Oncology NP Programs in California

Ready to think over oncology nursing programs? The timing is perfect. The United States sees about 1.9 million new cancer cases each year, and specialized oncology care just needs to keep up with this growing demand.

The numbers tell an interesting story. More than 325,000 nurse practitioners work nationwide, but all but one percent (roughly 3,900) specialize in oncology. This lack of specialists opens up amazing career opportunities for nurses who choose oncology NP programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics backs this up – NP jobs will grow 35% in the next decade. That’s substantially faster than most other careers.

Money talks too. Oncology nurse practitioners earn around $101,000 yearly across the country. California sweetens the deal even more – NPs there make about $128,589 annually or $62 per hour.

California stands out with excellent NP oncology education choices for nurses ready to level up their careers. This piece gets into two top oncology nurse practitioner programs in the Golden State. You’ll learn everything about their curriculum, admission requirements, costs, and career outcomes to pick the right path for you.

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Oncology NP Program

The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) leads the way in advanced practice oncology education through its outstanding Oncology Nurse Practitioner Program. UCSF has earned national recognition for healthcare education excellence. The program gives aspiring oncology nurse practitioners a complete pathway to specialize in cancer care. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this program one of California’s best training grounds for oncology NPs.

Program Overview

The UCSF Oncology NP Program has earned accredited with distinction status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation Practice Transition Programs. This prestigious status shows the program’s exceptional quality and high professional standards. The program runs under UCSF Medical Center APP Fellowship’s umbrella and serves multiple locations including UCSF Hellen Diller Medical Center at Parnassus Heights, UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay, and UCSF San Mateo Primary and Specialty Care.

Now in its third cohort, the program shows UCSF’s dedication to meeting the rising demand for qualified Hematology and Oncology Advanced Practice Providers. Three influential groups support the fellowship: UCSF Office of Advanced Practice Providers, UCSF Health, and UCSF School of Nursing. This strong backing will give fellows complete resources throughout their educational experience.

State-of-the-art practices drive this specialized fellowship’s development at UCSF. The program creates a dynamic learning space that prepares participants to lead in oncology care. Each year, three new APPs join the program. This small group size allows for personal attention. You can apply for the 2025-2026 program through March 1, 2025. Information sessions are available for interested candidates.

Certified physician assistants or adult or family nurse practitioners with credentials from respected bodies can join the program. Eligible candidates must have certification from either the ANCC (AGACNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, or FNP-BC), AACN (ACNPC-AG), or AANP (A-GNP-C or FNP-C).

Curriculum Highlights

The UCSF Oncology NP Program features a meticulously designed curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice. The program delivers over 2,000 total hours of cancer-based training, divided between didactic instruction and focused clinical rotations.

The curriculum begins with a comprehensive onboarding didactic introduction to cancer care, covering everything from staging to end-of-life care. This foundational knowledge prepares fellows for their subsequent clinical rotations and ensures a strong theoretical base.

Following the didactic portion, fellows participate in seven six-week specialty rotations customized for each candidate’s interests and career goals. These rotations include:

• Hematology, medical, surgical, and radiation oncology
• Both inpatient and ambulatory care settings, including infusion centers
• Experiences across multiple UCSF locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area
• A final rotation based on the fellow’s identified specialty area of long-term interest

A distinctive feature of the program is its longitudinal clinical placement, which runs concurrent with the specialty rotations. This continuous clinical experience allows fellows to develop ongoing therapeutic relationships with patients and gain a deeper understanding of cancer care across the illness trajectory.

Beyond clinical work, each fellow must complete and present a scholarly project. This requirement develops research skills, critical thinking abilities, and contributes to the evidence base of oncology nursing practice. The scholarly project also prepares fellows for leadership roles in the field, where they’ll need to evaluate and implement evidence-based practices.

Throughout the program, fellows receive mentorship from experienced UCSF Hematology and Oncology Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. This mentorship model pairs fellows with seasoned practitioners who provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities. Furthermore, the program benefits from oversight by UCSF’s Associate Chief of Advanced Practice and input from Cancer Center leadership and stakeholders.

Performance feedback is an integral component of the educational experience, with assessments framed around practice-based knowledge, skills, and attitudes. This structured feedback helps fellows identify areas for growth and continuously improve their clinical performance.

Program Duration

The UCSF Oncology NP Fellowship operates as a rigorous twelve-month program. This year-long immersion in oncology care allows fellows to experience the full spectrum of cancer treatment and follow patients through various phases of their care journey.

