The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)—an independent affiliate of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)—has been providing oncology nurses with certification to demonstrate their expertise and excellence in oncology nursing care for more than 30 years. On April 8, 2019, ONCC will welcome Tony Ellis, CAE, as its new executive director. Following the retirement of long-time director Cynthia Miller Murphy, MSN, RN, CAE, FAAN, Ellis will be only the second person in ONCC history to serve executive director.
“I'm already learning what a dedicated and talented group of professionals make up the oncology nursing community,” Ellis said. “I can't wait to put my passion for learning, credentialing, and collaborative workforce development to work for ONCC. We have a rich history and firm foundation to stand on as we build the future of oncology nursing practice standards and certification.”
Through an in-depth recruitment effort, the ONCC Board of Directors selected Ellis as the organization’s next executive director, following Miller Murphy in the role. Ellis brings a Master of Science in education along with an extensive background in certification and association work from his previous roles, including his most recent position as the vice president of association services for the National Association of College Stores in Oberlin, OH. Ellis has more than 20 years of experience in training, teaching, coaching, and leadership education, and he joins ONCC with a background of more than 17 years of association experience.
Miller Murphy announced her retirement after more than 30 years of service at ONCC and ONS. She cultivated her legacy as a nationally recognized expert in credentialing and oncology nursing, and—under her tenure at ONCC—the organization developed eight accredited certification programs and helped nurses to achieve more than 100,000 different certifications.
ONCC was founded in 1984 and is governed by a Board of Directors representing various levels of oncology nursing certification. Currently, ONCC offers eight credentialing programs and supports more than 38,000 currently certified nurses. Accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies—an independent organization that determines if certification organizations meet established national guidelines—ONCC certification examinations are held to the highest standard and provide oncology nurses the opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate their skills, expertise, and commitment to the art and science of oncology nursing care.
ONCC is the premier provider of nationally accredited certifications for nurses in oncology and related specialties. Certification promotes health and safety by validating competence and ensuring life-long learning in those fields. ONCC has certified more than 38,000 nurses in adult oncology, pediatric hematology oncology, breast care, or blood and marrow transplant nursing.
ONS is a professional association of more than 39,000 members committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since 1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all in an effort to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families. Learn more at www.ons.org.