Essential Information
Training courses in adult and pediatric chemotherapy administration are available to interested students through professional nursing associations, like the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology nurses (APHON). Such courses are not traditional certification courses, but components of individual employer certification processes. Applicants must be licensed registered nurses, and program length is 2 days. The courses sponsored by the ONS and APHON are both tailored for nurses and provide a comprehensive review of chemotherapy appropriate for their respective audiences.
ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course
The ONS chemotherapy and biotherapy course provides a thorough review of chemotherapy, biotherapy and newly approved drugs. The course qualifies for the educational hours required to obtain oncology nursing certification or renewal. Students who attend the full chemotherapy and biotherapy course and complete an exam will receive an ONS Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Card. The card is not a form of certification. However, the course is often required by employers in order to achieve internal certification.
APHON Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Course
The APHON course is tailored for nurses new to pediatric chemo and biotherapy. The course covers a wide range of information, from the characteristics of cancer cells to different types of chemotherapeutic agents.Students in this course discuss ethical and legal considerations, review case studies and discuss side effects and psychosocial issues. Graduates receive an APHON Pediatric Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Provider Card.
Career Outlook and Salary Information
The number of jobs for registered nurses is expected to increase by 7% during the years 2019 through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS reported in 2020 that registered nurses earned $75,330 as a median annual salary.
Continuing Education
Both provider cards are valid for two years. Renewal is available by completion of an online update course, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure the course is completed in a timely manner. The update courses include information the latest in cancer therapy management, new chemotherapy pharmaceuticals and safety protocols.
Chemotherapy administration courses offered by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) and the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology nurses (APHON) prepare professional nurses for this specialized field. Graduates receive provider cards, not certification or a formal certificate.
