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To become a pediatric oncology nurse, attend a nursing program for two to four years, complete general education credits, and receive on-the-job training. Some areas may require additional education. Options include becoming an employee at a children’s hospital or attending continuing education courses. Speak with a student advisor to determine requirements and career goals.
To become a pediatric oncology nurse, the first step is to attend a two- or four-year school with a nursing program. There are associate and bachelor’s degree programs available in most areas. Once schooling is complete, most nurses are assigned or hired to a specific department and receive on-the-job training in a specific specialty. Some areas may require additional education to specialize, so it’s important that you speak with a consultant to determine the requirements in your region.
Before entering the actual nursing program to become a pediatric oncology nurse, you must first attend a college and complete a certain number of general education credit hours. This will include classes in English, math, science, and preparatory courses such as medical terminology. Once this is completed, you can enter the actual nursing school.
Nursing school is where you will receive hands-on training as a pediatric oncology nurse. Many programs have a long waiting list; therefore, you may have to wait for classes to become available or complete the program at a slower pace than intended. The nursing program can last from one to three years, depending on which degree program you are studying. Nurses who have completed a four-year program tend to earn more money and have more opportunities available than those who have completed a two-year program.
After completing your nursing program, you have two possible options available to you for becoming a pediatric oncology nurse. The first requires you to become an employee at a children’s hospital or cancer center that serves children. This way, you will receive on-the-job training to care for cancer patients.
In other areas, you may need to attend continuing education courses to become a pediatric oncology nurse. The duration of these courses will depend on your location. Part of your training may take place as an intern or apprentice, or during your first year working as a nurse in a hospital. To further advance your career, you may choose to pursue a master’s degree to become a registered nurse, attend seminars to stay current on advances in pediatric care, and read literature pertaining to your field.
Some areas may have special requirements for becoming a pediatric oncology nurse, so speak with a student advisor before beginning your training. Discuss your long-term career goals and make sure you have a clear understanding of what it takes to achieve them. This will also help your education go more smoothly as you will be able to attend relevant classes early on to cut down on your schooling later on.
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