OCN vs ACLS
Oncology Certified Nurse vs Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support — a side-by-side comparison of exam costs, prerequisites, salary impact, CE requirements, and which certification is best for your career path.
OCN
Oncology Certified Nurse · Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC)
OCN demonstrates expertise in oncology nursing practice including cancer treatment, symptom management, and patient education. Sought by cancer centers and infusion units.
ACLS
High DemandAdvanced Cardiovascular Life Support · American Heart Association
ACLS builds on BLS with advanced airway management, pharmacology, and systematic approach to cardiac arrest and other cardiopulmonary emergencies. Required in ICU, ED, and PACU.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | OCN | ACLS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Oncology Certified Nurse | Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support |
| Issuing Body | Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) | American Heart Association |
| Category | Oncology | Emergency & Life Support |
| Exam Cost | $230 | $175 |
| Validity | 48 months | 24 months |
| CE Credits Required | 120 | N/A |
| Salary Impact | +8.00% | +4.50% |
| Prerequisites | Current RN license; 1 year (2,000 hours) oncology nursing experience; 10 contact hours of oncology CE within the last 3 years | Current BLS certification |
| Demand Level | medium | high |
Which should I get — OCN or ACLS?
Choose OCN if…
- • You work in Oncology settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers OCN
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current RN license; 1 year (2,000 hours) oncology nursing experience; 10 contact hours of oncology CE within the last 3 years
- • You want a ~8% salary boost
Choose ACLS if…
- • You work in Emergency & Life Support settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers ACLS
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current BLS certification
- • You want a ~4.5% salary boost
FAQ — OCN vs ACLS
Is OCN or ACLS harder?
Both OCN and ACLS require preparation and hands-on practice. OCN covers oncology scenarios; ACLS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both OCN and ACLS?
Yes. Many healthcare professionals hold both certifications, especially in settings that overlap (e.g., ICU nurses often have both CCRN and ACLS). Each is independently issued and maintained.
Which pays more — OCN or ACLS?
OCN certification is associated with approximately a 8% salary increase; ACLS approximately 4.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.