Top 11 Oncology Nurse Certifications

Certifications are important for an oncology nurse in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and experience that employers value. Certifications provide evidence that the nurse has taken the time to develop specialized knowledge and skills related to oncology nursing, which is necessary to provide quality care for cancer patients. The certifications also show prospective employers that the nurse is dedicated to their profession, as it requires ongoing education and training. In addition, certifications can open up new career opportunities, such as working in research or teaching positions. Ultimately, obtaining certifications can help an oncology nurse stand out from other candidates and increase their chances of getting hired.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Oncology Nurses and explain how these certifications can benefit an oncology nurse's career.

What are Oncology Nurse Certifications?

Oncology nurse certification is an advanced credential for nurses who have specialized training and experience in the care of cancer patients. Oncology nurses provide direct patient care, emotional support, and education to individuals with cancer and their families. With oncology nurse certification, a nurse can demonstrate the highest level of expertise in this specialized field.

The certification process includes passing an exam administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). This exam tests knowledge in areas such as medical terminology, pharmacology, chemotherapy administration, symptom management, psychosocial issues related to cancer care, and infection control practices related to oncology nursing. In addition to demonstrating knowledge in these areas, successful candidates must also meet eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of oncology nursing experience within the past three years.

Oncology nurse certification provides several benefits for nurses and for patients. It demonstrates that a nurse has obtained the most up-to-date information about best practices in oncology nursing care so they are able to provide high quality care to their patients. Certification also increases job opportunities for nurses since many employers prefer or require certified nurses when hiring. Finally, it is a mark of distinction that can help boost confidence among patients and families since they know they are being cared for by a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional.

Pro tip: Staying up to date on oncology nurse certification is key. Make sure to review the latest American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Program requirements and renew your certification before it expires. This will ensure you have the most updated knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care for cancer patients.

Related: What does an Oncology Nurse do?

Top 11 Oncology Nurse Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Oncology Nurses today.

1. Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)

Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) is a certification offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates a nurse’s expertise in caring for patients with cancer. To become an OCN, nurses must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of oncology nursing practice. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete.

To be eligible to take the exam, nurses must have at least two years of experience as an RN in oncology nursing, or one year of experience if they have completed an accredited oncology nursing program. They must also hold a current RN license and maintain it throughout the certification process.

The cost of taking the OCN exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in and whether you are already certified in another specialty area. In the United States, it costs $295 for individuals who are not already certified in another specialty area and $245 for those who are.

2. Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON)

Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON) is a specialized certification for nurses who provide care to children and adolescents with cancer. This certification is offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). To become certified, nurses must have a valid RN license and at least two years of experience in pediatric oncology nursing.

The CPON certification process consists of three components: an application, an exam, and a recertification cycle. The application includes submitting proof of RN licensure and experience in pediatric oncology nursing. Once approved, the applicant will receive an authorization to test letter that allows them to take the CPON exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as symptom management, psychosocial care, pharmacology, ethical/legal issues, research/outcomes management, and professional performance.

The cost of the CPON exam is $325 for ONCC members and $395 for non-members. Recertification is required every five years and requires 30 continuing education contact hours specific to pediatric oncology nursing. The cost for recertification is $185 for ONCC members and $225 for non-members.

3. Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)

Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) is a certification offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). This certification is designed to recognize advanced practice nurses who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in the field of oncology nursing. The AOCNP credential is intended to provide recognition for those nurses who have acquired specialized skills, knowledge, and experience in caring for patients with cancer.

To become an AOCNP, candidates must first meet the eligibility requirements set by ONCC. These include having a current RN license, a minimum of two years of full-time clinical experience as an RN in oncology nursing, completion of at least 2,000 hours of practice in oncology nursing within the past three years, and completion of at least 30 contact hours of continuing education related to oncology nursing within the past three years.

Once these criteria are met, applicants can submit their application online or through mail. The application fee is $310 for non-members and $260 for members. After submitting the application and fee, applicants will be required to take a written exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions that test their knowledge about oncology nursing care. Candidates must pass this exam with a score of 75% or higher in order to receive their AOCNP certification.

The entire process from applying to receiving your certification usually takes around 4-6 weeks depending on how quickly you complete all the necessary steps. Once you receive your certification it is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

4. Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS)

The Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS) is a certification issued by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). It is designed to recognize nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge, experience, and skill in the field of oncology nursing. The AOCNS certification is intended for those nurses who specialize in providing care to patients with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.

In order to become an AOCNS, one must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a current RN license in good standing, at least two years of full-time practice as an RN in oncology nursing within the past three years, and a minimum of 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience in oncology nursing within the past three years. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as clinical management of cancer patients, symptom management and psychosocial aspects of care.

