APSHO Advanced Practitioner Onboarding Course

The following topics will be covered in this course:

  1. Introduction to Oncology
  2. Oncogenesis
  3. Cancer Screenings, Diagnostics, and Staging
  4. Lab Testing Breakdown
  5. Patient Evaluation and Simulation
  6. Treatment Modalities
  7. Management of Common Acute Conditions
  8. Psychosocial and Supportive Care
  9. Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Cancer
  10. Health Maintenance and Survivorship
  11. Palliative Care and Hospice
  12. The AP’s Role in Research
  13. Clinical Documentation and EMR Best Practices
  14. AP Practice Fundamentals and Professional Development
  15. Physical and Mental Health of the AP

  • 1. Introduction to Oncology
    Contains 12 Component(s)

    This module provides a comprehensive overview of oncology for advanced practitioners entering the field. Participants will explore the historical milestones that shaped cancer care, the cellular and molecular biology underlying oncogenesis, and current cancer epidemiology trends. The course highlights the expanding role of advanced practitioners across the cancer care continuum, from prevention and screening through treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. Case studies and knowledge checks reinforce the integration of clinical expertise with patient-centered care, emphasizing APs’ unique contributions to improving outcomes and practice efficiency.

    • Introduction
    • Oncology milestones
    • Cancer trends
    • AP Roles in oncology
    • Basic cancer biology
    • Cancer care continuum
    • Summary

    Diane G. Cope (Moderator)

    PhD, APRN-BC, AOCNP

    Florida Cancer Specialist and Research Institute

    Diane received her doctorate innursing from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, and nursepractitioner certification from the University of South Carolina in Columbia,South Carolina. She has been an oncology nurse for more than 30 years invarious roles, including clinical oncology nurse, nursing faculty teachinggraduate and undergraduate nursing, oncology nurse practitioner, and nursingleadership. She is currently an oncology nurse practitioner at Florida CancerSpecialists and Research Institute in Fort Myers, Florida. Diane received theONS Excellence in Care of the Older Adult with Cancer Award and has edited twogeriatric oncology nursing books, co-edited the Oncology Nursing Society CoreCurriculum, published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and bookchapters, and presented at national and international conferences. She hasserved as an associate editor for the Oncology Nursing Forum and Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing and is currently a reviewer forthe OncologyNursing Forum.

    • Discuss key milestones in oncology.
    • Recognize cancer biology principles.
    • Summarize advanced practitioner (AP) roles in a cancer patient’s journey.

  • 2. Oncogenesis
    Contains 10 Component(s)

    This module equips advanced practitioners with the knowledge to interpret and apply cancer genomics in clinical practice. It begins with foundational principles of cancer genetics, distinguishing hereditary from somatic mutations, and reviews hallmark concepts such as the two-hit hypothesis. Learners will examine hereditary cancer syndromes, genetic risk assessment, and appropriate referral criteria for genetic counseling. The session emphasizes precision medicine approaches, including biomarker-driven therapies, tissue-agnostic treatments, and emerging technologies such as liquid biopsy. By the end of this module, participants will be prepared to translate complex genomic data into individualized cancer prevention and treatment strategies.

    • Cancer biology and genetics
    • Hereditary cancer
    • Genetic cancer risk assessment and when to refer
    • Precision medicine

    Elisabeth King (Moderator)

    DNP, MBA, FNP, AOCNP, AGN, CENP

    Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Cancer Institute

    Dr. Elisabeth King is the Chief Operating Officer of the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Cancer Institute, where she leads strategic and operational initiatives to deliver cutting-edge oncology care across the region. In this role, she advances clinical excellence, multidisciplinary collaboration, and access to equitable cancer care, with a strong focus on scaling innovation and improving the patient and provider experience.

    Prior to joining TGH Cancer Institute, Elisabeth served as the Executive Director of Nursing at City of Hope, where she led system-wide initiatives in genomics, nursing leadership, and care transformation across both inpatient and ambulatory cancer services.

    Elisabeth earned her BS in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, an ADN from Austin Community College, and an MSN from Frontier Nursing University. She completed both her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and MBA at Johns Hopkins University.

    She is board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP), Advanced Genetics Nurse (AGN-BC), and in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP). A recognized leader in cancer care and health system innovation, Elisabeth frequently speaks on cancer genetics, nursing leadership, and driving transformation in complex healthcare environments.

    Elisabeth King has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

    • Explain the biological mechanisms that drive hereditary and somatic cancer.
    • Identify indications for referral to hereditary cancer genetics.
    • Interpret tumor genomic profiling results to guide targeted therapy decisions.

