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Oncologist

Investigate, diagnose and treat patients with cancer using chemotherapy and biological therapy.

Oncologist

Oncologist

Roles and responsibilities

To qualify as an oncologist:

Step 1
Complete any undergraduate bachelor’s course {Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)} as your first degree.

Step 2
Complete the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine to qualify as a doctor.

Refer to the Study Pathways to the right for more information.

Specialists with a primary medical interest in cancer are called oncologists. They are broadly trained in all aspects of oncology, specialising in one of three main disciplines:

  • surgical oncology – cancer surgery
  • radiation oncology – radiation therapy
  • medical oncology – chemotherapy/hormone therapy

Oncology specialists often sub-specialise in organ groups or regions (eg. colorectal, gynaecologic, head and neck) or in specific types of cancer (eg. breast, lung, leukaemia).

Source: Cancer Council / Australian Bureau of Statistics

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Roles and responsibilities

To qualify as an oncologist:

Step 1
Complete any undergraduate bachelor’s course {Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)} as your first degree.

Step 2
Complete the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine to qualify as a doctor.

Refer to the Study Pathways to the right for more information.

Specialists with a primary medical interest in cancer are called oncologists. They are broadly trained in all aspects of oncology, specialising in one of three main disciplines:

  • surgical oncology – cancer surgery
  • radiation oncology – radiation therapy
  • medical oncology – chemotherapy/hormone therapy

Oncology specialists often sub-specialise in organ groups or regions (eg. colorectal, gynaecologic, head and neck) or in specific types of cancer (eg. breast, lung, leukaemia).

Source: Cancer Council / Australian Bureau of Statistics

Undergraduate Courses To Become

Oncologist

Recommended major/s to pursue this career

Relevant majors include:
Aboriginal student smiling Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing student in front of skeleton Anatomy and Human Biology student Anthropology and Sociology cell Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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Undergraduate Courses To Become Oncologist

Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing

Understanding the origins and strategies for more equitable health and wellbeing for Aboriginal communities is the leading health issue in Australia.

Anatomy and Human Biology

A major in Anatomy and Human Biology will let you discover how your body works, why it works that way, where people come from and how we are related to one another.

Anthropology and Sociology

Anthropology teaches you about the nature of humanity and the many different cultures of the world.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemists and molecular biologists are interested in the molecular functions of all living organisms from the smallest bacterium to the largest whale.

Chemistry

Chemistry is central to virtually all areas of modern science and technology, providing a foundation for fields such as biochemistry, chemical engineering, food science, materials science, geology, nanotechnology and pharmacology.

Exercise and Health

If you are you passionate about exercise and health and want to spread the word and educate others about keeping fit and being healthy, then this major is for you.

Genetics

Genetics is the study of biologically inherited traits as diverse as those that cause human disease, or allow a rare plant to live in only one isolated spot in the South West, or result in a desirable characteristic found in a domestic animal used in agriculture.

Indigenous Knowledge History and Heritage

A major in Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage will allow you to explore the worldview and historical experiences of Indigenous peoples in Australia as well as critically analyse Western disciplinary constructs around Indigenous knowledges and peoples.

Microbiology and Immunology

Microbes are organisms too small to be seen without a microscope and Microbiology is the study of these organisms and the role they play in health and disease and the environment.

Neuroscience

A major in Neuroscience will allow you to explore how nervous systems work and how nervous system function can be restored after disease and injury to the brain.

Pharmacology

A major in Pharmacology provides a modern understanding of how medicines produce their effects on the body and how such knowledge is used to alleviate suffering caused by disease.

Physiology

Do you differ from a robot? Learn about the molecular and cellular machinery that makes up your body, as well as how it works in everyday life, and what causes disease.

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

With Pathology and Laboratory Medicine you can explore the causes and mechanisms of human disease.
Postgraduate Courses To Become

Oncologist

Coursework courses to pursue this career

Professional training
After completion of the Doctor of Medicine and working in the public hospital system for two years (internship and residency), doctors interested in becoming an Oncologist can apply to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists to undertake further training and ultimately receive Fellowship which normally takes at least six years of study while working as a doctor.

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