The program’s structure provides over 2,000 total hours of cancer-based training, ensuring fellows gain substantial clinical experience before entering independent practice. The 12-month timeline allows for comprehensive coverage of all essential oncology domains while providing sufficient depth in each area.

For the 2026 cohort, the program begins on November 1, following a detailed selection and onboarding process. The application timeline includes:

• March 2: Application deadline
• March-April: Application review
• April 20-21: Zoom or in-person interviews
• Late April-Early May: Candidate notification (with one week to accept offers)
• May-October: Licensing and credentialing
• November 1: Program start date

This carefully structured timeline ensures fellows have completed all necessary prerequisites before beginning clinical rotations. The extended period between selection and program start (May-October) accommodates the licensing and credentialing processes, which can be time-consuming but essential for clinical practice.

The seven six-week specialty rotations are spread across the 12 months, with each rotation building on knowledge gained in previous experiences. This progressive learning approach helps fellows develop increasingly sophisticated clinical reasoning and management skills as they advance through the program.

Tuition & Costs

The UCSF Oncology NP Fellowship represents a significant professional investment. While specific fellowship tuition figures aren’t explicitly stated in the provided materials, we can examine UCSF’s graduate nursing program costs for context.

For the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UCSF, which represents advanced practice nursing education similar to the fellowship level, tuition is $37,661 per year for both in-state and out-of-state students. Additionally, required fees amount to $6,860. These figures provide a reference point, though the actual fellowship costs may differ.

The DNP program costs reflect UCSF’s standing as a premier healthcare education institution. While the investment is substantial, it correlates with the quality of education and career advancement opportunities that UCSF provides.

Prospective fellows should note that financial assistance options may be available. Regular status employees of the University of California who meet admission requirements could be eligible for a two-thirds reduction in Student Services Fee and Tuition when enrolled in regular session courses. This reduction is available through spring 2031.

Additionally, financial aid opportunities may include loans, grants, and scholarships, though specific details for the Oncology NP Fellowship aren’t provided in the material. Interested applicants should contact the program directly for the most current financial information and assistance opportunities.

For comprehensive and up-to-date information on tuition and fees, candidates are advised to consult the UCSF Registrar’s website. Financial considerations should be weighed against the program’s reputation, quality, and potential career advancement opportunities when evaluating the overall value.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the UCSF Oncology NP Fellowship is competitive, requiring candidates to meet several specific qualifications. The program’s selective nature ensures that fellows have the necessary foundation to succeed in this intensive educational experience.

First and foremost, applicants must be certified as either physician assistants or adult or family nurse practitioners[63]. Specifically, nurse practitioner applicants must hold certification from one of these organizations:

• ANCC (AGACNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, or FNP-BC)
• AACN (ACNPC-AG)
• AANP (A-GNP-C or FNP-C)

Beyond certification, the application process includes several components:

• Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025-2026 program must be submitted by March 1, 2025. For the 2026 cohort, the deadline is March 2, 2026.
• Information Sessions: Prospective applicants can attend information sessions to learn more about the program. For the 2026 cohort, sessions are scheduled for December 2, 2025 (5-6 pm) and January 20, 2026 (5-6 pm).
• Interview Process: Selected applicants participate in either Zoom or in-person interviews, typically scheduled in April.
• Notification Timeline: Successful candidates receive notification in late April to early May and have one week to accept the offer.
• Licensing and Credentialing: From May to October, accepted fellows complete necessary licensing and credentialing processes before the November 1 program start date.

While specific GPA requirements aren’t detailed for the fellowship program, we can look to UCSF’s graduate nursing program standards for context. For DNP programs, UCSF typically expects a minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous graduate work. Applicants with lower GPAs may submit a petition outlining evidence of their capacity for academic success.

Additionally, non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency through either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For the TOEFL, a minimum total score of 92 is required with minimum scores of 24 in both speaking and writing sections. For the IELTS, a minimum score of 7 is needed.

Certification & Career Path

Completing the UCSF Oncology NP Fellowship positions graduates for exceptional career opportunities in oncology care. The program prepares fellows to deliver specialized cancer care across various settings and patient populations.

The fellowship’s design aligns with certification requirements for advanced oncology practice. Although not explicitly stated in the materials, graduates would typically be qualified to pursue Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) certification through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC), similar to other oncology NP programs.

