The Duke University School of Nursing oncology specialty offers advanced practitioners the opportunity to become expert clinicians in the care of individuals with cancer.
The curriculum is based on the Oncology Nursing Society’s Scope and Standards for Advanced Practice in Oncology Nursing, which incorporates the latest evidence-based knowledge in the field.
The 10-credit oncology specialty consists of three core courses, culminating in a final clinical synthesis under the mentorship of an expert clinician in an oncology specialty. These experiences prepare you to practice as an oncology nurse practitioner in diverse cancer care settings.
Our oncology specialty courses also provide the foundation for an additional Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) certification.
Oncology Specialty Highlights
As one of the first institutions to offer an advanced practice nursing specialization in oncology, Duke’s program is steeped in experience and designed to give you a deep understanding of the field. We’ll provide you with resources and support every step of the way, ensuring you gain the comprehensive knowledge and skills you need to thrive in your nursing oncology program.
There are many other benefits to earning your oncology specialty from Duke, a few of which include:
Career-focused curriculum:
Master core concepts in cancer prevention, treatment, symptom management and survivorship — all seamlessly integrated within your nurse practitioner coursework. Graduates of our oncology specialty program practice in a variety of cancer care settings across the United States.
Hands-on experience:
The highlight of our oncology specialty program is the synthesis course, in which you’ll gain hands-on clinical experience alongside oncology nurse practitioners. Develop skills in a variety of settings, such as stem cell transplant, inpatient oncology, radiation oncology, a brain tumor center, outpatient clinics and survivorship clinics, augmented by simulations, diagnostic days and VR training. Graduate ready to excel in oncology fellowships and global clinical experiences.
Reputation for excellence:
Duke’s advanced practice nursing oncology specialty boasts a proven track record of excellence. Graduates consistently secure top positions, with alumni landing prestigious fellowships at institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering and MD Anderson cancer centers. Not only do 100% of graduates pass their certification exams, but most secure oncology jobs within a year, with many pursuing advanced AOCNP certification.
Generous student funding:
Aspiring oncology nurse practitioners choose Duke for our academic excellence and because of our strong track record of securing competitive scholarships, including those from the American Cancer Society and the Oncology Nursing Society Foundation. These grants, combined with the faculty’s dedicated support in the application processes, have resulted in significant financial aid for students.
Oncology Specialty Courses
As you earn your oncology certificate, you will complete 224 supervised clinical hours in an oncology outpatient specialty clinic. These hours can go toward the required hours of practice as a nurse practitioner in oncology for the Advanced Oncology Nurse Practitioner Certification. You’ll complete this clinical experience under the mentorship of an expert clinician in an oncology specialty, preparing you to practice as an oncology nurse practitioner.
The three courses you’ll take as you earn your oncology specialty include:
- NUR 811: Advanced Practice Nursing: Oncology Specialty I (Spring only).
- NUR 813: Advanced Practice Nursing: Oncology Specialty II (Summer only).
- NUR 815: Advanced Practice Nursing in Oncology Specialty Synthesis.
Learn More About the Nursing Oncology Specialty
Enrollment Options
If you are interested in adding the advanced practice nursing oncology specialty to your academic plan, you must complete the Add a Specialty Form. This form must be submitted to the MSN Program Office via email at least 10 days before the start of the semester.
Nurse practitioners with an MSN degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution and nurse practitioner students from other regionally accredited colleges or universities interested in earning a certificate in this specialty should follow the instructions for the Specialty Certificate application. Enrollment decisions are made by the lead faculty of the specialty based on space availability.
Specialty Director
Mary Lou Affronti
DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN
Dr. Mary Lou Affronti is a Professor who joined the Duke University School of Nursing faculty in February 2014. She earned both her DNP and her MSN at DUSON, and additionally earned a Master’s degree in Health Science in Clinical Research from the Duke University School of Medicine.
Learn more about Mary Lou Affronti: Scholars@Duke
Q&A With Lead Faculty Mary Lou Affronti
Improving the quality of life of patients with cancer and their families. It’s an opportunity to build long-term relationships and tremendous learning and leadership opportunities.
The oncology field is evolving rapidly with increasing new treatment and research opportunities. Many cancer subspecialties are creating multiple opportunities for oncology nurse practitioners to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.
An oncology nurse who would like to lead others in the oncology practice as an oncology advanced practice provider.
A nurse with oncology nursing experience. We prefer a type of oncology certification.
The Duke Cancer Institute is a major Comprehensive Cancer Center, with many interdisciplinary providers who are experts in the field. The oncology specialty will enhance our ability to work as nurse practitioners in oncology and assist in obtaining a position in the field. All graduates work in oncology.