An oncology nurse cares for patients with cancer, from diagnosis to treatment to remission. Oncology registered nurses administer medications, such as chemotherapy, and provide patient education and emotional support. This specialty requires a nursing degree and RN license. Oncology RNs can also obtain certifications.
In the U.S., more than 2 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society. These patients can benefit from compassionate, holistic nursing care as they navigate a life-threatening disease that can have devastating consequences for families. Oncology nurses specialize in delivering care to individuals diagnosed with cancer. This nursing specialty requires nursing education and licensure as a registered nurse (RN), with the option to pursue specialized certifications.
If you’re eager to help cancer patients through quality nursing care, consider learning how to become an oncology nurse. Concordia University, St. Paul’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program enables you to earn a nursing degree in as few as 16 months by leveraging your prior non-nursing education. After graduation, you can obtain licensure and pursue employment in a wide range of nursing specialties, including oncology nursing.
While you’re planning your next career move, take a closer look at what oncology RNs do and what the education requirements are. Consider how long it will take to make this career switch and examine career advancement opportunities.
What Is an Oncology Nurse?
Oncology is the healthcare specialty that encompasses the study, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of cancer. Oncology RNs care for patients across the lifespan, providing a continuum of care from diagnosis to treatment to remission.
Within oncology, there are numerous subspecialty options. Examples include pediatric oncology, which involves cancer care for children, teens, and young adults, or gynecologic oncology, which encompasses care for women with cancers of the reproductive system.
Some nurses specialize in a specific type of treatment instead of a patient population. They might work in surgical oncology or radiation oncology.
What Does an Oncology Nurse Do?
Oncology RNs work in hospitals, cancer centers, and other settings. They aim to extend patients’ lives and enhance their quality of life. Typical oncology RN duties include:
- Accessing ports that are implanted beneath the skin for the delivery of chemotherapy and other medicines
- Administering blood transfusions
- Evaluating laboratory and medical imaging tests
- Handling hazardous drugs like chemotherapy
- Maintaining patient records and developing or contributing to the nursing care plan
- Monitoring patients for side effects and helping manage issues such as nausea
- Performing central line dressing changes
Patient education and emotional support are significant parts of the job. Cancer care nurses help patients and their families cope with stressful diagnoses and deal with unpleasant medication side effects, such as hair loss and nausea. Often, oncology RNs provide a sympathetic ear and a shoulder to lean on.
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Oncology Nurse Schooling Requirements
The minimum requirements to become an oncology nurse include a nursing degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a state-issued RN license.
After earning a degree and license, oncology RNs build clinical experience. Some may choose to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice and earn specialty certifications, but graduate degrees are not required to start a career in cancer care.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Oncology Nurse?
There are several paths to enter cancer care. A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program usually takes four years. After graduation, it may take two months or more to pass the NCLEX-RN and receive your license.
If you already have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 54 college credits, you can likely shorten this timeline. CSP Global’s ABSN program builds on your previous education to satisfy general education requirements, allowing you to graduate in about 16 months once you complete any needed prerequisite courses and enroll.
How to Become an Oncology Nurse
If you decide that oncology nursing is the right career choice for your goals, you can get started with the following steps:
- Earn a BSN: In CSP Global’s ABSN program, you’ll complete a blend of online coursework and in-person immersive learning experiences, including nursing skills labs and clinical learning components.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN: After graduating with your BSN, you can apply to take the NCLEX-RN. Concordia University, St. Paul prepares you for the licensure exam with practical training and solid NCLEX-RN prep resources.
- Gain clinical experience: After obtaining your RN license, you can pursue your first oncology nursing job. Once you’ve gained some experience, you might consider specializing further in an area such as radiation or pediatric oncology.
With additional credentials, such as a graduate nursing degree and professional certification, you will be prepared to pursue career advancement opportunities. These may include leadership roles, such as charge nurse or nurse manager of an oncology treatment center.
You could also pursue board certification as a nurse practitioner or move into oncology research or education.
How Much Do Oncology Nurses Make?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t offer salary data specific to this nursing specialty. The median annual salary for all types of RNs, however, was $93,600 as of May 2024. This may give you an idea of the expected oncology nurse salary.
Where can nurses work beyond the hospital? Explore the possibilities.
Skills That Make a Great Oncology Nurse
Oncology RNs can benefit from a blend of clinical and soft skills. Some nursing skills that are particularly important in this specialty include:
- Infection control techniques
- IV line placement
- Medication administration, including infusions
- Patient and family caregiver education
- Patient assessments
- Safety protocols
- Symptom management
Key soft skills for this specialty include:
- Advocacy
- Attention to detail
- Commitment to continuous learning
- Communication skills, including active listening
- Emotional resilience
- Empathy and compassion
Where Do Oncology Nurses Work?
Oncology nurses work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, physicians’ offices, and specialty practices. They may also work in outpatient cancer centers, infusion centers, hospice care, or home health agencies. Oncology RNs who pursue career advancement may go on to work in nursing schools or cancer research facilities.
Oncology Nursing Certification and Career Advancement
Nursing certifications are not always required in oncology, but some employers prefer or require them. Even when they aren’t mandatory, certifications support your professional growth and show your commitment to nursing excellence.
One certification option in cancer care is the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) credential, which requires a minimum of two years of clinical experience, including 2,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) also offers certifications in specialized areas such as radiation oncology and pediatric hematology oncology.
Start Your Journey Toward Becoming an Oncology Nurse
You can take the first step toward a nursing career at Concordia University, St. Paul. Our ABSN program integrates our Christian principles directly into the curriculum and uses evidence-based practice to prepare nursing students to provide quality care to diverse patient populations. You’ll gain an immersive nursing education, with clinical learning experiences and thorough NCLEX-RN preparation.
Request information and connect with an admissions advisor at CSP Global today and start the application process.