Career paths for UCSF Oncology NP Fellowship graduates are diverse and promising. The program’s association with UCSF—a world leader in cancer care—provides fellows with connections to top healthcare institutions. Graduates may pursue careers in:

• Comprehensive cancer centers
• Academic medical institutions
• Community oncology practices
• Specialized oncology units within hospital systems
• Clinical research organizations
• Palliative care and hospice settings

The fellowship’s rigorous training across multiple oncology specialties (hematology, medical, surgical, and radiation oncology) equips graduates with versatile skills applicable to various practice settings. Additionally, experiences in both inpatient and ambulatory environments prepare fellows for the full spectrum of oncology care delivery models.

The program’s scholarly project requirement develops research and quality improvement competencies that enhance graduates’ value to employers and support career advancement. These skills position fellows not only for clinical practice but also for leadership roles in oncology care.

Current fellows represent the program’s ability to attract promising talent. The 2026 cohort includes professionals like Justin Biddle, an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner with a palliative care background who focuses on integrating supportive care principles into oncology practice. Another fellow, Kathryn Bucknell, brings experience in oncology clinical research and interests in holistic, trauma-informed, and patient-centered care. Rachel Tungol, an Acute Care Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner student, joined the program with a passion for providing compassionate oncology care.

The career trajectory for graduates benefits from UCSF’s extensive clinical partnerships. UCSF collaborates with renowned institutions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Stanford Health Care, and Kaiser Permanente. These connections create networking opportunities that may facilitate job placement after program completion.

Furthermore, the oncology field itself offers exceptional career prospects. With cancer remaining a leading health concern nationally, specialized oncology providers are consistently in demand. The program’s comprehensive preparation ensures graduates can confidently step into these vital healthcare roles.

The UCSF Oncology NP Fellowship serves as an ideal stepping stone for nurse practitioners seeking to establish themselves as specialists in oncology care. Through its combination of rigorous clinical training, mentorship, scholarly work, and institutional prestige, the program equips fellows with the expertise and credentials needed for successful, impactful careers in oncology.

Azusa Pacific University Oncology NP Program

Azusa Pacific University is among only 10 oncology nurse practitioner programs nationwide. The university provides a specialized educational path for licensed NPs who want to gain expertise in cancer care. This faith-based private institution in Southern California has earned recognition for its excellent nursing education through its innovative oncology curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences.

Program Overview

The oncology nurse practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University serves as a predoctoral fellowship. Licensed nurse practitioners can learn to provide complete cancer care through this program. Unlike standard NP programs, this certificate focuses on building advanced skills to help cancer patients throughout their illness—from screening and prevention to survivorship and palliative care.

Students can enroll in this program as a post-master’s certificate. They also have the option to combine it with the university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. This flexibility lets DNP candidates add oncology specialization to their doctoral studies.

The program stands out because it builds on Oncology Nursing Society competencies. These standards help students master essential cancer care areas. Students learn screening, surveillance, diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, supportive care, and team cooperation.

The program teaches nurse practitioners to handle both physical and psychological aspects of cancer care. This all-encompassing approach shows that good oncology practice needs more than disease management. Practitioners must also address emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families dealing with cancer diagnoses.

Students practice their skills through supervised clinical work at cancer centers. These placements let them work in various hematology/oncology specialty services. They get exposure to different patient groups and treatment methods.

Curriculum Highlights

Students complete 24 units split between classroom learning and clinical practice. This mix helps them develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for specialized cancer care.

The program’s core courses include:

• GNRS 631: ONP: Cancer Biology and Assessment (2 units) – Focuses on the scientific underpinnings of cancer development and evaluation techniques
• GNRS 632: ONP: Cancer Therapeutics (2 units) – Explores current and emerging treatment modalities
• GNRS 633: ONP: Symptom and Side Effect Burden (2 units) – Addresses management of treatment-related complications
• GNRS 634: ONP: Survivorship and the Psychosocial Impact of Cancer (2 units) – Examines long-term survivorship issues and psychological aspects of cancer care
• GNRS 635: ONP: Team-Based Care and the Role of the Oncology Nurse Practitioner (2 units) – Focuses on interprofessional collaboration in oncology settings
• GNRS 636: ONP: Clinical Trials in Oncology Nursing (2 units) – Provides understanding of research protocols and evidence-based practice

Beyond these didactic components, the curriculum includes a substantial clinical practicum sequence:

• GNRS 630A: ONP: Clinical Practicum I (4 units)
• GNRS 630B: ONP: Clinical Practicum II (4 units)
• GNRS 630C: ONP: Clinical Practicum III (4 units)

These practicum courses offer 540 hours of supervised patient care. Students rotate through different specialty areas in cancer centers. This hands-on training lets them apply classroom concepts while experienced oncology practitioners guide them.

