» Oncology

The Post Master's Oncology Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) program (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) is designed to prepare the advanced practice oncology nurse for a challenging role in providing innovative care to oncology patients across the health care continuum. The program blends the education philosophies of the clinical nurse specialist and the oncology nurse practitioner. This fusion of nursing philosophy prepares the graduate to expertly care for individuals and their families across the lifespan and the illness trajectory.

A holistic and culturally sensitive philosophy of patient care is emphasized so that faculty and students integrate biophysical, psychological, cognitive and spiritual needs of cancer patients and their families. The theoretical coursework and clinical experience focus on prevention, early detection, acute care, active treatment and palliation and survivorship. Clinical experiences involve working with oncology nurse practitioners in general and specialty settings. The students are exposed to innovations in treatment modalities, various community linkages and dynamic, multifaceted role of the advanced practice oncology nurse. Students are offered the unique option to follow a patient and/or family longitudinally to develop a long-term care portfolio.

This advanced certificate option allows students to prepare to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing and complex healthcare environment which influences clinical decision-making and the application of fiscally responsible care. In addition to sound theoretical coursework, a conceptual foundation in specialized cancer biology, disease process and complex evolving treatment modalities are offered. Development of advanced assessment and management skills specific to either adult or pediatric oncology is fostered. It is the only existing program in graduate oncology nursing in the greater Boston area, and Northern New England.

Graduates of the program will meet the criteria to be eligible to become certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Adult Oncology Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNP). Individuals are also eligible for national certification by the Oncology Certification Corporation (ONCC) as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN), Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse (CPON) or an Advance Oncology Clinical Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP).

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