Davenport University introduces unique cancer registry certificate program

Davenport University’s new cancer registry certificate program is the first of its kind in the state of Michigan. It will prepare students to work as oncology data specialists, a role that used to be called cancer tumor registrar. These jobs contribute to the fight against cancer by providing data to researchers and medical care providers, and are both in-demand and flexible. The new program is accredited by the National Cancer Registrars Association.

According to an article on Davenport University’s website, Paula Koning, MM, RHIA, ODS-C, who will be teaching in the program, is quoted as saying, “This program may be perfect for you even if you don’t have an associate degree in health care but are interested in health information management, data analytics, cancer research and/or prevention. As a cancer registrar, you will be able to play a key role in maintaining critical data in cancer registries for cancer treatment breakthroughs.”

The new program is taken completely online, meaning students will have optimum flexibility in completing the program, which, according to Megan Tober, MBA, RHIA, the associate department chair and program director for health information management at Davenport University, said should take three semesters to do. The flexibility may follow students into the workplace, as oncology data specialists are often employed remotely.

“This program is critical to the detailed work that is being done to capture the complete histories, diagnosis, treatment and health status of cancer patients throughout the country. As with all our programs, students will be taught and mentored by instructors with real-world experience. The class sizes are small to ensure individual attention,” said Tober.

For more information about Davenport University, visit the school’s website.