Black Intelligentsia Libraries

The New Way Of Thinking

Oncologist

Ever lost a loved one to cancer?  It sucks, right?  Are you tired of seeing people die of cancer and of feeling helpless in the fight against it?  Do you want to do something about it?  If so, then you have what it takes to win this war and to finally put an end to this madness.  If you have an inclination toward Math, Science, Health, and Medicine and wish to join the ongoing war against cancer, then you should become an Oncologist.

Oncologists are Physicians who specialize in inspecting, diagnosing, and treating cancerous tumors and in the prevention thereof, usually leading a cancer-treatment team comprised of numerous healthcare professionals who work diligently together to provide comprehensive treatment for cancer patients.  They coordinate a course of treatment for cancer patients with the rest of their oncology team, which may include:  other Physicians, Nurses, Physician Assistants, Radiologists, Surgeons, Dietitians, Pathologists, Anesthesiologists, Pharmacists, Rehabilitation Therapists, and Social Workers.

The duties of an Oncologist include but are not limited to:  making cancer diagnoses; keeping records of patients' test results and physical examinations; prescribing medications, chemotherapy, hormones, therapy, etc.; explaining cancer development stages and providing specific cancer information to patients; discussing treatment options; offering extensive insight to patients, allowing them to make decisions regarding treatment based on facts, risks, and success rates; monitoring treatment plans; assisting in pain management; caring for and comforting patients and family members throughout entire cancer-treatment process, from diagnosis to recovery or death; performing surgery on cancer patients; and conducting research and teaching at universities.

High school students interested in becoming an Oncologist benefit from taking Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Biology/Anatomy, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics, Health, Nursing, and Nutrition.  Students entering Pre-Medical Bachelor's of Science programs with no previous Oncology training should expect a period of 4 years to complete said program.  Upon completion of undergraduate studies, candidates must earn a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from an accredited medical school, complete a 5-year Internal Medicine residency and Oncology fellowship, and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) in order to practice medicine as a licensed, credentialed Oncologist.  Licensure is required in all states and by each state.  Separate licenses are required for Oncologists who wish to practice in sub-specialties.

Oncology sub-specialties include:  Medical (using chemotherapy and other medical methods), Radiation, Surgical, Pediatric (cancer in children), Gynecological (cancers of the female reproductive system), Hematology (cancers and disorders of the blood), and some specialize in specific stages of the disease, having a solid understanding of treatment options and treatment success rates in those stages (0 involving the least extent, 4 involving extensive spread of the disease).

Due to the growth of our elderly population and of our overall population as a whole, employment for Oncologists is expected to grow 22% over the next decade.  Though demand may be tempered by advancements in technology, there will be an increase in demand for Oncologists who are familiar with the latest technological developments.  The best job prospects will be for those who serve rural, inner city, and other medically-underserved areas and for those who treat elderly patients.

Job Description

Median Salary & Range

​Median Salary:  $258,420

Salary Range:  ~$171,000 - $408,230+

College Majors & Attainment Routes

Colleges That Provide Above Majors

Available Scholarships

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);

The normal routes to becoming an Oncologist have been to attain a Bachelor's of Science degree in Pre-Medical, Microbiology, ​Biology or Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Physiology or Physiology Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Anatomy, Organic Chemistry, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Engineering Physics, Chemistry (Pre-Medical or Pre-Professional concentration), Physics (Pre-Medical concentration), Pre-Professional Education, or Biomedical Engineering.

Oncologists must complete 4 years of undergraduate studies, 4 years of medical school, and 5 to 6 years of Oncology residency.  Applicants to medical school must have at least a Bachelor's degree and must submit transcripts, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score, and letters of recommendation.  While a specific major is not required, all students must complete undergraduate work in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.  Students often volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain experience in a healthcare setting and to build mentor/mentee relationships with established Oncologists.

Colleges and universities that have Oncology/Medical Schools and related majors are:  Howard University (Washington, DC); Meharry Medical College (Nashville, Tennessee); Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science (Los Angeles, California); Delaware State University (Dover, Delaware); Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland); Norfolk State University (Norfolk, Virginia); Elizabeth City State University (Elizabeth City, North Carolina); Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina); North Carolina Central University (Durham, North Carolina); North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina); Virginia State University (Petersburg, Virginia); Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia); Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, North Carolina); Winston Salem State University (Winston Salem, North Carolina); Albany State University (Albany, Georgia); South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, South Carolina); Savannah State University (Savannah, Georgia); Spelman College (Atlanta, Georgia); Claflin University (Orangeburg, South Carolina); Allen University (Columbia, South Carolina); Fort Valley State University (Fort Valley, Georgia); Paine College (Augusta, Georgia); Livingstone College (Salisbury, North Carolina); Benedict College (Columbia, South Carolina); Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, Texas); Voorhees College (Denmark, South Carolina); Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia); Jackson State University (Jackson, Mississippi); and Oakwood University (Huntsville, Alabama).