Post-Master's Certificate in Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Overview

The Post-Master’s Certificate in Oncology prepares advanced practice nurses who have an MSN or DNP for the care and treatment of cancer patients. The hybrid, 18-credit program encompasses the various facets of cancer at the biologic level as well as the patient and family experience. These include the management of physical, psychological, and social problems resulting from cancer - the prevention, early detection, active treatment, survivorship, and end of life issues, as well as the cellular and biological changes of cancer. It also includes the role of genetics, the immune system and lifestyle choices in oncogenesis, and epidemiology, pathology, and treatment of cancer types.

Certification

Completion of the program provides eligibility for certification by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)/Oncology Nursing Society as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP). 

Admission Requirements

1.  Bachelor’s and Graduate (Master’s or DNP) degrees from regionally accredited institutions (Note: This must be able to be obtained prior to Orientation)
   • Degrees in nursing from NLN or CCNE accredited programs are preferred.
   • Official transcripts for each institution attended must be mailed from the issuing institution’s Registrar directly to NursingCAS. NursingCAS cannot process transcripts that are stamped “Issued to Student.”  To expedite the process be sure to include the Transcript Request Form from the “Colleges Attended” section in “Academic History.”
   • Applicants are required to list all institutions attended in the “Colleges Attended” section under “Academic History” even if no degree was awarded.
   • Applicants with international transcripts should refer to the “Additional Requirements for International Transcripts” section below. International degrees must be equivalent to those in the U.S.
   • An accredited nurse practitioner (NP) track within the graduate (Master's or DNP) program is required.
2.  Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the Bachelor’s and graduate (Master's or DNP) degree
3.  Minimum prerequisite coursework
   • Applicants must have at least three credits of graduate-level coursework in each of the following areas:
     1. Advanced Pathophysiology
     2. Advanced Pharmacology
     3. Advanced Physical/Health Assessment
4. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from individuals with doctorates in nursing
   • At least one reference from an academic source.
   • Complete the "References" section to request electronic recommendations.
5. Statement of professional goals
   • Discuss the reasons for applying to the Post-Graduate Oncology Nurse Practitioner Certificate program at the University of Miami and how it fits into personal, educational, and professional goals.
   • Upload in the “Documents” tab under “Personal Statement.”
6.  Current CV/resume
   • The CV/resume should include work and volunteer activities, licensures and other certifications, preceptor and/ or mentoring experience, awards, professional organizations, and academic experiences.
   • Upload in the “Documents” tab under “CV/Resume.”
7.  Current, unrestricted RN license to practice nursing in the State of Florida (Note: This must be able to be obtained prior to Orientation)
   • Upload in the “Documents” tab under “License.”
   • International students must have a United States Social Security number to obtain a Florida RN license.
8.  Current, unrestricted APRN license to practice nursing in the State of Florida (Note: This must be able to be obtained prior to Orientation)
   • Upload in the “Documents” tab under “License.”
   • International students must have a United States Social Security number to obtain a Florida RN license.

Curriculum Requirements

The program will consist of three hybrid, 6-credit courses that includes practicum hours, totaling 18 credits (9 lecture and 9 clinical credits) and can be completed in one year with full-time study.

Mission

The Post-Master's Certificate in Oncology will disseminate knowledge and prepare students for the role of nurse oncologist and certification.

Goals

• To fill a gap of oncology nurse practitioners nationwide and in the State of Florida.
• To train and prepare nurse practitioners in the specialized area of oncology, cancer care.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will integrate knowledge, principles, and practices of teaching and learning integral to clinical nursing education for students with diverse learning styles and needs within a variety of clinical settings.
   
• Students will be able to evaluate principles and practices of evaluation integral to clinical nursing education.
   
• Students will be able to apply concepts and principles of teaching and learning with an emphasis on the operationalization of the clinical faculty role across academic and clinical practice settings.