DNP students get extra benefits. They can count up to 500 of these clinical hours toward their DNP residency. They might also swap some oncology course units for DNP coursework.

Students build skills in cancer assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and supportive care. They learn to handle complex cases while developing patient education and symptom management abilities. The program stresses evidence-based practice and using current research in clinical decisions.

Expert mentorship makes this program special. Students work with clinical experts throughout their education. These mentors help students understand oncology practice complexities and build professional networks for their future careers.

Program Duration

The oncology nurse practitioner fellowship at Azusa Pacific University follows a structured timeline designed for working professionals. While specific semester start dates aren’t explicitly stated in the provided materials, the program’s 24 required units typically translate to approximately one year of study for full-time students.

Students engage in both evening courses and clinical practice requirements. This schedule accommodation allows working nurse practitioners to continue professional practice while pursuing specialized oncology training. The program requires students to complete at least 12 clinical hours weekly, ensuring consistent clinical skill development throughout the program.

The distribution of coursework across the program duration maintains a balance between didactic learning and hands-on experience. Students typically complete the three clinical practicum courses in sequence, with each building upon knowledge gained in previous rotations.

For the 540 required clinical hours, students typically need to dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to clinical placements, depending on how the program is structured across terms. These hours are completed in various oncology specialty areas, providing comprehensive exposure to different aspects of cancer care.

The program can be completed as a standalone certificate or concurrently with doctoral studies. For those pursuing the dual DNP option, the overall timeline may extend beyond the certificate completion, as the DNP program has additional coursework and project requirements. Nevertheless, the ability to apply up to 500 clinical hours toward DNP requirements creates an efficient educational pathway for those seeking both specialty certification and doctoral preparation.

Tuition & Costs

The financial investment required for Azusa Pacific’s oncology nurse practitioner program reflects its specialized nature and comprehensive clinical training. Currently, the program charges $1,160 per unit, making the total tuition for the 24-unit program $27,840.

This figure represents the base program cost, with additional expenses potentially including:

• Nursing Clinical Fee: $600 per semester (includes malpractice insurance)
• Graduate Nursing Advanced Practice Lab Fee: $275 per applicable course
• Application Fee: $45 (nonrefundable)

The cost structure differs from Azusa Pacific’s standard master’s-level nursing programs, which currently charge $895 per unit. The oncology NP certificate’s higher per-unit rate ($1,160) matches the university’s doctoral program pricing, reflecting the advanced, specialized nature of the oncology curriculum.

To help offset these costs, several financial aid options are available to students:

1. Federal Loans and State Grants: Available to graduate students pursuing advanced education
2. Military Benefits: Active military members, and sometimes their spouses and dependents, qualify for assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is designated as both a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, ensuring strong support systems for military-affiliated students.
3. Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP): This government program provides loans to students in advanced nursing education programs. Up to 85% of the loan amount can be forgiven over a four-year period for graduates who commit to serve as full-time faculty at a school of nursing. While primarily designed for those pursuing teaching roles, this option might benefit oncology NP students who plan to incorporate education into their career paths.

Prospective students should note that while the $27,840 base tuition represents a significant investment, specialized oncology nurse practitioners can expect strong compensation after program completion. The average annual salary for nurse practitioners in California is approximately $158,130, making the program a potentially valuable career investment despite the upfront costs.

Admission Requirements

Gaining admission to Azusa Pacific’s oncology nurse practitioner program requires meeting several specific prerequisites designed to ensure candidates have the necessary foundation for advanced oncology practice.

First, applicants must hold a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution. This master’s program must have included specific advanced practice coursework, namely:

• Advanced pathophysiology
• Advanced pharmacology
• Advanced health assessment

Beyond educational qualifications, applicants need relevant clinical experience. The program specifically requires:

• Current California nurse practitioner license (or compliance with state authorizations for online or distance learning)
• Experience in oncology nursing (with at least one year recommended)
• National NP certification is preferred

Important to note for pediatric nurse practitioners: While the program accepts various NP specialties, pediatric NPs should be aware they would not be eligible to sit for the Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) examination upon program completion. This limitation exists because the AOCNP certification focuses on adult oncology care.

