Oncology

Program Description

The Oncology Program enables students to pursue scholarly activities in the nursing care of patients with cancer and their families. The program is based on a holistic philosophy of patient care in which the faculty and students integrate patients’ biophysical, psychological, cognitive, cultural, and spiritual needs to provide the highest quality of nursing care.

Through participation in the program, students will:

The Oncology Program prepares students to excel as advanced practice nurses in several modes: (1) as nurse practitioners in oncology primary health care facilities and (2) as nurse practitioners providing and coordinating quality cancer care for patients from diverse populations and settings.

Students may also take courses in sub-specialties such as Palliative Care or Cancer Genetics for additional course work and credits.

The Program Director of the Oncology sub-specialty is Anita Nirenberg, DNSc, MS, RN, PNP, BC, AOCNP.

Clinical Sites

Clinical sites are available in the tri-state area including oncology sites at academic health centers and community oncology practices. Clinical sites settings vary and you may be assigned locations at hospitals, out-patient clinics or home care.

Admission

Please contact the Office of Admissions for details regarding admission and financial aid packages. Faculty review applications on a rolling basis so that students may apply to begin this program in the summer or fall semester.

Admission criteria include:

Curriculum

For Applicants Who Hold an Undergraduate Degree in Nursing
For master’s students in adult, geriatric, family, pediatrics acute care, women’s health or psychiatric/mental health primary care NP programs:

For master's prepared nurses seeking a University Statutory Certificate: Each student's program plan is to be individually assessed. If certified as NP in any of the primary or acute care specialties, the oncology nursing theory, palliative care and genetics courses will be required. In addition, core courses such as Genetics for Advanced Practice Nurses or Health Policy may be required.

A sample course offering for oncology courses is provided below to make you aware of the academic requirements of the program. Please be advised that this is a sample listing, and individual plans of study are reviewed and approved upon acceptance to the program. Progression in the program is contingent upon meeting academic policies. The School of Nursing reserves the right to change the course offering schedule as stated in the student bulletin.

Sample Course Offering for University Statutory Certificate Program

Course Number Course Name Credits
N6740 Oncology Nursing Theory I - Fundamentals of Oncology Nursing 2
N6880 Oncology Nursing Theory II: Advanced Oncology Nursing 2
N8750 Symptom Management and Palliative Care for Oncology Nurse Practitioner Students 2
N8751 Practicum for Symptom Management and Palliative Care for Oncology Nurse Practitioner Students 3
N8755 Introduction to Palliative and End of Life Care Throughout the Lifespan 3
N8756 Seminar In Palliative and End of Life Care 3
N8845 Cancer in Childhood 2
or
N8160 Genetic Concentration 2
N8165 Practicum: Genetic Concentration 2
N8290 Incorporating Genetics into Advanced Nursing Practice 3

School of Nursing

The School of Nursing has paved the way for professional nursing since 1892 and continues to lead the field as the foremost institution for advanced practice nursing.

The School of Nursing is a designated World Health Organization Collaborating Center for International Nursing Development in Advanced Practice. With urban clinical sites, expert faculty practitioners, cutting edge research, and the strength of the Columbia name and reputation, the School of Nursing produces graduates who possess the skills necessary to bring advanced practice nursing into the new millennium. As medical advances offer a cascade of new and useful therapies, the need for more health care providers will increase exponentially. Our country will face many health care challenges in the next 20 years, and nurse practitioners are essential to providing access to quality primary care.

Founded in 1892 as Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing, the School became part of Columbia University in 1937 and began offering the baccalaureate degree. It is one of the oldest schools of nursing in the US. In 1956, it became the first nursing program in the country to award a master’s degree in a clinical nursing specialty. In 1999, the School granted its first doctoral degree. More than 10,000 nurses have graduated since the School opened.

The School shares the Columbia University Health Sciences Campus with the Mailman School of Public Health, the School of Dental and Oral Surgery, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Each of these schools adds to the richness and diversity of the educational experience of students and faculty.

School of Nursing faculty have substantial experience in curriculum, instructional design, and research. They maintain expertise in their areas of teaching responsibility through participation at local, regional, and national conferences, involvement in scholarly presentations and publications, and faculty practice.

Columbia University School of Nursing is distinguished by the clinical excellence of its programs and graduates. Columbia nurses are making crucial contributions and improving the health of individuals wherever they practice.

This page was last updated on 02/02/2009 and is subject to change at any time.