  • 3. Cancer Screening, Diagnostics, and Staging
    Contains 13 Component(s)

    This module focuses on the critical role of screening, diagnostics, and staging in effective cancer management. Advanced practitioners will review current evidence-based screening guidelines across major cancer types, including breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancers. The course explores the selection and interpretation of diagnostic imaging and procedures, from CT, MRI, and PET scans to biopsies and bone marrow evaluations. Participants will also gain a thorough understanding of staging systems for solid tumors and hematologic malignancies, with practical case examples demonstrating their application in treatment planning and prognostication. The content underscores APs’ role in shared decision-making, patient education, and coordination of diagnostic care.

    • Introduction to cancer screening
    • Cancer screening guidelines
    • Diagnostic imaging in cancer care
    • Diagnostic procedures
    • Key concepts in cancer staging
    • Summary

    Susan M. Utley (Moderator)

    MSN, FNP-BC, AOCNP

    Tennessee Oncology

    Susan is a nurse practitioner with Tennessee Oncology. She serves as the Advanced Practice Provider Education Lead and APP Oncology/Hematology Fellowship Program Director for the practice. She has extensive clinical experience in oncology. She has delivered presentations on many aspects of cancer treatment across multiple tumor types. Susan holds degrees from Vanderbilt University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

    Susan M. Utley has the following relevant financial disclosures:

    • Speakers’ bureau: AstraZeneca, Astellas/Pfizer, BeiGene, EMD Serono, Exelixis, and Guardant Health
    • Advisory Board: Amgen
    • Apply cancer screening guidelines for breast, cervical, colorectal, endometrial, lung, prostate, and skin cancers.
    • Choose appropriate diagnostic imaging studies for common scenarios in cancer care.
    • Understand key concepts in staging for common solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.

  • 4. Lab Testing Breakdown
    Contains 13 Component(s)

    This module provides advanced practitioners with a practical framework for interpreting laboratory values critical to oncology care. Participants will review normal and abnormal ranges for hematologic, biochemical, and organ function tests commonly encountered in oncology. Emphasis is placed on recognizing trends that indicate treatment-related toxicities, disease progression, or complications such as tumor lysis syndrome, infection, or cytopenias. Interactive case examples will guide learners in applying laboratory data to clinical decision-making, patient monitoring, and supportive care interventions. The session underscores APs’ responsibility in early recognition and timely intervention to optimize patient outcomes.

    • Introduction
    • Understanding the CBC
      • WBC
      • RBC
      • Platelets
    • Understanding the CMP
    • Interpreting coagulation tests
    • Interpreting a pathology report
    • Understanding tumor markers
    • Summary

    Jill O’Brien (Moderator)

    PA-C, MPAS

    Jill specializes in the ambulatory setting for hematology/oncology. She has worked in several areas of medicine, including acute leukemia and adult bone marrow transplant teams, and the medical ICU. Her hands-on experience encompasses bone marrow biopsies and apheresis.

    Jill holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from John Carroll University and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Mount Union. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in the establishment of a liver ICU and a post-ICU recovery clinic.

    Jill O’Brien has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

    • Discuss the components and clinical relevance of complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and coagulation studies.
    • Identify key abnormal values in CBC, CMP, and coagulation panels, interpret their clinical implications, and outline appropriate next diagnostic or management steps.
    • Understand the structure and content of a pathology report, including terminology and findings relevant to cancer diagnosis and staging.
    • Define tumor markers, understand their role in cancer diagnosis and monitoring, and identify common markers used in clinical practice.

  • 5. Treatment Modalities
    Contains 16 Component(s)

    This module explores the full spectrum of cancer treatment modalities, equipping advanced practitioners with the knowledge to understand and support multimodal care plans. Learners will examine the principles, indications, and side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and cellular therapies. The course also highlights the growing role of integrative and supportive approaches in enhancing quality of life. Case studies will demonstrate how treatment decisions are individualized based on disease type, stage, molecular profile, and patient goals. By the end of this module, participants will be prepared to counsel patients, coordinate care, and monitor for treatment-related toxicities across diverse oncology settings.

    •Introduction: Diagnosis to treatment
    •Surgery
    •Radiation therapy
    •Chemotherapy
    •Targeted therapy
    •Hormonal therapy
    •Immunotherapy
    •Summary


    Meredith Beaton (Moderator)

    MSN, AG-ACNP, RN, MSN

    University of Colorado

    Meredith is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the CU School of Nursing, the Medical Director for the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, and the Associate Vice Chair for APP Development and Mentorship. After completing her BA at Wellesley College and MA at Colombia University, Meredith worked for several years as a middle school teacher. She then attended the Yale School of Nursing and worked as a nurse in pediatric oncology and transplant and Yale-New Haven Hospital. After graduating with her Acute Care NP degree in 2016, she joined the Hematology Division at CU. When not working, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband and four daughters.