The formal application process includes several components:

• Graduate application for admission with a $45 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended for bachelor’s and master’s degrees, plus any postgraduate study
• GPA requirement: A minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) on the posted degree is required for regular admission. Provisional admission might be granted to applicants with lower GPAs if they can demonstrate competency through other measures.
• Written statement outlining educational and professional goals
• Two professional recommendations from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s performance in nursing (managers, supervisors, or faculty—not coworkers)
• Current résumé documenting professional nursing experience, education, and leadership activities
• Computer literacy

For international applicants, additional requirements may apply, and these candidates should contact Graduate and Professional Admissions directly for application procedures.

The competitive nature of the admission process reflects the program’s status as one of only 10 oncology nurse practitioner programs nationwide. Consequently, applicants should ensure all materials are thoroughly prepared and submitted according to program deadlines.

Certification & Career Path

Completing Azusa Pacific’s oncology nurse practitioner program opens significant professional opportunities in specialized cancer care. Perhaps most importantly, the program specifically prepares graduates to meet the eligibility criteria for the Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) examination offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

The program’s alignment with Pathway 1 of the AOCNP certification requirements gives graduates a direct route to this prestigious credential. This nationally recognized certification validates a nurse practitioner’s specialized knowledge and competence in oncology care, potentially increasing both employability and earning potential.

Graduates emerge equipped to provide high-quality care across the entire cancer care continuum. Their specialized training prepares them to:

• Conduct cancer screenings and risk assessments
• Participate in diagnosis and staging processes
• Develop and implement treatment plans
• Manage symptoms and treatment side effects
• Provide survivorship care
• Deliver palliative care when appropriate
• Coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams

Career paths for program graduates include diverse roles such as:

• Oncology nurse practitioners in comprehensive cancer centers
• Clinical nurse specialists in oncology units
• Cancer care coordinators
• Advanced practice providers in hematology/oncology practices
• Practitioners in specialized settings like bone marrow transplant units
• Clinical educators in oncology care
• Leaders in oncology quality improvement initiatives

Employment settings span the healthcare spectrum, from hospitals and cancer treatment centers to private practices. The specialized knowledge and skills gained through the program make graduates valuable additions to oncology care teams in virtually any healthcare environment.

The program’s learning outcomes extend beyond clinical expertise to encompass broader professional competencies. Graduates demonstrate the ability to:

1. Articulate a Christian worldview while respecting diversity and applying spiritual concepts to care
2. Engage in scholarly inquiry and critical thinking, including evaluation and application of research evidence
3. Develop, implement, and evaluate interventions that promote health and prevent disease
4. Analyze legal, political, ethical, and financial factors impacting healthcare
5. Utilize information systems and technology to communicate, manage knowledge, and support decision-making
6. Collaborate effectively with other healthcare team professionals
7. Apply clinical reasoning and effective communication in professional practice

These broader competencies complement specialized oncology knowledge, creating well-rounded practitioners prepared for the complexities of modern cancer care.

The career outlook for oncology nurse practitioners remains exceptionally positive. With cancer affecting approximately 1.9 million Americans annually and nurse practitioners specializing in oncology comprising just 1.2 percent of all NPs nationwide, demand for these specialized providers continues to grow. California-based oncology NPs can expect strong compensation, with nurse practitioners in the state earning an average annual salary of $158,130.

Through its rigorous curriculum, extensive clinical experiences, and preparation for specialty certification, Azusa Pacific’s oncology nurse practitioner program effectively positions graduates to meet this growing need while advancing their professional goals in the rewarding field of oncology care.

Start an Oncology NP Program Today

The growing need for specialized oncology care creates a great chance for nurse practitioners looking to enter this field. Cancer affects almost 1.9 million Americans each year. Yet only 1.2% of NPs specialize in oncology, which makes your expertise valuable in healthcare settings of all types. The two oncology NP programs in California are exceptional pathways to build this specialized knowledge.

UCSF’s prestigious 12-month fellowship gives you over 2,000 hours of complete cancer-based training. You’ll rotate through different departments and learn from experienced practitioners. Azusa Pacific University’s program stands out as one of just ten oncology NP programs in the country. Their curriculum aligns perfectly with Oncology Nursing Society’s standards.

These programs share essential strengths. Students get extensive clinical experience and prepare for AOCNP certification. The education covers every aspect of cancer care from screening to survivorship support. Graduates can provide specialized care with confidence.

Money plays a big role in program selection. While these programs need substantial investment, California’s oncology NPs earn an average of $128,589 yearly. This makes either program worth the investment for career growth.

Your choice between these programs might depend on your credentials, learning style, and career goals. The location could also influence your decision. Both programs will position you well in a field that needs your expertise badly. Your specialized skills and compassionate care will help cancer patients throughout California for years to come.