Oncology nurses work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, home care, hospice/palliative care, and doctor’s offices.

1. Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree: takes two-to-four years based on the program 
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for your RN license after graduation
3. Apply as a new grad on an oncology unit or outpatient clinic
4. Become an Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) after meeting the prerequisites and gaining work experience.
   

You can advance your career by getting an MSN or doctoral degree with an oncology focus. 

Alternatively, you can become an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP). With experience, you can become certified as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) or become an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist (OCNS) and work as an educator or manager.

Oncology nurses must be BCLS certified, and it is highly encouraged that they become certified after gaining experience. There are also online oncology classes

or one can focus on special areas such as gynecology or immunotherapy. 

The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation offers eight different certifying exams (three are for renewal only, and two are for advanced practice nurses.)

The exam areas include pediatrics, hematology, bone marrow, and breast care. 

 Most exams require:

1. An active registered nurse license in the U.S. or Canada
2. A minimum of two years (24 months) experience as an RN within the last 48 months.
3. A minimum of 2,000 hours in oncology within the last 48 months.
4. A minimum of 10 continuing education hours or an elective oncology course within the last 36 months.

Oncology nurses typically make between $71,100 - $88,900, with a median salary of $79,600, according to Salary.com.

The May 2021 Bureau of Labor and Statistics report shows which states have the highest and lowest wages for nurses. They do not list by nurse specialty, but oncology nurse salaries would likely follow suit. The highest-paid states are California, Hawaii, and Oregon. The lowest-paid states are South Dakota, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)

Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

Academy of Oncology Nurse and Patient Navigators (AONN)

• Compassionate, empathetic, and a good listener
• Strong patient advocate
• Calm demeanor
• Sharp assessment skills
• Interest in research, oncology, and pharmacology