Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation

CertificationCertification

Makes aMakes a

DifferenceDifference

The Oncology Nursing Certification

Corporation (ONCC) develops, administers,

and evaluates programs for certification in

oncology nursing.

Currently, there are more than 25,000

nurses certified by ONCC.

The ONCC Mission

To promote and provide oncology nursing

certification for the enhancement of patient care

and professional practice.

The ONCC Vision

Oncology care across the continuum will be

provided by oncology certified professionals.

About ONCC

Non-profit organization

Incorporated in 1984

Administered first certification examination in 1986

Accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies

Nursing Certification

is a voluntary process and granted by a nongovernmental agency

validates a nurse’s qualifications and knowledge in a defined area of nursing

signifies a nurse has developed specialty knowledge beyond entry level

Patients Value Certification

Recent public surveys show:

1. American Nurses Association press release. Americans support rigorous standards for nursing care. May 6, 1999.

2. Harris Interactive Inc. American Association of Critical Care Nurses Survey. November 2002.

Nearly 8 out of 10 people are aware of nurse certification.1

73% would be more likely to choose a hospital with a high percentage of certified nurses.2

Certification Can Help Employers

Cope with a nursing shortage by:

Recruiting highly qualified nurses

Increasing job satisfaction

Reducing staff turnover

Certification Can Help Employers

Care for an increasing number of patients with cancer

77% of cancers are diagnosed in people over 55.3

By the year 2025, more than one-fourth of the U.S. population will be over 55.4

3. American Cancer Society. Facts and Figures. 2003.

4. U.S. Census Bureau. 2000.

Nurses Grow Through Certification

Certified nurses

Feel more competent in their skills.

Experience more self-confidence in their practice.

Experience greater satisfaction as nurses.

Source: Cary, AH. Certified registered nurses: results of the study of the certified workforce. American Journal of Nursing. January 2001.

Rewards of Certification

Certification can offer nurses

Increased knowledge by preparing for certification

Career advancement

Access to professional opportunities

Financial rewards

Options in

Oncology Nursing Certification

CPON® - Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse

AOCN® - Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse

AOCNP ® – Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner

AOCNS ® – Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist

CBCN – Certified Breast Care Nurse (beginning in 2009)

OCN® - Oncology Certified Nurse

Becoming Certified

Certification candidates must:

Pass a multiple-choice test

Meet specific eligibility criteria for experience as an oncology nurse

Becoming Certified

OCN® Eligibility Criteria-Initial Candidates

Minimum of one year experience as an RN within the 3 years prior to applications

Minimum of 1000 hours of oncology nursing practice within 2 1/2 years prior to application

Completion of a minimum of 10 contact hours of accredited continuing education in oncology nursing or an academic elective in oncology

Current, active, unrestricted RN license

Becoming Certified

CPON® Eligibility Criteria-Initial Candidates

Minimum of one year experience as an RN within the 3 years prior to application

Minimum of 1000 hours of pediatric oncology nursing practice within 2 1/2 years prior to application

Completion of a minimum of 10 contact hours of accredited continuing education in oncology nursing or an academic elective in oncology

Current, active, unrestricted RN license

Becoming Certified

AOCNP® Eligibility Criteria

Master’s or higher degree in nursing from an accredited institution

Successful completion of an accredited nurse practitioner program

Minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice as an oncology nurse practitioner

Current, active, unrestricted RN license

Becoming Certified

AOCNS® Eligibility Criteria

Master’s or higher degree in nursing from an accredited institution

Minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice in an advanced practice role in oncology nursing

Current, active, unrestricted RN license

Becoming Certified

CBCN Eligibility Criteria

Minimum of 1 year (12 months) experience as an RN within the 3 years (36 months prior to application

Minimum of 1000 hours of breast care practice within the 2 ½ years (30 months) prior to application

Completion of 10 contact hours of continuing education in breast care

Current, active, unrestricted RN license

OCN® and CPON® Tests

Computer-based Testing (CBT)

Quarterly, month-long testing intervals

More than 230 locations throughout North America

Limited international testing at selected sites

Immediate, preliminary scoring at the test center

AOCNP® and AOCNS® Tests

Computer-based Testing (CBT)

Year-round test dates

More than 230 locations throughout North America

Limited international testing at select sites

Immediate, preliminary scoring at the test center

Testing

Based on Test Blueprint for each Examination

(published in the Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin and at www.oncc.org)

Multiple-choice Tests

OCN® and CPON® – 165 items

AOCNP® and AOCNS® – 225 items

Testing

Computer-based test sessions include 10 minutes for an introductory tutorial and 5 minutes for an exit survey

Test Sessions

OCN® and CPON® – 3 hours

AOCNP® and AOCNS® – 4 hours

Maintaining Certification in

Oncology Nursing

Certification is valid for four years

Renewable by retesting or by using the Oncology Nursing Certification

Points Renewal Option (ONC-PRO)

ONC-PRO Renewal Option

Candidates demonstrate ongoing professional

development through activities such as:

Nursing Continuing Education

Continuing Medical Education

Academic Education

Professional Publications

Presentations

Precepting

Volunteer Service

Learn more about certification!

Visit ONCC at

www.oncc.org

or call

877-769-ONCC (Toll free, US & Canada)