Oncology Nursing Certification – Overview
Cancer has unfortunately become quite common today. Most people know more than one person who has suffered or is suffering from cancer.
Youngsters who wish to do something in the field become oncologists or oncology nurses. This branch of medicine deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
In this article, we have listed the requirements, eligibility criteria, application process and other relevant details for those planning to pursue an oncology nursing certification.
What is an Oncology Nurse
In simple words, oncology nurses care for patients diagnosed with cancer. Apart from caring for patients, these nurses also offer counseling and support to the patient’s caregivers and family.
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It offers an incredible learning experience, has attractive monetary rewards and ensures excellent professional growth.
As an oncology nurse, you can form strong and meaningful relationships with patients, your peers, subordinates and doctors.
What does an oncology nurse do
The level of education and training determines the specific responsibilities of an oncology nurse.
Some of these professionals are Registered Nurses (RNs), while others have more advanced qualifications, such as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
Oncology Nurse Practitioners are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) with specialized education and certification in oncology.
Oncology nurses are responsible for caring for patients, families and the community. Some of the major aspects of an oncology nurse’s responsibilities include:
#1. Cancer screening
#2. Cancer education
#3. Cancer prevention
#4. Nursing management
#5. Nursing navigation
#6. Direct patient care
#7. Research
Apart from this, oncology nurses can also specialize in different areas, such as:
#1. Immunotherapy
#2. Hematology
#3. Bone marrow transplantation
#4. Surgical oncology
#5. Breast oncology
#6. Genetic counseling
#7. Chemotherapy / Infusion
#8. Gynecologic oncology
#9. Radiation oncology
What are the skills required to become an Oncology Nurse
Oncology Nursing Certification – What are the requirements to become an Oncology Nurse
In any healthcare profession, soft skills matter a lot. However, these skills become incredibly vital in oncology.
Essential skills for becoming a successful oncology nurse, recognized by nursing professionals and educational institutions, include:
#1. Communication skills – Oncology nurses need excellent communication skills.
#2. Critical thinking skills – These skills help nurses to assess changes in the patient’s condition.
#3. Compassion – Oncology nurses need to be extra compassionate and have significant empathy.
#4. Emotional stability – This is highly effective when dealing regularly with critically ill patients.
#5. Physical stamina – This is necessary as patients often need help to move or walk.
What are the Requirements to Become an Oncology Nurse
There are several different ways to become an Oncology Nurse in the US.
At the least, you must be a qualified Registered Nurse (RN) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Some candidates also choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree to advance their nursing education further.
After earning a nursing degree, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure as a Registered Nurse, a requirement managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
State-specific regulations may apply to advanced practice roles and specialty certifications in oncology nursing. Remember, you may not be allowed to work everywhere, even if you receive your oncology nurse certification.
Hence, you must check your state’s specific rules and regulations regarding oncology nurse certification.
For queries related to oncology nursing certification and practice, contact the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) or state nursing boards.
What are the Requirements for an Oncology Nurse Program
If you plan to pursue an oncology nurse program or a degree, the specific admission criteria will depend on your nursing school. Some of the most common prerequisites to becoming an Oncology Nurse include:
#1. Minimum ACT or SAT scores
#2. Average 2.5 to 3.5 GPA
#3. Excellent scores in English, Maths and Science
#4. The passing score in TOEFL (if English is the second language)
Apart from these, some less common requirements to become an oncology nurse in the US include having:
#1. A statistics course
#2. Essays and personal statements
#3. Letters of recommendation
#4. Transcripts
What are the Steps to Becoming an Oncology Nurse
Before you seek certification or specialization, you must first complete a program to become a registered nurse (RN).
There are three main ways to become an RN in the US. Each of these ways requires a different amount of time and dedication.
When choosing a nursing school, make sure to select the one that provides oncology nurse training or oncology nurse courses.
You may also find numerous nursing colleges with specialty programs, so you will need to do a little bit of research.
Now, let’s check the steps to becoming an Oncology Nurse:
Step 1 – Acquire an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
If you choose to enter into an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program,, you will need to spend a couple of years in nursing school.
This associate’s degree lets you enter employment sooner and is also less expensive than pursuing a BSN degree.
According to the Nurse Journal, the average expense of acquiring an associate degree in nursing is around US$ 31,000.
There are numerous community colleges and vocational schools that offer ADN programs.
These courses cover topics like physiology, anatomy, microbiology, applied managerial statistics and lifespan development. However, an associate degree has a restricted career scope as compared to a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
With increasing competition in the healthcare industry, employers are hiring candidates with a BSN instead of an associate degree holder.
Step 2 – Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN)
Acquiring a higher-level nursing degree also opens opportunities for working in a higher position in the healthcare industry.
Getting a BSN can lead to a fulfilling career and is an excellent way for RNs to advance their nursing careers.
To put it simply, getting a BSN will give you the additional skillset and knowledge required to work in the increasingly complex healthcare industry.
Most students earn their BSN degree in 2 to 3 years. The majority of BSN programs can be seen in universities and vocational schools. The cost of enrolling in a BSN program varies between different nursing schools.
Step 3 – Get a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree
To become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner, you must earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with a specialization in oncology.
You also need an MSN degree to enroll in a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife or nurse anesthetist specialization program, also called the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN).
According to BLS reports, APRNs need to have licenses as RNs in their state, apart from having passed the national certification exam.
As an oncology nurse, you can earn an average annual salary between $50,000 and $200,000, depending on the state.
Conclusion
An oncology nursing certification is extremely important if you seek employment at the higher echelons of the oncology department.
This certification program is essential to learn the skills and knowledge required to assist oncologists in diagnosing and treating cancer patients.
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