    Ms. Beaton has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

    • Define the different treatment modalities for oncology care.
    • Use resources to educate patients on their treatment plan.
    • Develop individualized treatment plans for patients.

  • 6. Management of Common Acute Conditions
    Contains 13 Component(s)

    This module prepares advanced practitioners to recognize and manage acute complications commonly encountered in oncology patients. Topics include oncologic emergencies such as febrile neutropenia, tumor lysis syndrome, hypercalcemia of malignancy, spinal cord compression, and superior vena cava syndrome. Learners will develop a structured approach to assessment, diagnostic evaluation, and evidence-based interventions, with an emphasis on rapid recognition and multidisciplinary coordination. Practical case examples highlight real-world decision-making to reduce morbidity and mortality. This session strengthens APs’ ability to provide timely, life-saving interventions in both inpatient and outpatient oncology settings.

    Outline
    •Infection
    •Cardiopulmonary
    •Metabolic
    •Gastrointestinal
    •Genitourinary
    •Neurological
    •Dermatologic
    •Summary

    Cara Fleming (Moderator)

    AGPCNP-BC

    Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    Cara is a board-certified Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, with extensive experience in acute oncology care. She has led institutional initiatives in sepsis management, contributed to the New York State Sepsis Advisory Board, and currently practices at MSK’s Symptomatic Care Clinic, specializing in acute outpatient oncology care and advanced practice provider education.

    Cara Fleming has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

    Jibran Majeed (Moderator)

    DNP, ACNP-BC, CCRN

    Mount Sinai Cancer Center

    Jibran has been an AdvancedPractice Provider (APP) in Oncology since 2009. He worked at Memorial SloanKettering from 2009 to 2025, where he held various clinical and leadershiproles, including Nurse Practitioner in the ICU and Emergency Services, ClinicalProgram Manager for the Rapid Response Team, APP Manager, and AssociateDirector for regional urgent care/symptom care clinics. He recentlytransitioned to Mount Sinai Cancer Center, where he currently oversees APPs inSolid Tumor Oncology and the Oncology Care Unit.

    Jibran Majeed has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

    •Identify common acute conditions in patients with cancer.
    •Review diagnostic workup and management strategies for oncology patients with acute symptoms.
    •Identify red flags and concerning clinical presentations that require escalation 

  • 7. Psychosocial and Supportive Care
    Contains 11 Component(s)

    This module addresses the psychosocial and supportive care needs of patients with cancer, recognizing their profound impact on quality of life and treatment adherence. Learners will explore risk factors, screening tools, and interventions for psychosocial distress, depression, and anxiety. The module highlights social determinants of health, financial toxicity, and barriers to accessing care, while emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration among APs, social workers, psychologists, and other team members. Participants will gain strategies to integrate psychosocial assessments, evidence-based interventions, and referrals into daily oncology practice, thereby promoting holistic and patient-centered care.

    Outline
    •Introduction
    •Risk factors and social determinants of care
    •Psychological care
    •Financial impact of cancer
    •Barriers to care
    •Summary

    Kim Noonan (Moderator)

    DNP, ANP-BC, AOCN, FAAN

    Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    Kim is an experienced oncology nurse practitioner with over 20 years of clinical practice, specializing in hematologic malignancies. She has a long background in nursing leadership, having served as Chief Nurse Practitioner at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for several years. Throughout her career, Kim has worked alongside national oncology leaders to co-develop the Oncology Nursing Society NP Competencies, which are widely used in academic settings, new NP onboarding, and program development. Kim has presented and published in the areas of NP practice, competency development, and oncology symptom management.

    Kim Noonan has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

    •Identify psychosocial issues that could impact quality of life in cancer patients and risk factors associated with psychosocial determinants.
    •Develop an understanding of the importance of assessing and managing psychosocial problems in cancer patients and provide education about several tools to measure psychosocial factors.
    •Provide information about the importance of creating a multidisciplinary approach to manage patients experiencing psychosocial issues.

  • 8. Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) With Cancer
    Contains 14 Component(s)

    This module addresses the unique clinical and psychosocial considerations of caring for adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer. Learners will explore the epidemiology, tumor biology, and treatment approaches relevant to this age group, along with fertility preservation, survivorship planning, and transition of care. Emphasis is placed on communication strategies, psychosocial support, and addressing disparities in AYA oncology outcomes. By integrating case examples and best practices, this session prepares advanced practitioners to deliver developmentally appropriate, patient-centered care that supports long-term quality of life and survivorship for AYA patients.

