OCN vs BLS
Oncology Certified Nurse vs Basic 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.
BLS
High DemandBasic Life Support · American Heart Association
BLS certification covers CPR for adults, children, and infants, AED use, and relief of foreign-body airway obstruction. Required for most clinical healthcare roles.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | OCN | BLS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Oncology Certified Nurse | Basic Life Support |
| Issuing Body | Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) | American Heart Association |
| Category | Oncology | Emergency & Life Support |
| Exam Cost | $230 | $85 |
| Validity | 48 months | 24 months |
| CE Credits Required | 120 | N/A |
| Salary Impact | +8.00% | +1.50% |
| Prerequisites | Current RN license; 1 year (2,000 hours) oncology nursing experience; 10 contact hours of oncology CE within the last 3 years | None — open to all healthcare providers |
| Demand Level | medium | high |
Which should I get — OCN or BLS?
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 BLS if…
- • You work in Emergency & Life Support settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers BLS
- • You have met the prerequisites: None — open to all healthcare providers
- • You want a ~1.5% salary boost
FAQ — OCN vs BLS
Is OCN or BLS harder?
Both OCN and BLS require preparation and hands-on practice. OCN covers oncology scenarios; BLS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both OCN and BLS?
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 BLS?
OCN certification is associated with approximately a 8% salary increase; BLS approximately 1.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.