip industry partners to make a meaningful difference.

Today, we’re seeing forward-thinking companies such as LifeNet Health, Inc., Urgo Medical North America, LLC, and Kerecis LLC step up to invest in standardized wound care training for their sales teams. That investment signals an important shift from simply selling to partnering. 

In a field as specialized and complex as wound care, sales professionals must do more than know their products — they must understand the science, the standards and the language of the clinicians they serve.

Through WCPC, companies can invest in wound care education for their teams. This training is essential for sales representatives for several reasons: 

• Many sales professionals come from different industries and don’t have a basic knowledge of wound care.
• Seasoned sales professionals — including some with years or even decades of experience — are seeking certification to deepen their expertise. WCPC provides the comprehensive preparation they need to reach that goal.
• Wound care is not an American Medical Association-designated specialty so some care team members may depend on sales professionals for wound care guidance. 

Good education transcends boundaries. That’s why our interdisciplinary faculty (comprised of physicians, nurses, physical therapists and advanced practice providers) built this course not only for clinicians preparing for certification but for anyone serious about advancing their wound care knowledge. 

Faculty including Dr. Suzie Ehmann, Dr. Jill Eysaman-Walker, Dr. Hollie Mangrum, Dr. Gregory Patterson, Dr. Pamela Scarborough, Dr. Lee Ruotsi, Susie Seaman and I are united in the belief that education is a catalyst for better care.
 

Filling a Crucial Need

Wounds don’t happen in a vacuum. They are the result of systemic conditions like diabetes, obesity, vascular disease and aging — and they affect more than 6.5 million Americans, with annual treatment costs exceeding $50 billion. 

As value-based care continues to shape healthcare delivery, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other care organizations are now tying reimbursement to outcomes, safety and quality measures. In this new landscape, everyone across the spectrum of wound care has a role to play.

When industry partners train their sales teams through a standardized, clinically rigorous program like WCPC, the benefits go far beyond compliance:

• Clinical credibility improves.
• Onboarding is faster and more effective.
• Sales professionals become respected resources.
• Patient outcomes improve because the right product would be used the right way.

We’ve seen the results firsthand. The Wound Certification Prep Course, the official prep course of the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) and the recommended review course of the American Board of Wound Management Foundation, continues to set the standard in wound care education. It prepares attendees not only to pass certification exams but to practice with confidence and compassion.

For licensing and private course opportunities for industry professionals, connect with our team:

Tiffney Oliver, VP of Wound Care, HMP Education: toliver@hmpglobal.com
Taylor Barth, Manager of National Accounts, WCPC: tbarth@hmpglobal.com 
 

Dot Weir, a clinician at Holland Hospital in Michigan, is Co-Chair of the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care, was among founding faculty for the Wound Certification Prep Course, is Secretary for the International Wound Infection Institute, and works as a consultant and educator.