Oncology Assistant
Oncology assistants are responsible for performing clinical and administrative duties under the supervision of a physician, office manager, or other health care provider that specializes in oncology. Oncology assistants may work with physicians or nurses to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical preparation of patients with cancer.
Typical duties include: recording medical information, explaining treatments to patients, taking patient vitals, assisting physicians during physical examinations, assisting patients during physical examinations, and insurance processing. He or she may also be responsible for collecting samples, performing basic laboratory tests, arranging samples to be sent out to laboratories, and basic clerical work.
Oncology assistants are typically required to hold an Associate’s degree or certificate in a related field. Other recommended skills include: typing skills, record keeping skills, accounting skills, experience with medical terminology, anatomy knowledge, laboratory skills, diagnostic procedure skills, administrative skills, transcription skills, communication skills, writing skills, and first aid skills. It is usually preferred that oncology assistants have basic cardiac life support (BCLS) certification. The need for oncology assistants is increasing, with a project growth rate for the industry of about 35%.
The typical average salary of an oncology assistant is about $26,200 per year. Individuals who are just entering the field earn an average salary of about $21,900 per year. Experienced oncology technicians earn between 31,200 and $36,800 per year.