History in the Making: First-Ever Radiation Oncology Nurse Certification Drops in 2026
Big news for oncology nurses: The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) has announced a brand-new certification for radiation oncology nurses, set to roll out in 2026. This will be the first certification of its kind, specifically tailored for nurses who specialize in caring for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Considering that 50–60% of cancer patients receive radiation as part of their treatment, this certification is a major step toward recognizing the expertise required in this growing specialty.
So, if you’re working in radiation oncology (or thinking about jumping into this field), you’ll want to keep an eye on this exciting development. Let’s break it down together!
Why This Certification Matters
Radiation oncology nurses do a lot. From managing side effects like skin burns and fatigue to coordinating treatment schedules and providing emotional support, these nurses are the backbone of many cancer care teams. But up until now, there hasn’t been a formal certification specifically for this niche.
The ONCC’s new credential is designed to fill that gap, giving radiation oncology nurses a way to more validate their expertise and perhaps stand out professionally.
“Radiation oncology nurses have long been essential to cancer care,” said Amy Tamblyn, R.N., an experienced radiation oncology nurse at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center who has been part of a national effort to create a certification for radiation oncology nurses.
Tamblyn serves as the president of the Lowcountry chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society and is on the national committee that developed the guidelines for the new certification. She is already an Oncology Certified Nurse, and through her experience earning that certification, saw the need for something more specialized that focused on radiation therapy. Specialty nursing certification validates expertise, builds confidence and improves quality of care, which leads to greater patient satisfaction, she said.
"Until now, there has not been a formal way to validate or recognize these nurses’ unique knowledge and skills. This has been a long time coming for radiation oncology nurses.” Tamblyn voices.
Why Now? Nursing Specialization Is on the Rise
The timing for a formal certification in radiation oncology nursing reflects broader trends shaping today’s nursing workforce. Across the profession, specialization is accelerating as nurses seek to deepen their expertise and adapt to fast-evolving healthcare demands. This is especially true in acute care and med-surg settings, where technology integration and a desire for advanced knowledge are changing both practice and education.
Radiation oncology is a perfect example of a field where specialized knowledge is crucial. With patients often undergoing weeks of treatment while battling both physical and emotional challenges, nurses in this specialty need a deep understanding of radiation protocols, symptom management, and patient education.
And here’s some good news: nursing education is trending upward. Enrollment in both undergraduate and graduate programs is on the rise, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. More nurses entering the pipeline likely means more opportunities for specialization—and certifications like this one will potentially help define what excellence looks like in niche practice areas like radiation oncology.
What This Means for You
If you’re already working in a radiation oncology setting—or thinking about it—this certification could open doors for career advancement and professional recognition. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to pursue the credential when it launches.
To be eligible for the certification, nurses will need:
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At least two years’ experience as a radiation oncology nurse.
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2,000 hours of radiation oncology-specific nursing practice.
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10 contact hours in specialized continuing education.
Looking Ahead
With the radiation oncology certification joining ONCC’s impressive lineup of credentials (like the OCN® and AOCNP®), the bar for oncology nursing just keeps getting higher. And that’s a good thing! As cancer care becomes more complex, nurses may need more tools to demonstrate their expertise and stand out in a competitive field.
If you’re interested, keep tabs on the ONCC website for updates about eligibility requirements and application deadlines as 2026 approaches. Mark your calendars now—you don’t want to be that nurse scrambling to apply at the last minute because you forgot (we’ve all been there).
Radiation oncology nurses are already doing incredible work. This certification is just one more way to showcase your skills, advocate for your role, and possibly make an even bigger impact on the lives of your patients.
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