Cancer Care Systemic Therapy Certification Course
Credential Earned
Registered Nurses with Chemotherapy Certification (RNCC)
Length
- 11 weeks
Delivery
- Independent, online learning
- In-person skills and simulation lab day
- Integrated clinical practice with a preceptor
Dates
The CSTCC program is offered six times annually, with cohorts beginning in January, March, April, July, September, and October. Specific cohort dates will be updated on the website as they are confirmed.
Every attempt will be made to align lab date with learner/RN preference. Available dates subject to change due to enrollment numbers for each lab. Tentative dates held in reserve to accommodate larger cohort sizes.
Early Spring: March 3, 2025 – May 19, 2025 - In Session
- Skills and simulation labs: April 24 and 25, and May 2 (tentative)
- Exam dates: April 29, and May 5, 6, and 7
Late Spring: April 7, 2025 – June 23, 2025 - In Session
- Skills and simulation labs: May 29 and 30, and June 6 (tentative)
- Exam dates: June 2, 9, 10, and 11
Summer: July 7, 2025 - September 22, 2025
- Skills and simulation labs: August 28 and 29 and September 5 (tentative)
- Exam dates: September 2, 8, 9, and 10
Fall: September 15, 2025 - December 1, 2025
- Skills and simulation labs: November 6 and 7 and November 14 (tentative)
- Exam dates: November 12, 17, 18 and 19
Late Fall: October 6, 2025 - December 22, 2025
- Skills and simulation labs: November 27 and 28 and December 5 (tentative)
- Exam dates: December 2, 8, 9, and 10
Registration Deadlines
Registrations will not be accepted after the deadline.
- Early Spring: Registration closed
- Late Spring: March 24, 2025
- Summer: June 23, 2025
- Fall: September 8, 2025
- Late Fall: September 29, 2025
Overview
The Cancer Systemic Therapy Certification Course (CSTCC) has been tailored to the needs of oncology nurses in Nova Scotia to achieve the designation of Registered Nurse with Chemotherapy Certification (RNCC). This performance-based course is designed to meet learning needs of Registered Nurses working in nursing units that administer systemic therapy for cancer. This course provides the knowledge, skills, and performance requirements that RNs need to safely administer and respond to the complex care needs of cancer patients and their families.
This course uses content from the de Souza Institute’s Provincial Standardized Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Course (PSCB), while incorporating Nova Scotia specific treatment and practice guidance for Registered Nurses working in systemic therapy treatment areas. At the completion of the course, RNs will be competent in the independent administration of cancer systemic therapy at the advanced beginner level and able to provide safe and effective interventions to cancer patients and their families as an RNCC.
Requirements
- Active-practicing RN license with the provincial regulator
- Health Service Manager approval and support
- Employment in a Nova Scotia Health nursing unit that administers systemic therapy for cancer
Registration
The CSTCC forms part of several pathways in the Specialized Oncology Nurse Transition to Practice Program. Please register for the pathway that aligns with your practice setting on on the TTP program page.