Cancer Registry Management Overview

Cancer registrars serve as data information specialists, most frequently working in hospitals and central registries in a variety of roles such as Certified Tumor Registrars (CTR) *, Oncology Data Analysts, or as CTR* Consultants. Professionals in the field forward the mission of capturing a complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status for every cancer patient in the U.S. This data is collected in the cancer registry and 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.

Cancer registrars work in the Health Information Management (HIM) field, a growing industry in the U.S. Career opportunities are plentiful in some areas of the U.S. If you live in an area with several hospitals, then your prospects are better than rural areas with only one facility. If you work in the city where the state health department is located, then you may be able to work for the central registry.

Working remotely is a growing trend for cancer registrars. Some hospitals promote this option, but others do not. Many require a few years of experience in the hospital before allowing remote working from home. Some registrars work for outsourcing companies hired by hospitals to staff their cancer registry. Under these arrangements, you could live in one state and work for a hospital in another. The Electronic Medical Record (EMR) makes remote working possible.

Most employers will require you to have earned the Oncology Data Specialist (ODS) credential. The ODS credential demonstrates a requisite knowledge and professional competence needed within the cancer registry. It is nationally recognized in the recruitment and retention of registry personnel.

Annual Average Salary

Source: National Cancer Registrars Association - Job Prospects & Salary

ODS Credential Salary vs. Non-ODS Credential Salary

Cancer registrars who hold the ODS credential have a higher annual salary than non-ODSs. The annual salary difference is about a 54%.

Source: National Cancer Registrars Association - Job Prospects & Salary