ONCC to Offer New Advanced Certification
The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) is pleased to announce its newest certification program, the Advanced Certified Oncology Nurse (ACON™). This program has been developed to validate the specialized knowledge of adult or pediatric Registered Nurses (RNs) in oncology with advanced nursing degrees.
Michelle Payne, DNP, RN, OCN®, BMTCN®, and President of ONCC, notes, "Since the retirement of the Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN®) in 2005, oncology nursing practice has continued to evolve. While the AOCNP® program serves the role-specific oncology Nurse Practitioners, the evolution of the practice and growth of Master’s, PhD, and DNP prepared oncology nurses created the need for a new certification that validates the higher-level practice."
The ACON™ credential program is for adult or pediatric RNs in oncology with advanced nursing degrees. Practice may be in the areas of clinical practice, nursing administration, education, research, or consultation. To be eligible for the exam nurses must meet the following proposed eligibility criteria:
- A current, active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the U.S., its territories, or Canada at the time of application and examination; and
- A master’s degree, PhD, or DNP in nursing, preferably with a focus in oncology; and
- A minimum of three years (36 months) of experience as an RN within the five years (60 months) prior to application; and
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of oncology nursing practice within the four years (48 months) prior to application; and
- Completed one graduate level oncology course of at least two (2) credits OR 30 hours of adult or pediatric oncology continuing education within the five years prior to application. The contact hours must have been provided or formally approved by an acceptable accredited provider or approver of continuing nursing education (CNE) or nursing professional development (NCPD).
The ACON™ exam is expected to beta test in 2026. Information about the program can be found on the ONCC website, and ONCC will continue to update the website as more information becomes available.