In response to the need for educational resources that target Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) that are new to an oncology practice, ASCO University® has designed a curriculum that practices can use to assist with orientation of their new employees. A Planning Group, led by Katie Beekman, MD, member of the Integrated Media and Technology Committee and the Workforce Advisory Group, has provided oversight for curriculum development for this initiative. Dr. Beekman is joined by five additional planning group members: Dean Bajorin, MD; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Dan Hayes, MD; Maine Center for Cancer Med; Barbara McAneny, MD; New Mexico Oncology Hematology Consultants; Todd Pickard, MMSc, PA-C; MD Anderson Cancer Center; Cindy Tofthagen, PhD, ARNP; University of South Florida. 

Dr. Beekman explains that “The ASCO University® Curriculum for Advanced Practice Providers stemmed from recognition by multiple groups within ASCO that APPs are an important and growing part of the oncology care team. Many ASCO members have noted that training APPs in oncology is one barrier for practices in utilizing an APP in their practice. We felt that a coordinated effort by ASCO University® to present educational material relevant for the practice and the APP would be welcomed. We are very excited to have this now available and hope that practices take advantage of it.” 

Since the individual needs for each practice may greatly vary, a Core Curriculum, containing Basic and Premium levels of content, and individual Tumor-Focused Curricula are available. A post-assessment is included in the Core Curriculum Basic Package, as well as for each of the Tumor Packages. To document participation, a Certificate of Completion from ASCO University® is available for all courses.  A majority of the courses also include the potential to earn CME credit.

Oncology Practices may purchase activation codes for use by their employees. Individual APPs may also purchase the curriculum. Enrollment requirements include:

• ASCO.org account for members or guest account for non-members
• Documentation of NP or PA certification, including current certification number
• Downloadable registration form available online – To register, please visit ASCO University® at http://university.asco.org/app.

The table provided below includes a detailed list of course content that is available for purchase on ASCO University®.  For more information, please send an e-mail to ASCO University® at university@asco.org.