Nursing - Cancer Nursing - Adult

How will I benefit?

On successful completion of the programme, you will receive a Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Adult Cancer Nursing). This is a highly regarded qualification for nurses caring for adults with cancer in Ireland.



Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for caring for adults with cancer, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of settings specialising in this area both nationally and internationally. As the programme is particularly aimed at preparing nurses to assume the role of clinical nurse specialist, many nurses eventually take up CNS positions and some may undertake further study required for the role of ANP in cancer nursing. Many nurses also proceed to assume CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.

This is a one (academic) year programme, broken down into two semesters. Assessments are varied (assignments/short examination questions/MCQ/case presentation and clinical assessments (Clinical Competency Assessment Tool, Clinical Learning Outcomes and occur at intervals throughout and at the end of the trimesters.



Fundamentals of Cancer CareNMHS42560

Clinical PracticumNMHS42570

Adult Cancer NursingNMHS42850

The Psychological Impact of Chronic IllnessNMHS42880

Applicants must hold a primary degree in Nursing (or equivalent in related discipline)



Applicants must be entered onto the appropriate division of the Nurses Register maintained by An Bord Altranais (be registered as an RGN)



Applicants must hold a Graduate Diploma in another specialist area of nursing or have obtained 30 ECT (credits) at Level 9 (Masters Level in both research and theoretical aspects of nursing)



Other criteria to be used in the assessment of the application include number of years of experience, and evidence of ongoing professional development



Applicants must have at least one year’s experience in Adult Cancer Nursing at time of attendance



Applicants for the Adult and Children’s Cancer Nursing strands will be required to demonstrate competency in the administration of systemic anti-cancer treatments and will therefore normally be based on oncology/haematology wards and/or oncology/haematology day wards (preferably rotating across both settings) prior to and for the duration of the programme. Applicants for the Adult and Children’s Cancer Nursing strands who are caring for patients with cancer but who are not based in the aforementioned settings will require a letter of support from their Assistant Director of Nursing undertaking to facilitate a placement in oncology/haematology for at least 6 weeks over the course of the programme.



Documents Required



Transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant

Certificates of nursing qualifications or validated copies of awards

Original transcript(s) including date and grading of degree award (non UCD Graduates only) & notarised English translations where relevant

A current photocopy of NMBI registration

Copy of Birth Certificate or Personal Page of Passport

Professional Reference Form (original form)

Declaration Form

Clinical Competence Assessor Nomination Form

Evidence of proficiency in English language (applicants whose first language is not English)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)



RPL may be granted in respect of individual modules if applicants can demonstrate that the modules' learning outcomes have been achieved through prior credentialled or experiential learning. In some cases, where an applicant does not meet the prerequisites for entry to a programme, an RPL application may be considered.

Grad Cert Adult Cancer Nursing PT (X682)

Duration 1 Years Attend Part Time

Deadline Rolling*



* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year part-time.

MODE OF DELIVERY :Blended

NEXT INTAKE: 2024/2025 September.

Careers & Employability

Possessing a broad and deep understanding of the theory and skills required for caring for adults with cancer, you will be well positioned to work in a variety of settings specialising in this area both nationally and internationally. As the programme is particularly aimed at preparing nurses to assume the role of clinical nurse specialist, many nurses eventually take up CNS positions and some may undertake further study required for the role of ANP in cancer nursing. Many nurses also proceed to assume CNM/Educational/Clinical Facilitator roles.