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 entry-level ODS certification exam.
NCRA will start implementing the use of ODS on January 1, 2024. It will take at least a year for NCRA to make the transition. The association anticipates the same timeline for employers and human resource departments.
NCRA is working directly with credential holders to update e-signatures, credential certificates, resumes/CVs, and LinkedIn accounts
Guidance to assist with implementation is below. Images to assist with the transition are available at www.ncra-usa.org/ODSToolkit.
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
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
Credential Verification Process Does Not Change
NCRA provides a primary-source verification service for employers to check the credential status of current and future employees. This verification process will not change. It is intended solely for substantiation of the ODS credential status of the individual being verified by the requesting entity. Submit a request at https://www.ncra-usa.org/verify.
Updating Position Descriptions and Job Requirements
Implement a search-and-replace process. “CTR” should be changed to “ODS” and “Certified Tumor Registrar” to “Oncology Data Specialist”.
Use established processes and timelines to make the update. If job descriptions and requirements are reviewed annually, use that timeline to make the needed changes. If a new position is established or a current job is vacant, use the candidate search materials to update the job description and credential requirements.
Employers are encouraged to work with their credential holders to identify all materials and processes that need updating.
Ensuring the Correct SOC Code for Cancer Registrars
While updating documents to reflect the new ODS credential, also ensure that personnel records reflect the new Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) classification for cancer registrars. It is 29-9021: Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars.
Changing Job Titles
Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) is the name of NCRA’s credential, not a job title or position description. The National Cancer Registrars Association will continue to use “cancer registrar” to describe members and the association.
NCRA understands some employers have jobs titled “Certified Tumor Registrar” or “CTR” and the process to update these titles can be extensive and time consuming. NCRA recommends starting the transition by changing the credential requirement for the position from CTR to ODS. Facilities can then implement the process to change the job title according to internal systems and timelines. As noted, NCRA anticipates some facilities will require more than a calendar year to make the needed changes.
Internal Staff Communications
NCRA prepared this text for internal staff newsletters or employee portals.
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. [Name of Your Facility] will be changing any references to “CTR” and “Certified Tumor Registrar” to “ODS” and “Oncology Data Specialist” over the coming year. Learn more about the change at www.ncra-usa.org/ODS.
Leadership Meetings and Cancer Committee
NCRA has prepared a PowerPoint slide that can be used at facility-wide meetings and cancer committee. The slide is located with the downloadable graphics below.
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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