Oncologist
Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with cancers and tumors. An oncologist is a medical professional who practices oncology. They are concerned with the diagnosis of cancer, the therapy to treat cancer and tumors, terminal care issues, ethical concerns related to cancer treatment and screening efforts for those susceptible to cancer. The amount of education required to become a professional specializing in oncology is extensive for both nurses and doctors.
Oncology Nurse
Oncology nurses assist the medical team with support care. Oncology certified nurse practitioners can provide, guide and evaluate nursing care for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Both oncology certified nurses and oncology certified nurse practitioners are advanced nurse practitioners who can serve as direct caregivers, coordinators, consultants, educators, researchers and administrators in the field of oncology.
Oncology Nurse Education
Oncology nurses are advanced practice registered nurses who possess master's degrees. They learn specialized skills through coursework, clinical practice or continuing education. In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, they must earn a Master of Science in Nursing. After earning the MSN, they can seek certification as an Advanced Practice Nurse through their state board of nursing. To become an oncology certified nurse practitioner, they must have 500 hours of supervised clinical practice in oncology to be eligible to take the exam to become an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. Certification is available from the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. There are also certifications available for nurses who wish to specialize in pediatric oncology to work with children or to work specifically with breast cancer patients.
Certification Requirements and Costs
To become an oncology certified nurse, candidates must have at minimum 1 year experience as an RN, a minimum of 1,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice and have completed 10 contact hours of continuing education in oncology nursing or an academic elective in oncology within the past 3 years. In 2010, the cost to sit for the OCN exam ranges from $260 to $505. To become an oncology certified nurse practitioner, candidates must possess a master's degree or higher from an accredited institution, have successfully completed an accredited nurse practitioner program and have 500 hours of supervised clinical practice as a nurse practitioner in adult oncology. In 2010, the cost for the AOCNP exam ranges from $260 to $405.
Oncologist Job Profile
Oncologists are doctors who specialize in the treatment of cancers and tumors. They possess advanced training, experience and education that provides them with the skills to treat and diagnose cancer. Many oncologists specialize in fields such as pediatric oncology, which is concerned with the treatment of cancer in children, or gynecologic oncology, which focuses on cancers in the female reproductive system.
Oncologist Education
To become an oncologist, candidates must complete a bachelor's program consisting of undergraduate coursework in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, human anatomy and genetics. Graduates then enter 4-year medical school programs and complete an additional 3 to 8 years of internships and residencies. Oncologists must also pass state licensing exams to practice medicine. Additional training is necessary for oncologists to stay current with trends in cancer treatment and medicine.
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