AONN+ created these certifications in response to its membership who have clearly stated that the knowledge, skills, and experience to be an excellent Oncology Nurse Navigator (ONN) required a different type of nursing certification than currently provided by any organization, including the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). ONS took the position that the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) designation, however, did include the functions and knowledge of ONNs. With the decision that ONS made to not pursue the development of a separate certification program for ONNs, AONN+ made the strategic decision in response to its members and other conference attendees to develop the ONN-CG™ program. George Washington University Cancer Center developed the OPN-CG™ exam, which AONN+ fully supported and provides for oncology patient lay navigators.

Where Can I Take the Certification Exam?

The certification exams are currently given twice a year: in the spring at the midyear conference and in the fall at the annual conference. The AONN+ Midyear Conference is going to be held in Boston, MA on May 4-6, 2018, and the AONN+ Annual Conference is going to be held in Dallas, TX on November 15-18, 2018.

Why Should I Get My AONN+ Certification?

AONN+ certification is unique to the field of navigation. The establishment of baseline competencies for oncology navigators centered on their roles, responsibilities, educational level of knowledge, and evidence-based best practices will help to ensure consistent delivery of optimized patient care across the care continuum. Your AONN+ certification will provide you with specific credentials and knowledge that can help you improve patient care and further your career development.

With certification, you gain:

• Knowledge and expertise derived from a navigation-specific formalized testing curriculum and process
• Patient treatment optimization with increased awareness of care options
• Opportunities for career enhancement with prospective promotions and financial incentives
• Recognition and respect from industry organizations, institutional leadership, peers, and patients as an integral member of the multidisciplinary oncology team

To date, more than 200 AONN+ members from more than 130 institutions and 9 advocacy groups across the nation have earned the Oncology Nurse Navigator–Certified Generalist (ONN-CG^™), Oncology Patient Navigator–Certified Generalist (OPN-CG^™), and Oncology Nurse Navigator–Certified Generalist Thoracic™ [ONN-CG(T)™] certifications. Listed below is a representation of the institutions and advocacy groups that support and recognize national certification from AONN+.

Accreditation

AONN+ Certification Task Force Chairs are working diligently to obtain National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation for the ONN-CG™ and OPN-CG™ certification exams. Click here to read more about the accreditation process.

For more information about navigation certification, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..