How to Become an Oncology Nurse
Many people who enter the healthcare industry are particularly interested in caring for others. When it comes to caring for someone with cancer, that interest can take on a more dedicated form.
With roughly 40% of Americans likely to be diagnosed with cancer at some point, there’s a good chance that a fight with the disease — whether a loved one’s or one’s own — can heighten one’s interest in caring for others with cancer or working to cure it. For those individuals, oncology nursing may be their calling.
The career requires specialized training. However, it is rewarding with outstanding earning potential and job security.
If you want to become an oncology nurse, you’re in the right place. Below, we’ll review the nursing program and qualifications you need to become an oncology nurse. We’ll also discuss some traits that can make you an outstanding oncology nurse.
What is an Oncology Nurse?
Oncology is the field of healthcare that focuses on cancer.
Oncology nurses play an essential role in treating this devastating disease. They work directly with patients, administer their treatment, and provide invaluable emotional support to them and their families. They also educate patients, family and caregivers on the disease and treatment process, offering resources for care that extend beyond health facility walls.
Many oncology nurses develop deep relationships with their patients as they undergo treatment. Oncology nursing also offers plenty of opportunities for life-long learning and professional growth. In turn, it can be a very rewarding profession.
What Do Oncology Nurses Do?
A day in the life of an oncology nurse varies depending on the workplace and each patient's unique needs.
For example, some oncology nurses may work in an outpatient clinic, coordinating care and administering chemotherapy. Other oncology nurses may work in the hospital setting and care for patients undergoing interventions to treat their cancer (e.g., surgery or bone marrow transplant).
Additionally, hospital-based oncology nurses will often treat patients who experience complications during treatment (fever or sepsis) and disease progression. No matter the setting, oncology nurses collaborate closely with the interdisciplinary team and are essential for care coordination and educating and supporting the patient, family, and caregivers.
With that in mind, the general tasks of an oncology nurse include:
- Obtaining the patient's health history
- Administering chemotherapy and other medications
- Assessing for complications that arise during treatment
- Tracking diagnostic test results
- Collaborating with an interdisciplinary treatment team to coordinate care
- Educating patients and their loved ones about treatments and prevention methods
- Helping patients with symptom management
- Offering patients empathy and support if they require end-of-life care
Personality Traits of a Successful Oncology Nurse
Nursing programs and on-the-job training are crucial for success in the field of oncology nursing, but so are the following character skills:
- Patience – Because one of the critical components of oncology nursing is educating patients and their families, successful oncology nurses know how to be patient when dealing with emotionally fatigued individuals who are experiencing cancer or supporting a loved one through their cancer diagnosis.
- Focus and mindful observation – Oncology nurses are also responsible for monitoring patient health during procedures, cancer treatment, and downtime. Small changes in a patient’s health can be a vital signal that medical attention is needed.
- Emotional fortitude – Working with patients undergoing cancer treatment daily can be a challenge for some, but oncology nurses are resilient. Successful oncology nurses exemplify strength, reserve, and stability during an emotionally turbulent experience. This is why oncology nurses must prioritize self-care in their daily lives—by supporting themselves, they can fully care for their patients.
- Positive and friendly demeanor – Although an oncology nurse’s primary responsibilities are medical, those who thrive in the position can form meaningful bonds with patients and their families by providing a warm and positive attitude.
Education Requirements for Becoming an Oncology Nurse
Every oncology nurse is a registered nurse (RN), so to enter this field, you first have to learn the foundations of nursing. Although some RNs have an associate degree, it is better to earn a four-year Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree if you want to enter a specialized career like oncology nursing and have career advancement opportunities.
A BSN program will prepare entry-level nurses with foundational knowledge about the field. Topics covered in this nursing program will include medical-surgical nursing, pain management, patient advocacy, and prioritization of care. Medical surgical nurses courses, in particular, will provide vital training for the care of medical procedures and diseases, including cancer. This is why future oncology nurses need to obtain their bachelor’s degree before advancing their career in this direction.
Once you’ve completed your degree program and before you can start your nursing practice, you will have to pass a licensing exam to become an RN. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the test administered in the United States to individuals who have graduated from an accredited professional nursing program and it is required for licensure in all 50 states and DC.
Clinical Experience and Certifications
Once you’ve passed the NCLEX and obtained your license from the state, you can work professionally as a registered nurse. Some individuals might seek an oncology position directly out of college, while others may choose to gain medical-surgical nursing experience before applying as an oncology nurse. Both routes are perfectly viable for gaining experience and advancing your career in this field.
After some time in that position, you can earn a certification in the oncology nursing field that demonstrates your training and experience, which will help with career advancement in your nursing practice. Whichever route you decide to take, the next step to becoming an oncology nurse will be certification. Earning a certificate in oncology, nursing will better demonstrate your training and experience and ultimately help with career advancement in your nursing practice.
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation provides nurses with the proper experience with several specialized certifications. These include:
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) – Eligible nurses can take the OCN exam after 1,000 clinical hours of work in the oncology nursing field, at least one full year as an RN, and ten contact hours of oncology nursing education experience. After passing this exam, you’ll have a valid OCN certification for four years before needing renewal.
- Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certificate – Oncology nurses who administer chemotherapy as part of their daily routine for cancer treatment can use their expertise to earn this certification. Requirements include administering chemotherapy for at least one year and at least once per month within that time span.
Career Outlook for Oncology Nurses
The nursing field is expected to grow 7 percent by 2029, which is a faster growth rate than the average industry. As the older generation of nurses begins to retire, there will be ample openings for younger nurses.
