Are you interested in becoming professionally
trained in chemotherapy? Several oncology organizations throughout the
U.S. now offer courses in chemotherapy and biotherapy. Some are designed
for the nursing profession, while others are meant for pharmacy
technicians. Online options for renewal are available.
Chemotherapy Certification for Pharmacy Technicians
The National
Pharmacy Technician
Association (NPTA) has developed a chemotherapy certification course
specifically designed for pharmacy technicians. Students must have
education or experience with aseptic technique for sterile drug products
prior to enrolling in the program. The course includes home-based
learning topics, most involving various safety precautions utilized in
the handling and management of hazardous drugs. Attendance of a 1-day
seminar at NPTA's training institute in Houston, TX, and successful
passing of an exam completes the certification. In addition, 20
continuing professional education (CPE) credits are awarded to the
student upon course completion. The NPTA program doesn't require
recertification or renewal.
Chemotherapy Courses for Nurses
The Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses (APHON) and the
Oncology Nursing
Society (ONS) are two organizations that offer chemotherapy and
biotherapy courses designed specifically for nurses. Students must have
an active registered nurse (RN) license to enroll in either program.
Lasting two days, both courses are held at various locations across the
U.S. throughout the year. While not in itself a certification, nurses
who successfully complete either course are awarded a provider card and
obtain continuing education credit, which may be applied toward the
completion or renewal of various Oncology Nursing Certification
Corporation (ONCC) certifications.
ONS Chemotherapy Course
This course focuses on the appropriate administration of chemotherapy
and biotherapy to adult patients. Additional topics include legal and
ethical issues related to chemotherapy, toxicity and symptom management,
and potential patient complications. Due to the hands-on training
requirements, there are no online options for the course.
APHON Chemotherapy Course
As an organization, APHON focuses specifically on pediatric nursing,
and the course reflects this specialty. Nurses learn to safely
administer chemotherapy and biotherapy to children and adolescents.
Other topics of discussion include a list of common side effects seen in
pediatric oncology patients and effective methods of preventing or
minimizing them. Like the ONS course, this program is only available
in-person.
Online Chemotherapy Nursing Course Renewal
To keep up with new advances in chemotherapy, course renewal is
mandatory for nurses. In an effort to offer options that fit busy
schedules, APHON and ONS are now offering online renewal courses.
Students must have access to a computer with an Internet connection to
take the course, as the curriculum is taught entirely online. Topics
include the latest updates in cancer therapy management, an introduction
to any new chemotherapy medications and a review of safety precautions
that need to be taken while handling toxic drugs. Upon successfully
finishing the course and passing a test, the student receives 2-2.5
contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) in addition to
certification renewal.
Oncology Nurse Certification
ONCC's Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) program is restricted to RNs
with an active license. Prerequisites include at least 1,000 hours of
oncology nursing experience, ten oncology-related CEUs or a related
academic elective taken in the last three years, and at least one year
of experience as an RN. Passing an exam is also required. Renewal is
required every four years to maintain certification. In addition to the
chemotherapy and biotherapy course, APHON and ONS offer a wide variety
of other oncology-related courses that may be applied towards OCN
certification renewal.
Degrees in Chemotherapy
There is currently not a degree specific to chemotherapy
administration. The degree commonly earned by pharmacy technicians who
want to mix chemotherapy drugs would be an associate's degree. An
associate's degree isn't necessary for pharmacy technician practice,
however. Registered nurses who want to work with cancer patients may
have earned either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an associate's
degree in nursing.
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