The cost to take the AOCNS exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ONCC. For members, the fee is $260; for non-members it is $460. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

Once certified, AOCNSs are required to recertify every five years by completing continuing education courses related to oncology nursing or passing another certification exam. Recertification fees vary but typically range from $100-$200 depending on membership status and other factors.

5. Oncology Nursing Society Certification in Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Administration (ONS-CBT)

The Oncology Nursing Society Certification in Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Administration (ONS-CBT) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of oncology nurses who administer chemotherapy and biotherapy. This certification is available to registered nurses with at least two years of experience in administering chemotherapy and biotherapy.

To earn the ONS-CBT certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as patient assessment, drug administration techniques, side effect management, infection control practices, safe handling of hazardous drugs, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the ONS-CBT certification exam, applicants must meet certain criteria including: being a licensed RN; having at least two years of experience in administering chemotherapy and biotherapy; completing an approved course in chemotherapy/biotherapy administration; or having completed a minimum number of hours of practice in administering chemotherapy/biotherapy.

The cost for the ONS-CBT certification exam is $225 for members of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) or $325 for nonmembers. Additionally, there is a fee of $50 for each retake attempt if needed.

6. American Board of Neuroscience Nursing Certification in Oncology Nursing (ABNN-ONC)

American Board of Neuroscience Nursing Certification in Oncology Nursing (ABNN-ONC) is a specialized certification program designed to recognize nurses who have achieved advanced knowledge and skills in the field of oncology nursing. It is the only certification that specifically recognizes expertise in caring for patients with cancer.

In order to become certified, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by the ABNN. Eligibility requirements include being a registered nurse with either a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing, having at least two years of full-time experience as an oncology nurse, and completing at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice in oncology nursing within the past three years.

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as cancer biology and pathophysiology, pharmacology, symptom management, communication, ethical issues, psychosocial care and health promotion. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of taking the ABNN-ONC certification exam is $295 USD for members of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), or $395 USD for non-members. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials or review courses.

Once you have successfully passed the exam you will receive your official certificate from the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN). The certificate is valid for five years before needing to be renewed through continuing education activities related to oncology nursing.

7. American Board of Nursing Specialties Certification in Oncology Nursing (ABNS-ONC)

The American Board of Nursing Specialties Certification in Oncology Nursing (ABNS-ONC) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of oncology nurses. It is designed to demonstrate the highest level of proficiency in providing care to patients with cancer and their families.

In order to become certified, applicants must have a current RN license, a minimum of two years of practice as an oncology nurse, and at least 2,000 hours of experience in direct patient care within the last three years. Additionally, applicants must have completed 30 hours of continuing education related to oncology nursing within the past three years.

The certification process typically takes four to six months from start to finish. The first step is to complete an application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts, licensure verification, and proof of continuing education hours. Once your application has been reviewed and approved by ABNS-ONC staff, you will be invited to take the certification exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your certification certificate.

The cost for ABNS-ONC certification varies depending on whether or not you are already an RN or if you need additional training prior to taking the exam. For those who are already RNs but need additional training before taking the exam, costs can range from $1,500-$2,500 for tuition plus any associated fees for books and materials needed for study. For those who do not need additional training prior to taking the exam, there is a $350 fee for registration plus any associated fees for books and materials needed for study.

8. National Certification Corporation for the Care of Cancer Patients Certification in Oncology Nursing (NCCCP-ONC)

The National Certification Corporation for the Care of Cancer Patients Certification in Oncology Nursing (NCCCP-ONC) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the specialized knowledge and skills of registered nurses who provide care to cancer patients. It is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of oncology nurses, promote quality patient care, and recognize excellence in oncology nursing practice.

To be eligible for this certification, applicants must hold an active RN license and have at least two years of experience as an RN in the field of oncology nursing within the past five years. Additionally, applicants must complete a minimum number of continuing education credits related to oncology nursing within the past three years.

The NCCCP-ONC certification process takes approximately four months from start to finish. First, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of eligibility requirements such as their RN license and proof of experience. Once their application is approved, they will receive a study guide and access to online resources to prepare for the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their NCCCP-ONC certification card in the mail within two weeks.

The cost for taking the NCCCP-ONC exam is $350 USD for non-members or $275 USD for members of the National Association of Oncology Nurses (NAON).

9. American Nurses Credentialing Center's Certificate Program in Oncology Nursing Practice (ANCC-ONP)

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Certificate Program in Oncology Nursing Practice (ANCC-ONP) is a credential for registered nurses who specialize in oncology nursing. The program recognizes the expertise of nurses who have demonstrated knowledge and skill in providing care to individuals with cancer, their families, and communities. To earn the certificate, applicants must meet eligibility requirements and pass an exam.

Eligibility Requirements:

* Applicants must be licensed as a registered nurse (RN) in the United States or its territories.

