Oncology Advanced Practice Nursing (with Combined Adult Nurse Practitioner Option)*
Specialty Offerings
- M.S.N. Degree
o Oncology C.N.S.
o Oncology C.N.S./A.N.P.
- Certificate
Overview
The Niehoff School of Nursing offers the Master of Science in Nursing degree to prepare professional nurses for leadership roles at an advanced-practice level in the care of oncology patients and their families. The explosion of scientific and technological discoveries in cancer care as well as the shift in the site of care requires advanced-practice oncology nurses be prepared to deliver complex care in new settings. This program's educational and clinical opportunities are focused across the cancer care continuum (genetic screening, primary prevention, acute care and palliative care). Nurse leaders of the future must have a blend of clinical and entrepreneurial skills to lead interdisciplinary, cancer-related teams and to design and implement innovative health-care practices. Entrepreneurial opportunities and skills are emphasized for developing strategic partnerships, influencing health-care decision making and providing fiscally sound management.
Curriculum
The oncology C.N.S. major consists of 43 semester hours of study. Students also have the option of combining the oncology C.N.S. role with the adult nurse practitioner role. Students who wish to pursue a combined C.N.S./A.N.P. track are required to complete 54 hours of study.
| Core Courses (9 semester hours) | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
|
GNUR 401: The Discipline of Nursing: Conceptual and Theoretical Bases |
3 |
|
GNUR 402: Ethics for Health Professionals |
2 |
|
CMAN 410: Epidemiology |
1 |
|
GNUR 450: Research for Health Care Professionals |
3 |
| Advanced Specialty Core (14 semester hours) | |
|
CMAN 436: Advanced Practice Concepts in Community Health |
2 |
|
GNUR 442: Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology for Clinical Practice |
3 |
|
GNUR 413: Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing |
3 |
|
GNUR 409: Advanced Health Assessment |
3 |
|
GNUR 460: Role Specialization |
1 |
|
GNUR 461: Health Policy and Issues |
1 |
|
GNUR 462: Health Care Financing |
1 |
| Oncology Specialty Courses (20 semester hours) | |
|
GNUR 463: Cancer Genomics |
2 |
|
GNUR 470: Cancer Pathophysiology and Disease Management |
3 |
|
GNUR 467: Cancer Supportive Care and Symptom Management |
2 |
|
GNUR 464: APN Entrepreneur |
2 |
|
GNUR 471: Palliative Care |
2 |
|
MSN 406: Clinical |
9 |
|
Total Hours |
43 |
| C.N.S./A.N.P. Specialty Courses (11 semester hours) | |
|
GNUR 514: Common Health Problems of Adults |
3 |
|
MSN 449: Complex Health Problems of Adults |
3 |
|
GNUR 415: Reproductive Health |
2 |
|
GNUR 517: APN Practicum: Primary Health Care |
3 |
|
Total Hours |
54 |
Location: Most classes are offered at the Loyola University Health System campus in Maywood, Ill. Some courses are Web-based.
Program Prerequisites: Basic physical assessment and statistics. Related work experience is preferred. Students admitted without significant oncology experience will be advised to take a continuing education oncology nursing course offered through the Loyola University Health System and the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center. A minimum of 2,000 hours nursing experience is required prior to beginning the clinical.
Certification: Graduates will be eligible to sit for the advanced oncology certified clinical nurse specialist (A.O.C.N.S.) certification offered through the Oncology Nursing Society (O.N.S.). C.N.S./A.N.P. graduates likewise are eligible to sit for the A.O.C.N.P. certification through O.N.S. and/or the A.N.C.C. adult nurse practitioner certification examination.
Certificate
An online certificate program in oncology nursing for nurse practitioners or other advanced practice nurses wishing to advance their knowledge and skills through a shorter, more focused option. This program is also appropriate for B.S.N. nurses employed in oncology settings who seek to increase their on-the-job education. The program consists of four online graduate courses in oncology.
| Required Courses (9 semester hours) | Semester Hours |
|---|---|
|
GNUR 463: Cancer Genomics |
2 |
|
GNUR 470: Cancer Pathophysiology and Disease Management |
3 |
|
GNUR 467: Cancer: Supportive Care and Symptom Management |
2 |
|
GNUR 471: Palliative Care |
2 |
*This program has been funded by Health Resources and Services Administration grant #1 D009Hp00492.
