Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Oncology Technician
CIP Code: 51.1099 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness to support medical and radiation oncology services. Certified Oncology Technicians assist with patient intake and vitals, therapy area preparation, PPE and hazardous drug precautions (USP <800> awareness), infusion chair turnover, pump/supply setup support, monitoring and documentation, patient education reinforcement, and coordination with nurses and providers.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Scope & Safety
The Oncology Technician role supports the oncology care team; it does not independently mix or administer antineoplastic drugs. Training emphasizes patient safety, hazardous drug handling awareness (USP <800>), spill response readiness, infection control, and compassionate communication.
Job Description
An Oncology Technician performs patient intake and vitals, verifies ID and treatment area readiness, supports line setup and pump checks per policy, assists with chair/room turnover, reinforces patient education on side-effect monitoring, documents observations, escalates concerns promptly, and maintains safe, clean environments following chemo and radiation safety protocols.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of an allied health program (MA/PCT/Phlebotomy/EKG) or oncology support training; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited oncology center; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable oncology clinic or infusion-center experience.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Oncology Clinic Operations & Patient Intake | 20% | ~25 |
| Infusion Area Readiness, Pumps & Line Support | 20% | ~25 |
| Hazardous Drug Awareness (USP <800>), PPE & Spill Readiness | 20% | ~25 |
| Patient Monitoring, Side-Effect Recognition & Escalation | 15% | ~19 |
| Radiation/Imaging Safety Basics & Environment Controls | 10% | ~12 |
| Documentation, Communication & Compassionate Care | 15% | ~19 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
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