Oncology involves studying and treating various forms of cancer. Although there's no cure for the disease, experts in the field use a variety of procedures and techniques to control it or force it into remission. The field of oncology has existed for centuries, with even the ancient Greeks and Egyptians studying the effects of tumors. The word "oncology" comes from the word "oncos," a Greek term for "swelling."

What career opportunities can arise from learning about oncology?

Learning about oncology can help prepare you for a job as an oncologist. There are various types of oncologists, including pediatric oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists. If you're comfortable working with young patients, aspire to be a pediatric oncologist, a job that involves treating cancer in children. Medical oncologists use methods such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy to treat cancer. Surgical oncologists aim to surgically remove cancerous growths. Radiation oncologists rely on radiation therapy to manage the condition. Oncologists don't work alone. Technologists design, operate, and maintain medical equipment, such as the machines used during radiation therapy. Nurses assist oncologists by providing patient care in hospitals. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work with life-saving drugs, including those used during chemotherapy. Learning about oncology can help you pursue any of these career paths.

How can online courses help me learn about oncology?

Online course instructors offer video lectures and reading assignments to provide you with opportunities to learn about the oncology field. Some courses focus on specific types of cancer, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer. Others focus on clinical research, drug development, and herbal medicine options that can supplement procedures. You'll also find courses on qualitative data collection and research, practices that allow the field to evolve. Most online courses come with flexible deadlines, making it easy to fit the lessons into your personal schedule. Shareable Professional Certificates at the end of courses provide proof of completion.

What are the benefits of taking an online Oncology course?

Online Oncology courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Oncology skills. Choose from a wide range of Oncology courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Oncology courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Oncology, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Oncology Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Oncology Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Cancer Biology
Skills you'll gain: Oncology, Medical Imaging, Patient Education And Counseling, Molecular Biology, Clinical Trials, Preventative Care, Treatment Planning, Patient Evaluation, Primary Care, Pathology, Urology, Patient Treatment, Health Care, Internal Medicine, General Medical Tests and Procedures, Laboratory Testing, Precision Medicine, Anatomy, Biology, Medical Terminology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
9.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
Peking University
Oncology Nursing（肿瘤护理）
Skills you'll gain: Patient Evaluation, Nursing Process, Nursing Care, Nursing, Oncology, Clinical Nursing, Patient Education And Counseling, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Surgery, Pathology, Patient Treatment, Epidemiology, Radiology, Pharmacotherapy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Introduction to the Biology of Cancer
Skills you'll gain: Oncology, Medical Imaging, Molecular Biology, Clinical Trials, Treatment Planning, Patient Treatment, Pathology, Epidemiology, Biology, Risk Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
7.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Yale University
Introduction to Breast Cancer
Skills you'll gain: Mammography, Oncology, Clinical Trials, Surgery, Care Management, Preventative Care, Precision Medicine, Patient Treatment, Maternal Health, Biology, General Medical Tests and Procedures, Epidemiology, Patient Education and Support, Molecular Biology, Radiation Protection, Risk Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
University of Geneva
Precision Medicine
Skills you'll gain: Precision Medicine, Medical Science and Research, Healthcare Ethics, Pharmacology, Health Informatics, Bioinformatics, Clinical Research, Primary Care, Health Care, Oncology, Molecular Biology, Patient Education And Counseling, Data Analysis, Environmental Science, Risk Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
390 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Drug Development and Regulation: From Bench to Bedside
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Trials, Pharmacology, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Statistical Analysis, Regulatory Compliance, Patient Safety, Real Time Data, Data Analysis Software
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Fundamentals of Immunology
Skills you'll gain: Public Health, Anatomy, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, Infectious Diseases, Medical Terminology, Oncology, Microbiology, Pathology, Laboratory Testing, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Patient Treatment, Biology, Medical Science and Research, Biochemistry, Laboratory Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Immunology: Immune Failures and Cancer Immunology
Skills you'll gain: Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Epidemiology, Public Health, Pathology, Pharmacotherapy, Biology, Microbiology, Chronic Diseases, Patient Treatment, Precision Medicine, Treatment Planning, Medical Science and Research, Molecular Biology, Laboratory Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
103 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Medical Terminology
Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Medical History Documentation, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Medical Records, Health Informatics, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Orthopedics, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Neurology, Gynecology, Urology, Anatomy, Electronic Medical Record, Pathology, Pharmacology, Psychiatry, Mental Health Diseases and Disorders, Communication
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
878 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of California, Santa Cruz
The History of Medicine: Philosophy, Science, and Psychology
Skills you'll gain: Healthcare Ethics, Pharmacology, General Medicine, Medical Science and Research, Mental and Behavioral Health Specialties, Medical History Documentation, Ancient History, World History, Cultural Responsiveness, Public Health
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
79 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Novartis
Clinical Trials: Good Clinical Practice
Skills you'll gain: Clinical Research, Clinical Trials, Healthcare Ethics, Patient Education And Counseling, Record Keeping, Medical Science and Research, Regulatory Compliance, Document Management, Medical Privacy, Patient Safety, Risk Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
561 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Yale University
Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging
Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Radiology, Radiography, X-Ray Computed Tomography, Medical Ultrasonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Neurology, Pathology, Image Analysis, Anatomy, Gynecology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
350 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months