How to pursue a career as an Oncology Nurse

People aspiring towards a career as an oncology nurse must first be licensed as a registered nurse (RN). Three different programs are available to help prepare students for this career. Colleges and universities often offer Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree programs. An Associate Nursing Degree (ADN) program is often offered at junior and community colleges, and some large hospitals offer nursing diploma programs.

People who already have a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in another field should consider an accelerated nursing degree program. This program could be completed in eighteen months, depending on program type and course load, and the student is awarded a BSN degree.

After completing a nursing education, the students must pass the national licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. The student should also fulfill any specific state requirements to begin pursuing nursing opportunities. After gaining one year of basic nursing experience, interested students should take nursing oncology coursework that is often offered by colleges and universities. Nursing oncology coursework could help provide students with the skills necessary to help treat cancer patients.

After completing the classes, the nurse must work in an oncology practice, and complete at least one thousand hours of on-the-job experience. The RN’s final step is to get the basic Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) credential by taking the certification examination administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC).