The Oncology (Adult Gerontology) Clinical Nurse Specialist
Despite the fact that cancer remains the nation's second-leading cause of death, researchers have made staggering advances in the prevention, early detection, and treatment of the disease, especially with help from the rapidly growing field of genomics. Advanced practice nurses play critical roles in cancer prevention and detection, as well as in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of new ways to care for adults with cancer.
Clinical Nurse Specialists work in leadership positions in clinical practice (adult cancer control or acute and chronic oncology care), case management, research, and education. Settings include outpatient offices and clinics, hospitals, homecare agencies, and hospice.
Cancer prevention and disease management are not simply a matter of understanding individual biology. Psychological concerns that contribute to health habits, as well as the patient's home life, community, and physical environment all play a role. A nurse's holistic training is ideally suited for playing a central role in the prevention and management of this disease.
Our program teaches the skills needed to work effectively in a variety of cancer care settings, to evaluate clinical outcomes and to promote high quality, cost-effective care. In many cases, prestigious and unique clinical sites provide hands-on experience. Students with particular interests in research have opportunities to work with prominent faculty researchers.
The core curriculum includes: Nursing Theory, Pathophysiology, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Scholarship in Research, Clinical Prevention and Population Health, Advanced Pharmacology, Project Planning: Evidenced Based Practice for APNs, and Leadership.
With a foundation in Adult Gerontology, the Oncology specialty curriculum includes Introduction to Human Genomics, Cancer Prevention and Early Detection, Oncologic Emergencies, Oncology Seminar on Chemotherapy, Common Problems in Cancer Care, Palliative and End of Life Care and Clinical Practica and a Clinical Residency with advanced practice nurses.
Students complete the Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist option in two years and emerge prepared for advanced clinical practice, leadership, research support and education positions in adult cancer control or acute and/or chronic oncology care settings.
Genomics Minor. The minor in Genomics prepares graduates for emerging roles in the science of cancer genetics. This unique program offers the opportunity to study emerging knowledge in genomics science and its use in clinical practice. The program emphasizes screening for genetic predispositions, the genetics of cancer and other adult illnesses, and the use of genetically engineered technologies and therapies. In addition to the Introduction to Human Genomics, other courses include Medical Genetics for Nursing and Family History Taking and Analysis.
Students with an interest in areas other than general oncology and genomics can customize their coursework and clinical experiences based on faculty resources and availabilty. Students can work with faculty to design alternative programs of study, such as pediatric oncology - if possible and supported by School of Nursing resources.
Our graduates go on to become Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists, Case Managers, Clinical Coordinators, Managers, Clinical Educators, Clinical Researcher Coordinators, and function in other leadership positions in both established and evolving cancer programs across a variety of settings.POST-MASTER'S OPTION
The Oncology (Adult Gerontology) Clinical Nurse Specialist Program is not accepting applications for post-master's at this time.Frequently Asked Questions
Each applicant is reviewed as a whole.
Goal statement, letters of reference, extracurricular activities, language skills, activities on-the-job, research activities, work experience, professional organization activities, and Grade Point Average (GPA) are ALL considered when the application is reviewed.
List all of these aspects.
Be sure to ask colleagues to review your goal statement. Include examples of on-the job activities. Describe any volunteer and professional activities. Make sure to ask your colleagues for "excellent" references and have them give specific reasons why they believe in your success.
Masters Programs: An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on the 4.0 maximum scale) is expected for admission into the School of Nursing, although special circumstances can be discussed.
Doctoral Programs: an undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.2, and, if a graduate (master's) degree has been earned, a Grade Point Average of 3.5 is expected, verified by official transcripts.
Caution: transcripts from outside the USA require special handling.
Non-English transcripts or international transcripts (especially transcripts using different grading systems) should be submitted for translation and/or evaluation to a transcript evaluation agency.
The purpose of the evaluation is to verify that your degree/coursework is the equivalent to that of a US Bachelor or Master's degree.
Evaluation agencies provide a variety of services. Be sure to request an evaluation that provides the following:
- Lists all subjects/courses completed at the post-secondary level
- Provides a U.S. semester credit and grade equivalent for each course
- Provides a U.S. grade point average (GPA) for the Bachelor's degree or its equivalent on a 4.0 scale, and
- Designates the level (upper or lower) of each undergraduate course
Un-translated non-English transcripts will not be accepted.
Many of our students find that sharing housing is a good approach to solving both the availability and cost issues. Housing in the San Francisco Bay Area may be expensive, but help can be found with the campus Housing Office, the Student Affairs Office, and previous graduates can often give advice.