Oncology Certificate Program
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The term oncology originates from the Greek onkos, meaning "mass" or "tumor" and the suffix ology, meaning "study of". Because care and treatment of the oncology patient with is ever changing this "study" is ongoing. Management of the oncology patient requires a multidisciplinary approach. Patients are closely monitored and a variety of treatment modalities are incorporated in their care. Therapies include chemo, radio and physio to name a few. Additionally, patients with this disease have a variety of psychosocial issues to face and a plan to handle these issues must be developed as part of the care. Effective management of the oncology patient is complex and requires providers to have both high-level interpersonal and clinical skills as well as detailed knowledge of the science and biology of cancer and its treatment. Treatment begins with screening and requires appropriate diagnosis by knowledgeable caring practitioners. This course is aimed at offering providers greater insight into the management of cancer and its impact on patients, their significant others and health service. Practitioners with advanced knowledge in the area of oncology management are always in demand.
Description of Program
This interactive Certificate Program is a eight week, 50 hour continuing education program for nurses, pharmacists, physicians, physical therapists, and other health care professionals. The focus of the program is on biology of the disease, diagnosis, prevention and screening, cancer therapies, symptom management, oncologic emergencies and psychosocial issues faced by the cancer patient. The program consists of eight modules. Each module contains reading assignments, an instructor outline, audio visual presentations, interactive learning components, study guide questions. The course concludes with a comprehensive exam and an evaluation. During the program learners interact with faculty who are expert in the area of oncologic management. A certificate of completion is mailed approximately 30 days following receipt of all course assignments, a comprehensive exam and a course evaluation. The course has been reviewed by local and national experts.
Who Should Enroll in this Program
This program is designed for English-speaking nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, and other health care providers who have responsibility for treatment of patients requiring oncologic care.
Program Curriculum
Instruction will include the following content:
- Biology of cancer
- Assessment and goals of treatment
- Clinical trials and therapies utilized
- Management of disease symptoms
- Oncologic emergencies
- Psychosocial issues
Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of this continuing education program is to offer nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, physicians, and other health care professionals an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in managing patients requiring oncologic care. At the conclusion of this program participants will be able to:
- Describe the biology, immunology and epidemiology of cancer.
- Discuss screening, diagnosis, staging, and treatment goals for cancer.
- Discuss relative clinical trials and the principles of management for a variety of therapies.
- Describe appropriate modalities for managing a variety of symptoms.
- Describe common oncologic emergencies and accepted treatment modalities.
- Discuss a variety of psychosocial issues relative to the disease.
Course Schedule
This 8 week course is offered two times a year.
Offering dates for 2013: March 18 (registration deadline March 1) and August 19 (registration deadline August 2).
We reserve the right to cancel any offering due to insufficient enrollment. Registrants will be notified will in advance if this occurs.
For more schedule information call 1-877-USI-HLTH (1-877-874-4584) or 812-461-5217. Space is limited so please enroll early.
Enrollment Cost
$600
Fee includes online instruction, handouts, and a comprehensive exam.
The textbook is not included in the cost of the program.
Refund Policy
A $25 administrative fee will be charged for cancellation prior to the start date of the course if the registration fee has been paid.
On or after the start date of the class there will be no refund.
To Register
Click the online registration button below.
(Using VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or your organization's authorization to invoice.)
Instruction Methods
A combination of delivery methods are used to facilitate learner and faculty communication including:
Internet via Blackboard
Provides online instructor-prepared materials and course assignments. Internet resources are used as an integral part of the instruction.
Computer Conferencing
Allows learners to interact with faculty and other course participants.
Electronic Mail
Allows learners to freely interact on an individual or group level with other learners and faculty.
The primary mode of communication will be through Blackboard, the learning management system utilized by the University. You will however, be required to provide a personal email address. We recommend that you do not use your work email address for taking this course. Many businesses, especially government agencies, utilize security firewalls. Communication from the instructor, the University, or other students may not be possible and important announcements and other communication will be missed. We also do not recommend you use AOL, for similar reasons. AOL accounts include spam prevention-type filters and our communication with you may be filtered out.
We recommend you obtain a separate email account for your course work. Yahoo.com and MSN.com offer free email accounts.
Telephone Consultation
Faculty will be available by telephone to assist learners.
Technology Requirements
If using a personal computer, it is recommended that the computer have Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, or Mac OS X. For compatibility, you will want to have access to Microsoft Office 2010, Office 2007, or Microsoft Office 2011 for Mac, or Office 2008 for Mac. In some cases, Office Live may be sufficient. For some course content, you may also need Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player and/or Windows Media Player (Flip4Mac WMV Components for QuickTime). Additionally, a broadband Internet connection would be very beneficial; AOL is not recommended. Lastly, if your course uses the Blackboard e-Learning platform, you may wish to verify that you have a compatible web browser.
If your computer is more than 6 years old or does not meet the requirements for running one the above versions of Microsoft Office (Windows system requirements / Mac system requirements), you may want to consider purchasing a new computer.
Text
Information on the textbook will be forwarded upon registration. The cost of the textbook is not included in the cost of the program.
Faculty
- Kelli S. Dempsey, MSN, APRN-BC, AOCNP
Program Development
Cathy Nemer-Dawson,
Kelli S. Dempsey, MSN, APRN-BC, AOCNP
M. Nance Fiester, M.Ed, RN
Julia Georgesen,
Tracy Hagan,
Sheila Hauck, APRN, BC, OCN
W. Gale Hoehn, MSN, RN
Mary Mably, RPH, BCOP
Content Delivery
The program has eight modules. Each module includes reading assignments, study questions, case studies and audio visual presentations. Learners interact with practitioners and faculty members who are expert in the area of oncologic management. A comprehensive examination will be administered at the end of the eight-week program.
Why Enroll in an Interactive Internet Program?
The convenience of online instruction allows the participant to "attend" class at any hour or day of the week during the 8 week period. Participants will learn from experts in the area of oncology and have the opportunity to network with other course participants from across the country. Online instruction provides an opportunity for personal interaction with course faculty while providing the comfort of learning in your own home or office.
Continuing Education Credits
A Continuing Education Certificate will be awarded following successful completion of study guide questions, an online comprehensive examination (with a passing score of 70% or higher), and submission of a course evaluation. Certificates will be mailed approximately 30 days after the completion of the course.
Nurses will receive 50 hours.
The University of Southern Indiana, College of Nursing and Health Professions is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
California nurses will receive 50 hours.
The University of Southern Indiana is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider #13378.
