How To Become An Oncologist? Detailed Guide

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Cancer has become one of the reasons that cause the most deaths worldwide. Every now and then we hear about people suffering from this disease which doesn’t seem to have a proper medical cure. 

Doctors and scientists around the world are constantly conducting multiple trials to find a cure for this disease. But do you think nothing can be done to help these patients? 

Well, we have Oncologists for that. If you want to know how to become an oncologist, what you need to study, and more about oncology, keep reading this blog!

Who Is An Oncologist?

Oncologists are medical professionals who treat and diagnose Cancer. They frequently serve as the patient’s primary healthcare provider, developing plans for the course of their treatment, providing emotional support, and perhaps coordinating care with other professionals.

Learn more: Career As An Oncologist

How To Become An Oncologist?

Step 1: Stream Selection

To become an Oncologist, you must opt for Science after clearing 10th. Complete your 11th and 12th with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. 

Step 2: Educational Qualifications

How To Become An Oncologist After 10th?

To get admission for MBBS, you need to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – NEET. You need to put in a lot of effort to clear this exam. Therefore, the ideal time for you to start preparing for the entrance exam is after your 10th.

How To Become An Oncologist After 12th?

If you want to know how to become an Oncologist, you must appear for the NEET exam, once you complete your 12th. This is your gateway to MBBS which will lead you forwards to pursue Oncology. To become an oncologist, you must first get admitted as an MBBS.

Know more: SAT Exam – Important Dates 2022 – 23

How To Become An Oncologist In India?

To become an Oncologist, you must complete the 5-year MBBS course. After that, you can pursue your master’s degree since it is more valuable when applying for jobs or becoming an Oncology specialist.

  • Top Colleges In India
  1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
  2. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai
  3. Gujarat Cancer and Research Institute (GCRI), Ahmedabad
  4. Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research Center (JIPMER), Pudducherry
  5. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), Bangalore
  6. Madras Medical College (MMC), Chennai
  7. Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS), Nasik
  8. Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad
  9. Regional Cancer Center (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram
  10. Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Bangalore

How To Become An Oncologist Abroad?

The eligibility to study to become an Oncologist abroad is similar to that of India. Therefore, if you want to study to become an MBBS abroad, you will have to clear the NEET exam and also qualify for the MCAT to be eligible for medical courses abroad. You will also need a good score on the English language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, etc. 

  • Top Colleges Abroad
  1. Stanford University
  2. University of Colorado Denver
  3. University of South Florida
  4. University of Toledo
  5. University of the Sciences
  6. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
  7. University of Utah
  8. University of Wisconsin
  9. Vanderbilt University
  10. Wayne State University

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Step 3: Certificate and Project Courses

If you want to know how to become an Oncologist, consider taking these certificate courses to learn more about the field of Oncology.

CoursesDuration
Certificate Course in Oncology3 months
Thoracic Oncology7 weeks
Documentation and Usability for Cancer Informatics5 weeks
Advanced Reproducibility in Cancer Informatics5 weeks
Lymphoedema: Monitoring & Intervention After Breast Cancer4 weeks
Talking About Cancer: Reducing Risk, Early Detection and Mythbusting3 weeks
An Introduction to Radiation Oncology: From Diagnosis to Survivorship2 weeks

Step 4: Job Preparation

If you want to know how to become an Oncologist, you can begin a residency program in your chosen oncology speciality right away after you complete 4 years in MBBS. Depending on your field of practice, these programs can take two to five years to complete. 

You can take up internships and work for hospitals or experienced doctors to receive training in your field. 

Following the residency program, some oncologists may pursue fellowship training. Fellowships provide training for individuals interested in working in a highly specialized clinical sub-speciality. If you want to work in paediatrics, for example, you may need to continue your education by participating in a fellowship program. 

A pediatric oncology fellowship teaches you how to diagnose and treat cancers in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, who may have different medical needs than the general adult population.

Also read: How To Become A Neurologist – Detailed Guide

Skills Required To Become An Oncologist

  1. Communication
  2. Empathy
  3. Clinical knowledge
  4. Analytical thinking
  5. Attention to detail
  6. Technological proficiency 
  7. Diagnostic Skills
  8. Research Skills
  9. Medical and Surgical Procedures
  10. Interpersonal Skills

How Much Do Oncologists Earn In India?

In comparison to other profiles in the medical sector, the pay in this field is relatively high. Because an oncologist’s job has many duties and responsibilities, as well as being highly regarded, they are usually paid more than other professionals and medical representatives. An oncologist’s monthly salary ranges between INR 1 Lakh and INR 2 Lakh.

How Much Do Oncologists Earn Abroad?

Country Salary 
USA$242,782 
UK£83,751
CanadaC$325,000
AustraliaAU$202,261
New ZealandNZ$263,000

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Top Recruiters For Oncologists In India

Top recruiters in India:
Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
The Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru
Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai
Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Delhi
Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru
Top Recruiters in India
  1. Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
  2. The Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai
  3. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
  4. The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad
  5. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru
  6. Apollo Specialty Hospital, Chennai
  7. Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Delhi
  8. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru

Top Recruiters For Oncologists Abroad

Top recruiters abroad:
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Mayo Clinic
Top Recruiters abroad
  1. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  2. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
  3. Mayo Clinic
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FAQs about how to become an Oncologist

Is oncology only for cancer?

An oncologist doesn’t only work as a medical professional who treats cancer patients. Many oncologists are also board-certified haematologists who treat patients with blood disorders like anaemia, which is caused by a deficiency of red blood cells. A genetic blood condition called sickle cell disease can impact circulation which is also something oncologists treat. 

Is an oncologist a surgeon?

A surgeon who specializes in performing biopsies, removing cancerous tumours and surrounding tissue, as well as other cancer-related surgeries, is known as a surgical oncologist. A radiation oncologist specializes in using radiation treatment to treat cancer in order to reduce the size of cancerous cells, eradicate them, or lessen cancer-related symptoms.

 How many years does it take to be an oncologist?

First, a bachelor’s degree is required for medical oncologists. They will attend medical school for roughly four years following college. This involves two years of classroom instruction and two years of clinical experience. After that, they’ll finish a 2- to 5-year residency during which they’ll receive specialized hospital training.

What’s the difference between oncology and hematology?

Haematologists are experts in identifying and treating blood conditions. Cancer diagnosis and treatment are their areas of expertise. An expert in both is a haematologist oncologist. If you have blood cancer or suspect that you might have blood cancer, you might visit a haematology oncologist.

How much does an oncologist make? 

On average Oncologists earn between INR 12 Lakhs to 24 Lakhs per annum.

 Are oncologists in demand?

The demand for oncologists is expected to rise by 14% in the coming years. It is significantly higher than for other occupations. Medical technology has also advanced over time, and the industry now requires oncologists who are up to date on the latest technology.

How many hours does an oncologist work?

On average, an oncologist works for 57.6 hours per week. 

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Do you want to help patients with Cancer and find a cure for it? Read this blog and find out how to become an Oncologist and much more!
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