OCN vs CCRN
Oncology Certified Nurse vs Critical Care Registered Nurse — 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.
CCRN
High DemandCritical Care Registered Nurse · American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
CCRN is the gold standard for critical care nursing, recognizing expertise in caring for acutely and critically ill patients. Consistently linked to higher salaries and career advancement.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | OCN | CCRN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Oncology Certified Nurse | Critical Care Registered Nurse |
| Issuing Body | Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) | American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) |
| Category | Oncology | Critical Care |
| Exam Cost | $230 | $275 |
| Validity | 48 months | 36 months |
| CE Credits Required | 120 | 100 |
| Salary Impact | +8.00% | +12.00% |
| Prerequisites | Current RN license; 1 year (2,000 hours) oncology nursing experience; 10 contact hours of oncology CE within the last 3 years | Current RN license; 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely/critically ill patients in the past 2 years, 875 of which within the past year preceding application |
| Demand Level | medium | high |
Which should I get — OCN or CCRN?
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 CCRN if…
- • You work in Critical Care settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers CCRN
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current RN license; 1,750 hours of direct care of acutely/critically ill patients in the past 2 years, 875 of which within the past year preceding application
- • You want a ~12% salary boost
FAQ — OCN vs CCRN
Is OCN or CCRN harder?
Both OCN and CCRN require preparation and hands-on practice. OCN covers oncology scenarios; CCRN covers critical care scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both OCN and CCRN?
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 CCRN?
OCN certification is associated with approximately a 8% salary increase; CCRN approximately 12%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.