    •Introduction to AYAs
    •Biologic differences
    •AYA psychosocial landscape
    •Fertility and sexual health
    •Late effects and survivorship
    •Summary

    Emily Long Sarro (Moderator)

    MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CPHON

    Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    Emily (she/her) is the founding Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Nurse Practitioner of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s (MSK) Stuart Center for AYA Cancers. In this role, she integrates clinical care, program development, research, and provider education to improve outcomes for young people with cancer.
    She has a passion for young adult advocacy and comprehensive, holistic care. Emily conducts research on the financial burden on AYAs with cancer, harmonizing AYA oncology care, and education implementation of RNs and APPs caring for AYAs.
    Emily earned her BSN from NYU and her MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Columbia University; she has worked at MSK for more than 15 years. She has three young daughters who keep her on her toes and tries to practice yoga in the few free minutes she has.

    Emily Long Sarro has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

    •Distinguish differences among AYA, young-onset, and adult cancers.
    •Identify developmental milestones, psychosocial factors, and financial challenges affecting AYAs with cancer during treatment and into survivorship.
    •Apply interventions at appropriate time intervals, to facilitate fertility preservation, family planning, sexual health, and survivorship care for young people diagnosed with cancer.

  • 9. Late and Long-Term Symptoms & Management
    Contains 19 Component(s)

    This module provides advanced practitioners with a comprehensive overview of the late effects of cancer treatment and their implications for long-term survivorship care. Topics include cardiotoxicity, neurocognitive changes, endocrine dysfunction, secondary malignancies, and psychosocial late effects. Learners will review strategies for surveillance, prevention, and intervention, with an emphasis on risk stratification and multidisciplinary collaboration. Through practical scenarios, participants will strengthen their ability to anticipate, recognize, and manage late effects, enabling them to improve survivorship outcomes and enhance the quality of care across the cancer continuum.


    •Toxicities
    •Cardiotoxicity
    •Pulmonary
    •Gastrointestinal
    •Genitourinary
    •Endocrine
    •Cutaneous
    •Immune/lymphatic system
    •Nervous system
    •Musculoskeletal
    •Psychological effects
    •Summary

    Haleigh Mistry (Moderator)

    MS, PA-C

    University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

    Haleigh is a Physician Assistant at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. She has over 11 years of clinical experience, specializing in lymphoma/myeloma, cancer survivorship, and adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology. She enjoys precepting students and serves on several committees at MDACC.
    In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids and family, gardening, and fostering animals.

    Haleigh Mistry has the following relevant financial disclosures: 

    •Advisory Board: GenMab, ADC Therapeutics, and AbbVie

    •Provide the most common late effect/toxicities from cancer therapy. 
    •Discuss associated symptoms/presentation of these late effects.
    •Discuss basic management of these toxicities.

  • 10. Health Maintenance & Survivorship in Oncology
    Contains 7 Component(s)

    This module explores the critical role of survivorship care in oncology practice, highlighting the transition from active treatment to long-term follow-up. Learners will examine survivorship care models, surveillance guidelines, health promotion strategies, and coordination of care between oncology and primary care providers. The session also addresses psychosocial well-being, risk reduction, and management of chronic conditions in cancer survivors. By the end of this module, participants will be equipped with tools to develop survivorship care plans that address both medical and psychosocial needs, ensuring continuity and quality of care for patients throughout survivorship.


    •Introduction
    •Health maintenance for patients with cancer
    •Secondary cancer risk and screening
    •Exercise, nutrition, and sleep
    •Anxiety, depression, trauma, and distress
    •Survivorship
    •Models of care
    •Survivorship care plans
    •Surveillance and follow-up
    •Summary

    Dallas Lawry (Moderator)

    DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP

    UC San Diego

    Dallas earned her BSN fromCalifornia State University Channel Islands in 2014 and worked as an oncologynurse at UCLA Medical until 2021. That year, she completed her Family NursePractitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees at Loyola University NewOrleans. Her oncology experience spans inpatient, outpatient, infusion,clinical trials, liquid and solid tumors, palliative care, and hospice. Now atUC San Diego, she leads the diagnostic clinic for suspected pancreatic cancersand the survivorship clinic for pancreatic cancer patients, connecting them toclinical trials and guiding them through palliative care, hospice, and medicalaid in dying. She is published on chemotherapy hypersensitivity, upstreamsupportive care, and medical aid in dying and has received the Nurse Scientistof the Year award (UCLA, 2018) and the Nightingale Award (Loyola). 

    Dallas Lawry has the following relevant financial disclosures: 

    •Advisory Boards: Ipsen, BMS, Pfizer
    •Speakers Bureau: Pfizer
    •Non-profit: Canopy (authorship, Research Governance Committee Member), NCODA (speaker, Executive Council Member)

    •Describe the domains of health maintenance in cancer survivorship.
    •Describe what a cancer “survivor” is.
    •Identify special considerations for cancer survivors when managing care.

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