NCRA has changed the name of its credential. Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) is the new name for the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential. The new credential name better aligns with the evolving scope of work of cancer registrars and current professional practice terminology and is representative of the content on the ODS entry-level certification exam.
NCRA will start implementing the use of ODS on January 1, 2024. It will take at least a year for NCRA, credential holders, affiliated organizations, and NCRA accredited education programs to make the transition.
Guidance to assist credential holders in making the change is outlined below. This information is also on the ODS Fact Sheet: Credential Holder, which allows these details to be printed and easily shared.
Informing Your Human Resources Department
NCRA has created specific guidance for employers to assist with the transition. Please share the ODS Fact Sheet: Human Resources with your human resources department on how to update employee records, position descriptions, and job titles.
Use of the ODS Credential
The name of the credential is Oncology Data Specialist or ODS and its use indicates certification. Credential holders can choose to use ODS, ODS-C, or ODS-Certified. The three options are synonymous, and the decision on which option to use is personal.
Making the Transition to the ODS Credential
NCRA Membership Database NCRA is currently updating its member database, making the change from “CTR” to “ODS” with the goal of finishing by December 31, 2023.
ODS Digital Badge NCRA is developing a digital badge with Credly, a badging platform, that will be made available for credential holders on January 1, 2024. Credentialed cancer registry professionals are encouraged to use this digital verification of the credential in email signatures, LinkedIn accounts, and professional websites. Learn more about the value of digital badges. NCRA will send all credential holders the details on how to access the ODS digital badge the first week of January 2024.
Signature Credential holders can indicate they have earned the Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) certification in one of three ways. As noted earlier, these three options are synonymous, and the credential holder decides on which one to use.
Jane Doe, ODS Jane Doe, ODS-C Jane Doe, ODS-Certified
Retired Credential Holders
Credential holders who have retired or plan to retire on or before December 31, 2023, will have their credential updated in the member database to “CTR (Retired).” Note: A credential holder who retires on or after January 1, 2024, will use “ODS (Retired).”
Where to Make the Update
Make sure to update your employee email signature, resume/CVs, business cards, LinkedIn account, and professional websites. If you would like to provide additional information on the ODS credential, you can include the website address – www.ncra-usa.org/ODS.
Replacement of Your CTR Certificate
Credential holders will receive details in January 2024 on how to download an updated exam certificate that will reflect the credential name change from CTR to ODS.
Updated CE Cycle Certificates
Recertification documentation that reflects the ODS credential is expected in January 2024. Details will be shared with all current credential holders in early 2024.
Announcing the Name Change at Leadership Meetings or Cancer Committee
NCRA has prepared a PowerPoint slide to use at cancer program leadership meetings and cancer committee to explain the new credential name. The slide is located with the downloadable graphics below.
Internal Communications to Announce the Name Change
If you can provide updates or stories to your employer’s e-newsletters or the “What’s New” section of an employee portal, consider sending the message below. Make sure to include the associated graphics. These details can also be presented during leadership meetings and/or cancer committee.
The National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) has changed the name of its credential. Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) is the new name for the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential. The updated credential name better aligns with the evolving scope of work of cancer registrars and current professional practice terminology, and is representative of the content on the entry-level ODS certification exam. NCRA and the cancer registry community began implementing the change in January 2024 and anticipates it will take at least a year to make the full transition. Learn more about the change at www.ncra-usa.org/ODS.
Images to Support ODS Credential Communications
PowerPoint/Presentation Slide Email Header/e-Newsletter Header Letterhead Image Remote Meeting Platform Background
Social Media
Digital Postcard
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Cancer registrars are data information specialists that capture a complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status for every cancer patient in the U.S. The curated data provides essential information to researchers, healthcare providers, and public health officials to better monitor and advance cancer treatments, conduct research, and improve cancer prevention and screening programs. Learn more about how to become a cancer registrar and how cancer registry data is used to improve public health.
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