Discussion
Ask a question about 'Oncology nursing' Start a new discussion about 'Oncology nursing' Answer questions from other users |
Certification in the United States
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) offers several different options for board certification in oncology nursing. Certification is a voluntary process and ensures that a nurse has proper qualifications and knowledge of a speciality area and has kept up-to-date in his or her education.
The ONCC offers six options for certification:
- Basic:
- OCN: Oncology Certified Nurse
- CPON: Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse
- CBCN: Certified Breast Care Nurse
- Advanced:
- AOCN: Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse
- AOCNP: Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner
- AOCNS: Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist
Certification is granted for four years, after which it must be renewed by taking a recertification test or by earning a certain number of continuing medical education credits.
To become certified, nurses must have an
RNA registered nurse is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program at a university or college and has passed a national licensing exam. A registered nurse helps individuals, families, and groups to achieve health and prevent disease...
license, meet specific eligibility criteria for nursing experience and specialty practice, and must pass a multiple-choice test.
For the advanced AOCNP and AOCNS certifications, a nurse must have a master's degree or higher in nursing and a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice of oncology
nursingNursing is a healthcare profession focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life from conception to death....
. The AOCNP certification also requires successful completion of an accredited
nurse practitionerA Nurse Practitioner is an Advanced practice registered nurse who has completed graduate-level education . Additional APRN roles include the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist s, CNMs, and CNSs...
program.