Oncology Nurse: Salary and How to Become One
Written by:
North Carolina Central University
• Oct 2, 2023
The sprawling realm of health care has a special group of professionals whose dedication and compassion shine most brightly amid extraordinary circumstances. These professionals are oncology nurses — the unsung heroes in the battle against cancer.
Oncology nurses play a critical role in providing unwavering support and expertise to patients and their families as they navigate their cancer diagnosis and treatment. Given the deeply consequential nature of the work, oncology nurse salary and career prospects tend to be promising. However, it starts with laying the right foundation in empathy-focused education to prepare them for the road ahead.
What Do Oncology Nurses Do?
Oncology nurses are health care professionals who specialize in the care of cancer patients. The scope of their care is broad and includes administering treatments, monitoring patient conditions, managing symptoms, educating patients and their families about cancer and its treatments, and offering emotional and psychological support throughout the cancer journey.
Where Do Oncology Nurses Work?
Oncology nurses can work in various practice settings depending on their specialization, their career goals, and the needs of the patient population they wish to serve. Common settings where oncology nurses work include the following:
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Hospitals
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Cancer treatment centers
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Outpatient clinics
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Hospice care facilities
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Home health care
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Research institutions
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Telemedicine
Key Responsibilities of Oncology Nurses
Oncology nurses have a wide range of important duties, all aimed at providing comprehensive care and support to cancer patients. Their primary responsibilities include the following:
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Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments of cancer patients, including physical exams, and gathering medical histories to understand their conditions and needs.
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Treatment administration: Administering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and other cancer treatments, while closely monitoring patients for potential side effects or complications.
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Symptom management: Managing and alleviating cancer-related symptoms, such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and discomfort, by administering medications and other interventions.
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Education: Providing patients and their families with information about the patients’ cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and strategies for managing side effects or symptoms.
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Emotional support: Offering emotional support and counseling to help patients cope with the psychological and emotional challenges of cancer diagnoses and treatment.
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Patient advocacy: Advocating for patient needs and preferences, ensuring that they receive appropriate care and services.
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Patient monitoring: Monitoring patients’ vital signs, laboratory results, and overall health to track progress and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.
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Collaboration: Collaborating with physicians, oncologists, and other health care professionals to develop and implement comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient.
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End-of-life care: Providing compassionate care and support to terminally ill cancer patients and their families, including palliative care and hospice services.
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Research and clinical trials: Participating in and supporting cancer research and clinical trials, often by enrolling eligible patients and closely monitoring their progress.
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Documentation: Maintaining detailed and accurate patient records to ensure continuity of care and compliance with health care regulations.
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Prevention: Promoting cancer prevention and early detection through community outreach and education programs.
These responsibilities encompass the multifaceted role of oncology nurses, emphasizing not only clinical expertise but also the crucial elements of compassion, communication, and support throughout the cancer journey.
Oncology Nurse Subspecialties and Settings
Oncology nursing offers a wide range of subspecialties and work environments, allowing nurses to tailor their careers to specific patient populations, treatment types, or clinical interests. While all oncology nurses focus on caring for patients with cancer, their daily responsibilities can vary greatly depending on their specialty and setting.
Some oncology nurses focus on specific patient groups or types of cancer, including:
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Pediatric oncology: Caring for children and adolescents with cancer
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Breast care nursing: Supporting breast cancer patients through diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship
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Hematology-oncology: Working with patients who have blood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma
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Radiation oncology: Assisting patients receiving radiation therapy
Others specialize in specific types of care, including:
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Chemotherapy and infusion nursing
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Palliative and hospice oncology care
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Surgical oncology support
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Clinical research and oncology trials
Oncology nurses work in various health care environments, such as hospitals, outpatient cancer centers, infusion clinics, physician offices, and research facilities. Some work in inpatient units providing acute care, while others support patients in outpatient or long-term treatment settings. This flexibility allows oncology nurses to build careers that match both their clinical strengths and personal interests.
What Are the Qualifications to Become an Oncology Nurse?
To become an oncology nurse, students must first complete an accredited nursing program. This typically means earning either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). While both pathways can lead to licensure, many employers prefer or require a BSN — especially for positions in specialized cancer care settings or for nurses seeking leadership or advanced clinical roles.
Nursing graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed registered nurses (RN)s. Once licensed, most oncology nurses begin by gaining experience in medical-surgical, critical care, or oncology units to build a strong clinical foundation.
Oncology Nursing Certifications
To formally specialize in oncology, many nurses pursue professional certification through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). The most widely recognized credential is the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN), which demonstrates expertise in adult oncology nursing, including cancer treatment, symptom management, and patient education. While certification isn’t always required, the OCN credential can enhance credibility, expand job opportunities, and potentially increase earning potential.
ONCC also offers additional specialty certifications, such as Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) and Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN), for nurses who want to focus on specific patient populations or areas of care.
Many oncology nurses also join professional organizations such as the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) to access continuing education, professional development resources, and networking opportunities. With experience, certification, and ongoing education, oncology nurses may advance into roles such as oncology nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse specialist, or pursue leadership positions within cancer care organizations.
Oncology Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
According to Payscale, the median annual oncology nurse salary was about $85,940 as of July 2025. While salaries can differ based on experience level and geographic location, oncology nurse positions typically offer competitive pay due to high demand.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects demand for RNs, including oncology nurses, to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034, a rate that’s faster than average for all occupations. In 2024 alone, the U.S. had over 3.3 million unfilled nursing positions; the BLS projects an average of 166,100 openings annually through 2034.
Become an Oncology Nurse
If you feel called to a career as an oncology nurse, you should start by earning a BSN from an accredited institution. For individuals already licensed as RNs in North Carolina, NCCU Online’s RN to BSN provides a transfer credit-friendly program to complete their degree.
Employers across the state hire our graduates because they make a measurable difference in the communities they serve. Are you ready to make your mark? Explore the online RN to BSN today.
Recommended Readings
Nursing Career Path Steps: How to Advance From ADN to MSN (and Beyond)
Dr. Yolanda VanRiel: A Nurse Educator’s Journey of Purpose, Practice, and Pride
Sources:
Indeed, Oncology Nurse Career Guide: Definition, Salary, and Requirements
Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, Get Certified
Oncology Nursing Society, Educational Activities and Resources to Sharpen Your Skills