How to Get a Radiation Oncology Nursing Certification
In the field of radiology, registered nurses work alongside radiation teams to provide patient care throughout the course of radiation based treatments. Nurses assist in the evaluation of patients before, during, and after treatments. Nurses typically educate regarding the expected side effects and their management. Nurses may also evaluate patients after treatment to discern any complications caused by the treatment. Radiation oncology nurses are registered nurses with a current license to practice nursing in a patient care environments and usually have education and certification beyond the degree as well as licensure as an RN.
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Instructions
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Complete a minimum of 10 hours of accredited continuing or academic education in oncology. This may include courses such a cancer pathophysiology, clinical radiation oncology pathophysiology, radiobiology and other course related to oncology care. Students many find such courses in medical and nursing programs of community colleges and universities.
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Complete at a minimum 1,000 hours in adult oncology nursing care practice. This practice requires completion within the last 2 ½ years before applying for certification.
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Apply to the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation for the OCN certification. Applicants may apply online, by mail or fax. An applicant will need his RN license number, verification of education and contact information for his supervisor in oncology. The application fee is $380 if filed online and $405 if filed by mail.
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Pass the exam for the OCN certification. The exam consists of eleven subject areas with 165 multiple choices questions and an allotment of three-hours to complete the test. The ONCC provides approved candidates with a study guide and free sample tests, along with a complete description of the exam and all areas on content broken down into sub-content areas. ONCC also provides all applications deadlines, exam scheduling information, locations, and a list of expected expenses to take the exam. Candidates will receive their scores before leaving the test center.
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Tips & Warnings
An applicant should take the sample test to determine what areas she needs to study and then tailor a study plan to improve in areas of weakness.
Candidates who do not meet the required education or experience prerequisites will not qualify to sit for the exam and gain certification.
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