* Applicants must have at least two years of experience as an RN within the past five years, with at least 1,000 hours of practice in oncology nursing within that period.

* Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited nursing program or hold a diploma or associate degree from an accredited nursing program and have completed 30 continuing education contact hours related to oncology nursing within the past three years.

Exam: The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cancer biology, treatment modalities, symptom management, psychosocial issues, survivorship care, and professional roles and responsibilities. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

Cost: The cost of the ANCC-ONP exam is $395 for members of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and $495 for non-members.

Once applicants have met all eligibility requirements and passed the exam, they will receive their ANCC-ONP certification which is valid for five years from date of issue.

10. Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification (HPCNC)

Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing Certification (HPCNC) is a certification program designed to recognize nurses who have achieved a high level of knowledge, skill, and expertise in the care of patients with life-limiting illnesses. The HPCNC certification is offered through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC).

To be eligible for the HPCNC certification, nurses must have at least two years of practice experience in hospice and palliative care nursing. They must also successfully complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as symptom management, communication skills, ethical considerations, family dynamics, and end-of-life care.

The HPCNC certification process typically takes about six months to complete. During this time, nurses must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or certifications from past courses. Once the application has been approved, nurses can register for the exam. After passing the exam, they will receive their certificate within four to six weeks.

The cost of obtaining HPCNC certification varies depending on where you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to take the exam and receive your certificate.

11. American Association of Critical Care Nurses' Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Adult/Gerontological, Acute/Primary Care, Adult Gerontological Primary Care, Family, Pediatrics or Psychiatric Mental Health certification programs

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers a variety of certification programs for nurses who specialize in acute care. The Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Adult/Gerontological, Acute/Primary Care, Adult Gerontological Primary Care, Family, Pediatrics or Psychiatric Mental Health certification programs are designed to recognize the advanced knowledge and skills required to provide safe and effective care to acutely ill patients.

In order to become certified in any of these areas, nurses must meet certain eligibility requirements including having a current RN license and at least two years of experience working in an acute care setting. They must also complete an accredited nurse practitioner program that includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, health assessment and diagnosis. Additionally, they must pass the AACN Certification Exam for their chosen specialty area.

The time it takes to become certified varies depending on the individual’s educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all the necessary requirements for certification.

To get started on the certification process, nurses should contact their local AACN chapter or visit the AACN website for more information about eligibility requirements and exam dates. The cost of taking the exam is approximately $400 USD.

Do You Really Need a Oncology Nurse Certificate?

An oncology nurse certificate can be a great way to demonstrate expertise in the field of cancer nursing. However, it is not always necessary to have one in order to work as an oncology nurse.

In some cases, experience and training may be enough to qualify you for a job in this field. Depending on the employer and their requirements, certain certifications may or may not be required. It is important to research each potential employer and their requirements before applying for any positions.

Having a certificate does demonstrate that you are dedicated to your profession and have taken the time to further your education and specialize in cancer care. Having an oncology nurse certificate will also make you more competitive when applying for jobs or promotions.

In addition, having a certification can also open up opportunities for higher pay or better benefits packages. This is because employers are more likely to invest in someone who has taken the extra step of obtaining a specialized certification than someone without one.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue an oncology nurse certificate depends on your individual career goals and plans. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge base, deepening your understanding of cancer care, or increasing your chances of getting hired or promoted, then obtaining an oncology nurse certificate may be beneficial for you.

Related: Oncology Nurse Resume Examples

FAQs About Oncology Nurse Certifications

1. What is an oncology nurse certification?

Answer: An oncology nurse certification is a voluntary credential that demonstrates expertise in providing specialized care for cancer patients. It is awarded to nurses who have completed additional educational and clinical requirements beyond their initial nursing education.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for oncology nurse certification?

Answer: To be eligible for certification, you must hold an active RN license, have a minimum of 2 years of practice experience as an RN in the specialty area of oncology, and complete at least 30 hours of continuing education specific to oncology nursing within the past 3 years.

3. What types of certifications are available?

Answer: The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) offers several certifications, including Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON), Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN), Advanced Practice Oncology Certified Nurse (APOCN), and Clinical Nurse Leader-Oncology (CNL-O).

4. How do I prepare for an oncology nurse certification exam?

Answer: Preparation includes studying content related to the specialty area of oncology, such as cancer treatments, symptom management and side effects, pain management, end-of-life care and ethical considerations. Additionally, it is important to review test taking strategies and practice with sample questions from the ONCC website or study guides provided by vendors.

5. How often do I need to renew my oncology nurse certification?

Answer: Currently ONCC requires recertification every 5 years through completion of 30 contact hours in approved continuing education activities specific to oncology nursing during the 5 year period prior to recertification application date or by retaking the exam at full cost