How do I Choose the Best Oncology Course?

There are four things to consider when looking for the best oncology classes: education level, qualified instructors, accreditation, and laboratory opportunities. Oncology classes are available from a wide range of university, community and career colleges. These classes can be targeted to trained physicians, nurses, or members of the public. Specially targeted classes about oncology are often provided by hospitals for newly diagnosed patients and their families. Oncology is the study of cancer.

When looking for an oncology class, it is important to read the course description with care. Courses that are intended for medical professionals assume a significant amount of background in health services and the human body. Without this training and background, the course material will be very difficult to follow. Check and see if there are any prerequisites required for the oncology courses, as this is also a good indicator of the intended course audience.

The depth of material covered in an oncology course depends upon the intended audience. Courses for health care professional must cover identification of oncology cells, treatment options, new theories, and side effects of existing treatments. Courses for cancer patients and their families tend to cover the treatment details, what to expect, the different stages of cancer and preparing for the challenges ahead.

All oncology classes should be taught by qualified instructors. Most courses are taught by oncologists or oncology nurses. Practical experience together with academic credentials is critical in this field. There are continual developments in this field, and keeping up to date requires a significant commitment to continuing eduction. Many medical association conferences include seminars or an oncology course, as cancer affects all the body's systems.

When reviewing the oncology course options as part of a professional program, it is important to ensure that the school is accredited. An accredited school has been reviewed by an independent agency to ensure minimum standards are met. In addition, only courses from an accredited school can be used toward continuing education credits required by professional licensing bodies.

The best oncology course will be affiliated with a medical laboratory. Students may have an opportunity to work with high quality laboratory equipment to view cancer cells, discuss critical factors in a diagnoses, and more.

People who complete oncology courses as part of a professional program typically do so because they require this training as part of their job. Patients and their families who take an oncology course often find that they are better prepared for dealing with the issues surrounding cancer treatment.