[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oncology nursing is intellectually and emotionally demanding, but can also be rewarding. This form of healthcare makes a tremendous difference to patients’ emotional well-being and health outcomes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the field of oncology develops, there will always be more to learn. Explore how to become an oncology nurse, including education and certification, and what to expect in this career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Oncology Nurse Overview[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/oncology-nurse/”]Oncology nurses[/hen-ui-link] provide care for patients who are seeing oncologists for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. They often work in hospitals or in stand-alone cancer centers but can also work in other settings, including hospice and clinics. Typical oncology nurse responsibilities include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Administering treatment in collaboration with a physician and other healthcare team members[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Monitoring patients during treatment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educating patients and their families on what to expect and any needed home treatments[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Assisting patients during discharge from the hospital or cancer center[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maintaining patient medical records[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because cancer is such an emotionally-charged and serious condition, oncology nurses must have strong communication skills and be able to show empathy for patients and loved ones. While it can be extremely rewarding to watch a patient recover, you must also be able to deal with the frustration of caring for [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/how-nurses-can-cope-with-a-patients-death/”]patients who do not recover[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learning how to become an oncology nurse requires developing these interpersonal and nursing skills to a high degree.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming an Oncology Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses have to show a full commitment to their continuous professional education to retain their license. A nursing license is obtained by earning a nursing degree and sitting for and passing [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]the NCLEX[/hen-ui-link], offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Once you have completed this exam successfully, you can become a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (RN), after which you can choose to specialize in oncology.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-body”]You must first attend nursing school, earning either an ADN or a BSN degree. An ADN takes just two years to complete, compared to four years for a BSN. Tuition is generally more affordable for ADN programs, as well.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-body”]However, many higher-level oncology nursing jobs require or strongly prefer to hire BSN graduates. If you don’t earn a BSN now, you may wish to earn one later by [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]completing an RN-to-BSN program[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-body”]The NCLEX-RN is a multiple-choice exam covering nursing practice, hygiene and infection prevention, communication, and legal and ethical aspects of nursing. To become a licensed nurse, you must pass the examination and apply for a state nursing license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Oncology Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-body”]Once you receive your RN license, you can begin your oncology nursing career with an entry-level position. You can choose from a variety of settings and specializations, such as pediatric oncology, surgical oncology, or blood and marrow transplants. If you did not explore oncology nursing through your clinical experience, you can do so now to be sure of your choice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-body”]Because of the complexity of cancer care, many employers prefer or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-certifications/”]require certification[/hen-ui-link]. There are a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oncc.org/certifications” target=”_blank”]variety of certifications[/hen-ui-link], including general oncology nursing and specialties, such as pediatric hematology oncology. Most certifications require at least two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of oncology nursing experience during the last four years, as well as continuing education hours.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Oncology Nurse Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider which degree to earn to become an oncology nurse. An ADN is the fastest path to becoming a nurse, but because oncology nursing can be especially demanding, many employers may prefer the additional knowledge and experience that comes with a BSN. You can also earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) and become an [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oncc.org/advanced-oncology-certified-nurse-practitioner-aocnp” target=”_blank”]advanced oncology certified nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] (AOCNP).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]ADN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]ADN takes[/hen-ui-link] two years to complete, so many nurses start their careers as ADNs. Most ADN programs have less demanding admission requirements than BSN programs. If your academic record does not reflect your potential, you may find it easier to be admitted to an ADN program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, many employers prefer a BSN. You need a BSN or a bridge program if you want to earn an MSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: Minimum high school diploma or GED certificate; 2.0 GPA, with preference often given to students with a 3.0 GPA; two references[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Nursing practice; public health, including hygiene and infection control; patient communications; the healthcare system; basic human biology and anatomy; legal and ethical issues[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Typically two years full-time. Sooner if applying AP credits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Administering medical tests, including taking a patient’s vital signs and drawing blood; keeping medical records; using medical equipment; procedures like inserting a catheter or feeding tube; patient communications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]BSN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]BSN degree[/hen-ui-link] typically takes four years of full-time study to complete, less if you have credits from another bachelor’s degree or AP credits you can transfer. Admissions requirements vary by school, with some considerably more selective than others.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While a BSN takes more time and money, many employers require or strongly prefer a BSN, especially for higher-level positions. A BSN is also a requirement for earning an MSN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: 3.0 GPA (some schools require at least 3.25); passing grades in math and science; at least two references; an application that includes a personal essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Nursing practice; public health and social determinants of health; hygiene and infection control; communications; the healthcare system; nursing leadership; biology and anatomy; legal and ethical issues; nursing informatics[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: Typically four years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Administering medical tests, including taking a patient’s vital signs and drawing blood; keeping medical records; using medical equipment; procedures like inserting a catheter or feeding tube; patient communications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Oncology Nurse Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To be an oncology nurse, you must [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/rn-licensing-requirements-by-state/”]earn and maintain an RN license[/hen-ui-link]. While certification is not legally required to practice oncology nursing, many employers require or strongly prefer certification. Certification demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning and specialized knowledge of oncology nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is RN licensure required? RN licensure is required to be an oncology nurse.