Ambulatory Systemic Therapy Administration Pathway

Courses have been selected to support nurses working in ambulatory systemic therapy units at the two cancer centres: QEII Cancer Centre and Cape Breton Cancer Centre. Nurses in the cancer centres provide specialized care to cancer patients and their families. Nurses need to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and competencies according to standards for specialized cancer nurses to practice in a cancer centre systemic therapy unit.

Courses Included

TTP Phase Courses Included* Registration Duration (Weeks) Learning Hours
Novice to Advanced Beginner Cancer Care Basics for Nova Scotia (CCBNS)
(Optional. Available as a bridge for new hires if there is no timely access to a CSTCC cohort.)
On Demand 12 25
Novice to Advanced Beginner Cancer Systemic Therapy Certification Course (CSTCC) (Provincial Standardized Chemotherapy and Biotherapy course) 6 times yearly 11 60
Advanced Beginner to Competent Foundations of Cancer Disease Sites Hematological Malignancies (CDSH) On Demand 8 22.5
Advanced Beginner to Competent Foundations of Cancer Disease Site(s) (CDSM) - choice depending on area of practice and learning need On Demand 6 3–5
Competent to Proficient Foundations of Cancer Disease Site(s) (CDSM) - choice depending on area of practice and learning need On Demand 6 3–5
Competent to Proficient Chemotherapy Competency Maintenance Course on Demand (CCMD) On Demand 8 5
Proficient to Expert CNA Oncology Exam Study Group (COES)
(Please note that seats in COES are limited. Due to the implementation of the new NS Health CIS system (OPOR), access to this course is temporarily on hold and will be reassessed in 2027. Individuals considering enrollment are requested to discuss with their clinical leadership team.)
2 times yearly 20 27

* Learn more about these courses.

The Nova Scotia Health Learning Institute for Health Care Providers offers education programming designed to meet the needs of learners across the province and strengthen our health care system. We are committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-informed programming that enables providers to develop and maintain foundational and specialty competencies.