1. Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation Certification Makes a Difference

2. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) develops, administers, and evaluates programs for certification in oncology nursing. Currently, there are more than 25,000 nurses certified by ONCC.

3. The ONCC Mission To promote and provide oncology nursing certification for the enhancement of patient care and professional practice.

4. The ONCC Vision Oncology care across the continuum will be provided by oncology certified professionals.

5. About ONCC  Non-profit organization  Incorporated in 1984  Administered first certification examination in 1986  Accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies

6. Nursing Certification  is a voluntary process and granted by a nongovernmental agency  validates a nurse’s qualifications and knowledge in a defined area of nursing  signifies a nurse has developed specialty knowledge beyond entry level

7. Patients Value Certification Recent public surveys show: 1.American Nurses Association press release. Americans support rigorous standards for nursing care. May 6, 1999. 2.Harris Interactive Inc. American Association of Critical Care Nurses Survey. November 2002.  Nearly 8 out of 10 people are aware of nurse certification. 1  73% would be more likely to choose a hospital with a high percentage of certified nurses. 2

8. Certification Can Help Employers Cope with a nursing shortage by :  Recruiting highly qualified nurses  Increasing job satisfaction  Reducing staff turnover

9. Certification Can Help Employers Care for an increasing number of patients with cancer  77% of cancers are diagnosed in people over 55. 3  By the year 2025, more than one-fourth of the U.S. population will be over 55. 4 3. American Cancer Society. Facts and Figures. 2003. 4. U.S. Census Bureau. 2000.

10. Nurses Grow Through Certification Certified nurses  Feel more competent in their skills.  Experience more self-confidence in their practice.  Experience greater satisfaction as nurses. Source: Cary, AH. Certified registered nurses: results of the study of the certified workforce. American Journal of Nursing. January 2001.

11. Rewards of Certification Certification can offer nurses  Increased knowledge by preparing for certification  Career advancement  Access to professional opportunities  Financial rewards

12. Options in Oncology Nursing Certification CPON ® - Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse AOCN ® - Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse AOCNP ® – Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner AOCNS ® – Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist CBCN – Certified Breast Care Nurse (beginning in 2009) OCN ® - Oncology Certified Nurse

13. Becoming Certified Certification candidates must:  Pass a multiple-choice test  Meet specific eligibility criteria for experience as an oncology nurse

14. Becoming Certified OCN ® Eligibility Criteria-Initial Candidates  Minimum of one year experience as an RN within the 3 years prior to applications  Minimum of 1000 hours of oncology nursing practice within 2 1/2 years prior to application  Completion of a minimum of 10 contact hours of accredited continuing education in oncology nursing or an academic elective in oncology  Current, active, unrestricted RN license

15. Becoming Certified CPON ® Eligibility Criteria-Initial Candidates  Minimum of one year experience as an RN within the 3 years prior to application  Minimum of 1000 hours of pediatric oncology nursing practice within 2 1/2 years prior to application  Completion of a minimum of 10 contact hours of accredited continuing education in oncology nursing or an academic elective in oncology  Current, active, unrestricted RN license

16. Becoming Certified AOCNP ® Eligibility Criteria  Master’s or higher degree in nursing from an accredited institution  Successful completion of an accredited nurse practitioner program  Minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice as an oncology nurse practitioner  Current, active, unrestricted RN license

17. Becoming Certified AOCNS ® Eligibility Criteria  Master’s or higher degree in nursing from an accredited institution  Minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical practice in an advanced practice role in oncology nursing  Current, active, unrestricted RN license

18. Becoming Certified CBCN Eligibility Criteria  Minimum of 1 year (12 months) experience as an RN within the 3 years (36 months prior to application  Minimum of 1000 hours of breast care practice within the 2 ½ years (30 months) prior to application  Completion of 10 contact hours of continuing education in breast care  Current, active, unrestricted RN license

19. OCN ® and CPON ® Tests Computer-based Testing (CBT)  Quarterly, month-long testing intervals  More than 230 locations throughout North America  Limited international testing at selected sites  Immediate, preliminary scoring at the test center

20. AOCNP ® and AOCNS ® Tests Computer-based Testing (CBT)  Year-round test dates  More than 230 locations throughout North America  Limited international testing at select sites  Immediate, preliminary scoring at the test center

21. Testing Based on Test Blueprint for each Examination (published in the Oncology Nursing Certification Test Bulletin and at www.oncc.org) Multiple-choice Tests  OCN ® and CPON ® – 165 items  AOCNP ® and AOCNS ® – 225 items

22. Testing Computer-based test sessions include 10 minutes for an introductory tutorial and 5 minutes for an exit survey Test Sessions  OCN ® and CPON ® – 3 hours  AOCNP ® and AOCNS ® – 4 hours

23. Maintaining Certification in Oncology Nursing  Certification is valid for four years  Renewable by retesting or by using the Oncology Nursing Certification Points Renewal Option (ONC-PRO)

24. ONC-PRO Renewal Option Candidates demonstrate ongoing professional development through activities such as:  Nursing Continuing Education  Continuing Medical Education  Academic Education  Professional Publications  Presentations  Precepting  Volunteer Service

25. Learn more about certification! Visit ONCC at www.oncc.org or call 877-769-ONCC (Toll free, US & Canada)