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How do you obtain RN licensure? You earn an RN license by graduating from an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN, and submitting a licensure application. Some criminal convictions may prevent you from earning a license, so check your state regulations if you are uncertain.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How is licensure maintained? You maintain your license by working as a nurse and through continuing professional education. Certain legal or ethical offenses can lead to losing your license; these vary by state.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Oncology Certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Is certification required? Certification is not legally required, but many employers require or strongly prefer it for certain positions.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How do you obtain certification? You earn certification through experience in oncology nursing, passing a certification examination, and continuing professional education.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How is certification maintained? You maintain your certification through ongoing education and experience in nursing. If you leave the field for a certain period, you may be required to pass the certification examination again. This will vary by certification.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Types of Certifications for Oncology Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oncc.org/oncology-certified-nurse-ocn” target=”_blank”]Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This is the broadest oncology certification, focused on adult oncology nursing. You must have at least two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing experience within the last four years. You also need to participate in continuing education or have recent classroom hours and pass a certification examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oncc.org/certified-pediatric-hematology-oncology-nurse-cphon” target=”_blank”]Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON®)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This certification focuses on caring for pediatric patients with hematological cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma. For certification, you need two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of pediatric oncology nursing experience in the last four years. You must participate in continuing education or have recent classroom hours and pass a certification examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oncc.org/certified-breast-care-nurse-cbcn” target=”_blank”]Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN®)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This certification covers prevention and treatment of breast cancer. You must have at least two years of nursing experience, plus 2,000 hours of pediatric breast care nursing experience in the last four years. Certification also mandates continuing education and passing a certification examination.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oncc.org/blood-marrow-transplant-certified-nurse-bmtcn” target=”_blank”]Blood & Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN®)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This certification focuses on blood and marrow transplants to treat certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, hemophilia, and certain solid cancers. For certification, you need two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of blood and marrow transplant nursing practice in the last four years. Nurses should participate in continuing education or classroom hours and pass a certification exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.oncc.org/advanced-oncology-certified-nurse-practitioner-aocnp” target=”_blank”]Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP®)[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can become an AOCNP if you have an RN license and a degree from an accredited nurse practitioner program with a concentration in oncology, or in adult (primary or acute), family (across lifespan), gerontology, or women’s health. If you have a concentration in oncology, you must have 500 hours of oncology nursing experience. With one of the other concentrations, you need 1,000 hours of experience. You must also have two credits of graduate-level education or 30 hours of oncology continuing education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as an Oncology Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oncology nurses typically work in hospitals or stand-alone cancer centers, but may also work in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/home-healthcare-nurse/”]home health care[/hen-ui-link], ambulatory care, and long-term facilities or hospice care. In long-term care or hospice, you may work with patients with terminal cancer, and in hospice care, your focus may be on helping the patient manage pain rather than on treating the cancer.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cancer causes physical and emotional issues for both patients and families. You must be able to maintain professionalism while showing empathy and personal concern. Being able to concentrate on how you can help patients and their loved ones, rather than on their suffering, can help protect you from burnout. Keep in mind that your self-care is also a form of patient care, since it helps you to assist them.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/oncology-nurse/”]Oncology nurses earn[/hen-ui-link] a median $85,936 annually and an average of $38.89 per hour, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Oncology/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]according to Payscale[/hen-ui-link] data from September 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), all registererd nursing jobs are projected to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, faster than the average for all jobs. As the U.S. population ages, oncology nurse jobs may grow faster.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Oncology Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Are oncology nurses in high demand?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oncology nurses, like all nurses, are in high demand. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics” target=”_blank”]National Cancer Institute estimated[/hen-ui-link] that in 2025, over 2 million new cancer cases were diagnosed in the United States. As the population ages, the incidence of cancer will likely rise, increasing the demand for oncology nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What skills are important to working as an oncology nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oncology nurses must be able to administer various kinds of treatments under a physician’s direction, monitor patient response to treatment, communicate effectively with patients and their loved ones, and project empathy without becoming emotionally overwhelmed. They must also deal effectively with their own stress, while helping patients and their families cope.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How can I tell if oncology nursing is right for me?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you enjoy exploring new treatments and technologies, interacting with a diverse team of healthcare professionals, and caring for people under emotional stress and in physical pain, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/oncology-nurse/”]oncology nursing[/hen-ui-link] can be a very rewarding career.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What other healthcare professionals do oncology nurses work with?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Oncology care is multidisciplinary. Oncology nurses work with oncologists, surgeons, nursing assistants, physical therapists, pharmacists, and anesthesiologists, depending on their specialty. They also work with non-clinical care providers, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and hospital chaplains, especially in pediatric oncology.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]