Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP)

Last Updated On Oct 1, 2024

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

11 Min Read

What is an Oncology Nurse Practitioner (ONP)?

An oncology nurse practitioner (ONP for short) is a type of nurse practitioner who specializes in diagnosing, managing, and treating cancer and complications that arise from cancer. As an advanced practice registered nurse, the day-to-day responsibilities of an ONP extend beyond typical nursing duties, as they are qualified to perform physical exams, prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and collaborate closely with oncologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic, patient-centered care. Their expertise allows them to guide patients through the complex journey of cancer treatment, from initial diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. They also focus on educating patients about their condition, treatment options, and ways to manage side effects, ensuring that patients are informed and empowered throughout their care.

Overview of ONP Careers

The process for becoming an Oncology nurse practitioner is fairly straightforward:

Educational Aspect	Details
Education Requirements	Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Certification	Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)
Licensing	Must hold both a valid RN and APRN license
Continuing Education	Required to maintain certification and stay current with medical advancements and best practices.

To get a glimpse of what your responsibilities and role will be like as an oncology nurse practitioner, here is a table for your reference:

Work Aspect	Details
Role Description	APRN that specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer
Work Settings	Hospitals, cancer treatment centers, outpatient clinics, private practices, research institutions
Average Salary	$100,000 – $200,000
Job Outlook	Expected to grow 38% from 2022 to 2032, driven by an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services.
Key Responsibilities	Diagnoisis, treatment, and management of cancer.
Skills Required	Understanding and training of oncology, patient management, communication, critical thinking

Why Are Oncology Nurse Practitioners So Important?

It’s fairly obvious why a nurse practitioner specialized in cancer treatment is essential to the medical field and to the community of cancer patients they serve. However, in addition to their clinical expertise, ONPs play a pivotal role in patient education and advocacy. They help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect during the course of their care, which is crucial in empowering patients to make informed decisions. ONPs also provide critical support in managing the often overwhelming side effects of cancer treatments, helping patients maintain a better quality of life during and after treatment. Their ability to offer both high-level clinical care and empathetic support makes them invaluable to oncology teams and their patients.

Learn more about other Nurse Practitioner Specialties.

Becoming an Oncology Nurse Practitioner

To become an oncology nurse practitioner, you’ll need to go through several years of schooling. Upon the completion of a graduate degree in nursing, you’ll need to become licensed and certified in the advanced practice of oncology nursing.

Step 1: Oncology NP Education Requirements and Training

From start to finish, you can expect to invest at least six years and as much as eight years before you can become licensed and certified as an ONP, as the role requires a graduate-level nursing degree. The first step is to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), followed by either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. While programs don’t typically offer a formal oncology NP specialty, aspiring ONPs can focus on oncology through a nursing internship or residency to complete their clinical requirements.

Educational Prerequisites

To obtain an MSN or DNP to become an oncology NP, you must first complete an undergraduate nursing degree. If you don’t have a BSN already but have an active RN license and a nursing diploma or associate’s degree, you can get your BSN in less time through an RN to BSN program. If you don’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to meet the requirements listed below:

Minimum GPA: Usually 3.0 or higher
Prerequisite Courses: Completion of courses like statistics, anatomy, and physiology
Letters of Recommendation: From nursing supervisors or faculty
Clinical Nursing Experience: 1-2 years of experience, often in a relevant field

RN to MSN programs are also available for licensed RNs who don’t already hold a BSN; this intensive bridge program combines BSN and MSN curricula so that students can earn a graduate nursing degree faster.

Step 2: ONP Examination, Licensure, and Certification

Once they receive their graduate degree in nursing, aspiring oncology NPs must pass a national certification exam. The most recognized certification for ONPs is the Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) exam, offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). This exam assesses the candidate’s knowledge of cancer care, treatment modalities, symptom management, and palliative care.

ONPs must also obtain licensure as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in their state of practice. This typically requires passing a national board certification exam in their specialty and meeting state-specific requirements, which may include background checks, continuing education, and supervised practice hours.

Step 3: Finding a Job and Career Outlook

Licensing and certification allow oncology nurse practitioners to look for work as nurse practitioners legally. Nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals are currently incredibly shorthanded and have been for several years due to the post-pandemic nursing shortage. The silver lining is that it’s never been easier to find positions as a nurse practitioner as the market is wide open. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that this trend will continue for some time with some estimates of a 45% growth for nurse practitioner positions within the next 10 years.

Working Conditions

It’s no secret that as specialists in cancer treatment, oncology nurse practitioners have incredibly stressful and emotionally demanding positions. They typically work in hospitals, outpatient cancer centers, or private practices, where they may be exposed to various challenging situations, such as managing severe symptoms, providing end-of-life care, and supporting patients and families through difficult diagnoses. The work often involves long hours, including nights, weekends, or on-call shifts, especially in hospital settings where patients require around-the-clock care.

Despite the high demands, ONPs also experience deep job satisfaction by making a significant impact on their patients’ lives. They work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including oncologists, surgeons, and social workers, in a collaborative environment that values their expertise and input. Oncology NPs must navigate their role’s physical and emotional demands, maintaining resilience and compassion while providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

Oncology Nurse Practitioner Responsibilities & Duties

The specific duties and services that you’ll be expected to provide as an oncology nurse practitioner will vary depending on the job, but in general, you will:

Conduct comprehensive physical exams and patient histories to assess health status and diagnose cancer.
Interpret diagnostic tests, including lab results and imaging studies, to determine the presence and progression of cancer.
Collaborate with oncologists to develop and implement individualized treatment plans, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Manage and alleviate cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects, such as pain, nausea, and fatigue.
Prescribe medications, including chemotherapy, pain management, and supportive care drugs.
Educate patients and families about cancer diagnoses, treatment options, potential side effects, and self-care strategies.

Oncology Nurse Practitioner Salary & Employment

Oncology is a highly specialized field and as a result, oncology nurse practitioners are some of the highest-paid medical professionals working in the field. On average, oncology nurse practitioners can make between $100,000 – $200,000, but this will mostly depend on which state you’re practicing in. Here are some of the best-paying states for nurse practitioners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

California
Nevada
Washington
New Jersey
Oregon

It also helps to live in a state where nurse practitioners are most desperately needed. Here are the states with the largest availability of nurse practitioner positions.