Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation

Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in patient care and professional practice by validating, through certification, the specialized knowledge and skills of nurses who care for patients with cancer. Established in 1984, the ONCC offers various certification options for nurses to demonstrate their expertise in oncology nursing.

History

The ONCC was founded with the goal of recognizing and advancing the role of oncology nurses. Since its inception, the organization has been at the forefront of developing rigorous certification exams that assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for specialized nursing care in oncology.

Certification Programs

The ONCC offers several certification programs tailored to different levels of practice and areas of specialization within oncology nursing. These include:

• Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON)
• Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN)
• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
• Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)
• Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS)
• Certified Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN-CG)

Each certification program has specific eligibility criteria, including a combination of education, practice hours in oncology, and successful completion of a certification examination.

Examinations

The ONCC examinations are comprehensive tests that cover a wide range of topics relevant to oncology nursing, including but not limited to cancer biology, treatment modalities, symptom management, psychosocial dimensions of care, and professional role development. The exams are designed to challenge nurses to demonstrate their mastery of the specialized body of knowledge and skills in oncology nursing.

Benefits of Certification

Certification by the ONCC is recognized as a significant achievement in the field of oncology nursing. Benefits of obtaining ONCC certification include:

• Validation of specialized knowledge and skills in oncology nursing
• Recognition by employers, peers, and patients as an expert in oncology nursing
• Potential for career advancement and increased salary
• Enhanced professional credibility and satisfaction

Maintaining Certification

ONCC-certified nurses are required to renew their certification every four years. The renewal process involves demonstrating continued competence in oncology nursing through professional development activities, continuing education, and practice hours in the specialty.

Conclusion

The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation plays a crucial role in advancing the field of oncology nursing through its certification programs. By validating the specialized knowledge and skills of oncology nurses, the ONCC contributes to the improvement of cancer care and supports the professional development of nurses dedicated to this challenging and rewarding specialty.