Oncology nurse
Registered nurses who care for people with cancer, from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and end-of-life care.
What the job involves
Oncology nurses care for people with cancer in infusion centers, hospital inpatient units, outpatient clinics, radiation oncology and hospice. Common tasks include giving chemotherapy and other treatments after specialized training, managing symptoms such as pain and nausea, monitoring for treatment side effects and teaching patients and families.
The work is emotionally demanding and rewarding, with long relationships between nurses and patients who come back for repeated treatment.
How to enter the specialty
Oncology nurses are registered nurses. There is no separate degree: you earn an ADN or BSN, pass the NCLEX-RN, then work in an oncology setting. Some employers hire new graduates into oncology units with orientation, and others prefer a year or more of medical-surgical experience first.
Chemotherapy and biotherapy administration needs additional training, often provided by the employer, based on guidelines from the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS).
Certification
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) offers specialty certification, including the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) credential, and advanced credentials for nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. Certification is voluntary and requires practice hours in oncology and a passing exam. Check the ONCC site for the current eligibility rules.
Pay
The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report oncology nurses separately. They are counted among registered nurses, whose pay we show below. Specialty, employer and region influence what a given nurse earns.
Pay and outlook
The median registered nurse earned $97,550 in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 3,379,720 employed. The Bureau projects 5.6% growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 180,800 openings a year once retirements and job changes are included. By state, the median runs from $77,080 in Alabama to $140,270 in California.See registered nurse pay by state for every state.
Steps to get there
- Earn an ADN or BSN from an approved program.
- Pass the NCLEX-RN and get your state license.
- Work in an oncology setting or build medical-surgical experience first.
- Complete chemotherapy and biotherapy training offered by your employer.
- Consider OCN certification once you meet the practice-hour requirement.
Common questions
Can a new graduate work in oncology?
Some hospitals hire new graduates into oncology units and train them. Others prefer experience in medical-surgical nursing first, so ask employers about their residency programs.
Is oncology nursing the same as hospice nursing?
No. Oncology nurses treat cancer at every stage. Hospice and palliative nurses focus on comfort and quality of life for people with serious illness, and some of their patients have cancer.