Oncology Certified Nurse – OCN (ONCC)
By Raising Careers Staff | Updated: August 2019
OVERVIEW
Certification Description
The Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) certification certifies that an individual has the experience and knowledge to work with patients that suffer from cancer. Nurses with this certification will assist in the care of oncology patients through the stages of diagnosis, treatment, remission and end-of-life.
Skills Focus
The certification focuses on the following areas:
- Understanding of advance directives, survivorship concerns and treatment-related considerations
- Knowledge of end-of-life pharmacologic comfort measures
- Understanding of carcinogenesis and immunology
- Competency working with various treatment modalities, such as biotherapy and chemotherapy
- Knowledge of ethical and legal standards
- Understanding of etiology
- Familiarity with sexual health and reproductive issues in oncology patients
Exam Objectives
Download the exam objectives/content outline for the OCN (ONCC) certification.
Exam Details
- Issuing Organization: Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
- Prerequisites: Applicant must be a current RN; applicant must have completed 2+ years of RN experience within the last 4 years; applicant must have completed 2,000+ hours of adult oncology nursing experience within the last 4 years; applicant must have 10+ contact hours of approved continuing education credit in oncology nursing
- Questions: 165
- Time: 180 minutes
- Cost: $296 for ONS or APHON members, $416 for non-members, $225 for ONS or APHON members age 65+ and $315 for non-members age 65+
- Re-certification and certification renewal: Every 4 years
- Download the ONCC Handbook / Certification Manual
Other relevant details: N/A
OCN (ONCC) Careers
Oncology Certified Nurse Careers
Jobs you can get with an OCN certification (additional requirements may apply):
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Oncology Nurse
Salary (Base Level)
A specialty certification may not only increase your employability, but may increase your earnings potential as well. Keep in mind that your actual salary can vary substantially depending on region, job description and employer expectations. Reference salary for the Registered Nurse (RN) shown. Salary based on 2019 data.
- National average per year: $71,730
- National average per hour: $34.48
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
OCN (ONCC) Training
Exam Preparation
- Study from the key topics on the Exam Objectives/Content Outline
- Consider review courses
- Review OCN test references
- Review study guides
- Use flashcards as a study aid
- Complete sample questions
- Take practice tests
Important: This is not a complete list of all certification training and learning options available. Remember to thoroughly research and choose study materials that fit your learning style and needs. This step is crucial to help you succeed in your certification exam.
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