Oncology nursing certification validates a nurse’s specialized knowledge and skills in cancer care. It supports professional development and contributes to providing high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis.
Understanding Oncology Nursing Certifications
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) serves as the primary organization offering specialized certifications for oncology nurses. Nurses can pursue several distinct certifications, each tailored to specific roles or patient populations within cancer care. The Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) credential, for instance, focuses on general adult oncology nursing practice.
For those caring for younger patients, the Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) certification recognizes expertise in pediatric hematology and oncology. Additionally, the Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) certification is available for nurse practitioners specializing in oncology. Other specialized certifications include the Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN) and the Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN), addressing distinct areas of cancer nursing.
Eligibility and Application Steps
To pursue an oncology nursing certification, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including holding a current, active, and unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the United States or Canada. Beyond licensure, a significant amount of clinical practice hours in oncology nursing is usually mandated. For example, to sit for the OCN exam, a nurse generally needs a minimum of 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice accrued within the four years preceding the application. This practice experience can encompass various roles, including direct patient care, administration, education, or research.
In addition to practice hours, candidates often need to complete specific continuing education in oncology. The OCN certification requires at least 10 contact hours of nursing continuing education in oncology, or an academic elective in oncology nursing, completed within the three years prior to application. Advanced practice certifications, such as the AOCNP, require a Master’s or higher degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program, along with 500 to 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice as an oncology Nurse Practitioner within the last five years. These advanced roles also necessitate additional graduate-level oncology coursework or 30 hours of specialized continuing education.
The application process involves submitting documentation through the ONCC’s online portal. Required information includes the nursing license number, details of clinical experience, and continuing education documentation. Starting in January 2025, applicants will also need to provide the last four digits of their Social Security number and their National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) ID number for verification purposes. After the application and associated fees are submitted, candidates receive an email confirmation, followed by an Authorization to Test (ATT) within approximately two to four weeks. This ATT is valid for 90 days, during which the exam must be scheduled.
Preparing for the Certification Exam
Preparing for an oncology nursing certification exam involves a structured approach using various resources. Creating a dedicated study plan helps organize material and allocate sufficient time for review. The ONCC website provides valuable tools, including the Certification Registration Manual and detailed Test Content Outlines, which specify the subject areas covered on each exam.
Practice exams are another important preparation tool, allowing candidates to become familiar with the computer-based, multiple-choice format of the actual test. The ONCC offers both free and purchasable practice tests that simulate the testing experience and provide rationales for correct answers. While ONCC does not endorse specific review courses, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) offers review bundles and other educational materials to aid in exam preparation. Many nurses also find benefit in forming study groups to discuss complex topics and reinforce their understanding.
On test day, candidates can expect a timed, computer-based exam, typically consisting of around 165 multiple-choice questions, to be completed within three hours. Immediately upon completion, test-takers usually receive their pass/fail results. The ONCC offers a “DoubleTake” option, allowing candidates to retest at a reduced fee if they are not successful on their first attempt, provided they opted for this feature during initial registration.
Maintaining Your Certification
An oncology nursing certification is valid for four years, after which it must be renewed. The most common method for renewal involves accumulating a required number of professional development points, often in conjunction with continued clinical practice hours. For OCN renewal, for example, nurses must maintain an active, unencumbered RN license and complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice within the two-and-a-half years prior to the renewal application.
The number of professional development points required for renewal is often determined by an Individual Learning Needs Assessment (ILNA) report. This assessment helps identify specific areas where a nurse may need to focus their continuing education efforts. Renewal applications and completed learning plans are typically due several months before the certification’s expiration date. Recording professional development activities promptly in the designated online system, such as LearningBuilder, helps streamline the renewal process.