OCN vs PALS
Oncology Certified Nurse vs Pediatric Advanced 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.
PALS
High DemandPediatric Advanced Life Support · American Heart Association
PALS focuses on recognition and treatment of cardiopulmonary emergencies in infants and children. Required in pediatric ED, PICU, and NICU settings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | OCN | PALS |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Oncology Certified Nurse | Pediatric Advanced 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% | +3.50% |
| 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 PALS?
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 PALS if…
- • You work in Emergency & Life Support settings
- • Your employer requires or prefers PALS
- • You have met the prerequisites: Current BLS certification
- • You want a ~3.5% salary boost
FAQ — OCN vs PALS
Is OCN or PALS harder?
Both OCN and PALS require preparation and hands-on practice. OCN covers oncology scenarios; PALS covers emergency & life support scenarios. Difficulty depends on your clinical background.
Can I get both OCN and PALS?
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 PALS?
OCN certification is associated with approximately a 8% salary increase; PALS approximately 3.5%. See the full salary data for your specialty and state.