Oncology nurses, in particular, will continue to be in high demand. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2020, it was estimated that more than 1.8 million people were diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Because cancer is one of the leading causes of death and because it affects people of all ages, oncology nurses are an invaluable part of the healthcare system.
Oncology Nurse Salary
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks salaries for RNs in general but not oncology nurses. In 2019, the median annual income for RNs was $73,300. However, oncology nurses can earn as much as six figures or higher.
To maximize your earning potential, opt for a bachelor’s degree over an associate’s degree and obtain as many professional certifications as possible. As with other fields, oncology nursing salaries are also dependent on many other factors, such as:
- Your years of experience
- Your geographical location
- The type of facility in which you work
- Your hours (working night and holiday shifts for extra pay)
In addition to their salaries, oncology nurses are typically compensated in other ways, such as a benefits package, paid days off, continuing education credit, or tuition reimbursement. All of these contribute to the high earning potential in oncology nursing.
Nurses who work in one of the following highest-paying states can maximize their earnings:
- California
- Hawaii
- Washington, D.C.
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
How Do I Become a Certified Oncology Nurse?
Oncology nurses must undergo specialized education and training before treating patients. If you’re wondering how to specialize in oncology nursing, here are the steps you’ll need to take:
#1 Earn Your Degree in Nursing
Before becoming an oncology nurse, you must become a registered nurse (RN). To do so, you must earn one of the following degrees:
- Associate of Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN)
- Direct entry masters (MSN)
Both of these nursing programs will introduce you to the fundamentals of nursing. However, a bachelor’s degree can set you up for better employment opportunities and a higher salary.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can get an accelerated BSN (ABSN) degree through a distanced education program. These expedited nursing programs can be completed in a year or two rather than four.
What Will You Learn?
No matter what program you choose, your nursing education will teach you the fundamentals of clinical nursing. A BSN program, however, will provide a deeper understanding of the following subjects:
- Healthcare policy
- Care coordination
- Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Research methods
- Clinical nursing skills
While entry-level nursing programs do not have specific coursework in oncology, the disease processes and corresponding care for patients with oncological conditions are covered from a generalist perspective throughout the curriculum.
#2 Take the National Council Licensure Exam
You must obtain your RN license once you’ve earned your nursing degree. You’ll need to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) to do so. This exam is required for licensure in all 50 states and DC.
During this exam, you’ll get the chance to demonstrate your expertise in:
- Disease management
- Injury and illness treatment
- Illness prevention
- Infection control
- Safety and risk mitigation
- Care management
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain your license from the state, you will officially be a licensed nurse. As a result, you can start practicing as a nurse and gain valuable experience in the oncology field.
#3 Apply for a Position in Oncology
If you want to be an oncology nurse, you should look for positions in workplaces that manage patients with oncological conditions
Aspiring oncology nurses can find jobs in:
- Hospitals
- Cancer centers
- Outpatient settings
- Home care agencies
- Hospice centers
- Extended care facilities
Once you begin your first oncology job, you’ll learn even more about the field and develop your skill set. You’ll also put in the hours of real-world experience you need to be eligible for certification in the future.
#4 Consider Getting Certified by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
Acquiring a certification in oncology nursing can help you display your expertise to employers, bolster your resume, improve your job options, and increase your earning potential. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) allows you to choose from the following certifications:
- Oncology Certified Nurse (ONC)
- Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON)
- Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN)
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN)
- Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)
- Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS)
- Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON)
- Fundamentals of Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Administration
- Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN)
If you’ve administered chemotherapy for at least a year and a month, you can also earn an ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certificate.
Before taking any of these certification exams, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. For example, you may need a graduate-level nursing degree—such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—to qualify for some of these certifications. The ONCC also requires you to:
- An active, unrestricted RN license
- A minimum of two years nursing experience within the past four years
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice
- A minimum of 10 contact hours of continued nursing education
Once you meet these eligibility requirements, you can schedule your chosen certification exam. The ONCC provides many helpful preparation materials on their website, including content outlines and sample tests. Earning this certification is recommended for nurses who wish to advance their careers in the healthcare industry, thus leading to higher salaries, wider scope of care, and more leadership opportunities.
#5 Keep Up With Continuing Education Requirements
Since cancer research is continuously evolving, oncology nurses must stay current with their education. The ONCC requires continued nursing education for their certificate program to ensure nurses stay current on the latest treatment and care practices. Additionally, certified oncology nurses must meet these requirements and renew their certification every four years.
To advance your career, you may also want to enroll in a master’s nursing degree program to obtain your MSN. This advanced degree will enable you to become a nurse practitioner and qualify for more leadership positions at your workplace.
Accelerate Your Pediatric Nursing Career with ABSN Online
Are you ready to embark on your journey of becoming an oncology nurse? If so, the first step is to choose a nursing program that’s right for you.
If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to earn your BSN as quickly as possible, you may want to enroll in an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Unlike traditional four-year BSN programs, online ABSN programs can be completed in as little as 12 months. An ABSN program may be ideal, especially if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in another subject.
Take the first step toward becoming a nurse today. To help you find your perfect fit, we’ve compiled a list of high-quality, accredited online ABSN programs. Simply enter your Zip code below to find which program(s) are available in your area.
The content published on our blog is reviewed by credentialed healthcare professionals to give you the most up-to-date and professionally accurate information. This particular article was professionally reviewed by Colleen Sanders, RN, FNP-BC on July 28, 2021.