How to Get Oncology Registered Nurse Certification
An oncology nurse is a specialized nurse that cares for cancer patients. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) offers different options for you to gain your board certification in oncology. When you become certified it shows that you have the proper skills and qualifications to specialize in this area. There are some requirements that must be met before you can become certified.
- Obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Be an active registered nurse (RN) with a valid license to practice. You must also have at least one year of clinical experience in the oncology field. You also need at least 1,000 hours of taking care of cancer patients working in an oncology award.
- Enroll in a master’s program and specialize in oncology nursing. You need to have specialized training to work in the oncology ward so you will know how to take care of cancer patients.
- Navigate to oncc.org (Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation) to become certified. You can take a practice test, if you wish. They offer five different certifications in oncology that you can take. Click the “Take a Test” link on the left side of the page to see what certifications they offer. You can also see the practice tests that will help you study for the real test when you are ready to take it. Do not take the test until you know you can pass it. It is not easy and you need to prepare for it.
- Renew the certification every 4 years, at which time you will have to retake the test. You will also need to have additional clinical hours and training working in the oncology area.