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Cancer Registrars

Education and Training Requirements

High School

A high school diploma or equivalent is required for all positions. High school studies should include sciences, specifically focusing on biology and health sciences, as well as classes in English, communications, and computer skills.

Postsecondary Education

Applicants with associate's or bachelor’s degrees are preferred in the hiring of cancer registrars. Postsecondary education should focus on data processing, medical terminology and coding, biology, physiology, and anatomy. Certification as a Certified Tumor Registrar requires an Associate's Degree.

Certification

The National Cancer Registrars Association provides accreditation for educational programs which prepare individuals to test for the Certified Oncology Data Specialist (formerly known as Certified Tumor Registrar) credential and maintains a list of accredited programs at its Web site at http://www.cancerregistryeducation.org.

Among the programs are certificate and associate degree programs and several Web-based programs, including one sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Other Education Or Training

On-the-job training, as well as attendance at national and state conferences and conventions, is the most common way to obtain continuing education and to stay current in the field.