Clinical oncology social workers must have a master's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited degree program. Masters work must be completed before seeking specialization in clinical oncology social work programs.
To be considered for clinical oncology social work programs (as defined by the National Association of Social Work), an individual must be accepted into an accredited doctoral program which means having passed all necessary comprehensive examinations and completed all doctoral coursework to specialize in clinical oncology social work.
Clinical oncology social workers must demonstrate at least one year of clinical experience in clinical social work settings. Other relevant experience includes volunteer work at a clinical oncology setting or other cancer treatment environment (hospitals, hospice centers, nursing homes etc), and evidence of research in clinical oncology topics.
Those seeking specialization in clinical oncology social work must typically have participated in or facilitated a research project surrounding clinical oncology social work. Research projects range from dissertation projects to community service research projects or the development of treatment models for oncology patients.