Oncology Nurse Practitioner: Programs & Certification

What is an oncology nurse practitioner? Oncology nurse practitioners often work in hospitals and medical facilities that specialize in the treatment of cancer. Aspiring nurse oncology practitioners can prepare through a master's degree nursing program with an oncology emphasis or an oncology nurse practitioner post master's certificate program. They can also learn about cancer pharmacology and genomics while exploring ways of managing their patients' cancer symptoms.

Students complete clinical rotations and possibly a thesis. Applicants to both programs must have active nursing licenses. Oncology nursing certifications are awarded to experienced candidates who pass an examination and pursue continuing education. Online courses and programs are available.

How to Become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Oncology nurse practitioner programs consist of a thorough list of qualifying requirements.

• Have an active registered nurse (RN) license in their state
• Have a bachelor's degree in a science or nursing specialty
• Complete a master's degree program in nursing from an accredited school with a specialization in oncology
• Obtain advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) designation
• Choose the certified nurse practitioner (CNP) role of APRN

Oncology nurse practitioner schools provide the background and training necessary for a nurse practitioner to be qualified for certification by the ANCC (American Nursing Credentialing Center) or AANP (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners).

Oncology Nurse Practitioner Programs: Online Options

Oncology nurse practitioner programs online have multiple topics and courses available. Below is a brief list of what is available.

• Nurse practitioner education and competencies
• Nurse practitioner scope of practice and roles
  • Coordinator of care
  • Clinical
  • Professional
  • Systems leadership
  • Evidence-based-practice
  • Researcher
• Legal and ethical issues
• Trends and future direction

AOCNP (Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner) preparation courses for the exam are also available.

• Prevention and Diagnosis - Oncology APN (Advanced Practice Nurse)
• Treatment - Oncology APN
• Symptom Management - Oncology APN
• Quality-of-Life Issues - Oncology APN
• Professional Practice - Oncology NP (Nurse Practitioner)

An AOCNP practice test is also available.

Master of Science in Nursing with Nurse Practitioner and Oncology Emphasis

Master's degree programs with a nurse practitioner and oncology emphasis provide education and training for registered nurses. This program is made up of core nursing courses involving research, ethics, and disease management. The coursework may also include advanced practice training in community health nursing, cancer care, and palliative care. Alternatively, some schools offer an adult oncology minor within a master's degree program.

A bachelor's degree is required, though not necessarily in nursing. Those who have an associate's degree in nursing but a bachelor's degree in an unrelated area may have to take some prerequisite classes before starting the master's program. Applicants also must have an active and unrestricted registered nursing license.

This type of master's degree program usually includes several semester hours of clinical nursing training. Some programs also include a thesis. Classes may include:

• Genomics of cancer
• Cancer care and symptom management
• Health issues and policy
• Clinical pharmacology
• Epidemiology and pathophysiology

Oncology Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate

An advanced oncology nurse practitioner post-master's certificate program is usually tailored for nurses who already have a master's degree but want to focus on oncology patient care. This intensive training program teaches nurses to care for patients with cancer. Many of the programs take a holistic approach to cancer care by offering coursework and clinical experiences that will have students focusing on a cancer patient's mind, body, and spirit.

A master's degree from an accredited nursing program and an active registered nursing license are usually required for this program. Many programs also require applicants to have taken human physiology within the last five years. Schools want applicants to have the necessary computer skills, and some programs require applicants to have at least one year of relevant work experience.

In addition to classroom work, this type of educational program may require a clinical experience as well. Classes may include:

• Advanced practice health assessment
• Concepts in oncology nursing
• End-of-life care
• Cancer care and symptom management
• Advanced cancer pharmacology