Cancer care continues to play a major role in the healthcare system, with millions of new cases diagnosed across the United States each year. As care delivery expands, oncology careers are becoming some of the most impactful and in-demand healthcare roles today.
The team at On Board Virginia consulted with healthcare leaders and workforce experts to identify the fastest-growing oncology careers in Virginia. In this guide, we detail what oncology is, why demand is increasing, and the career paths you can explore across Virginia’s healthcare systems.
If you’re ready to explore oncology careers, browse available oncology jobs across Virginia and connect with healthcare employers hiring now.
Key takeaways:
- Oncology careers focus on diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients with cancer across the healthcare system.
- Demand for oncology jobs in Virginia continues to grow as healthcare systems expand cancer care services and treatment programs.
- The field offers multiple entry points, from entry-level roles like phlebotomists to advanced careers like oncologists.
- Many oncology roles provide opportunities to specialize, advance, and work collaboratively with diverse care teams.
- Education pathways vary, with options ranging from fast-track certification programs to advanced medical degrees through accredited education partners.
What Is Oncology?
Oncology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing, studying, and treating tumors. This medical specialty is dedicated to understanding how tumors develop, focusing on how they affect the body and ways to treat them. While tumors can be benign or malignant, oncology primarily focuses on cancerous conditions due to their complexity and impact on patient health.
Healthcare professionals in oncology perform a variety of tasks depending on their role, such as running tests to diagnose cancer, offering second opinions on diagnoses, and identifying and explaining treatment options. Other professionals help patients by administering treatments, monitoring progress, and managing post-care treatment.
Oncology is closely connected to other medical fields, like hematology and radiology-related careers. Because cancer is so complex, various subspecialties focus on specific treatments or cancer types, including:
- Medical oncology: Focuses on treating cancer using medications such as chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
- Surgical oncology: Involves removing tumors through surgical procedures.
- Radiation oncology: Uses targeted radiation to treat and manage cancer.
- Interventional oncology: Uses minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to treat tumors.
- Hematology-oncology: Specializes in cancers of the blood, such as leukemia and lymphoma.
- Pediatric oncology: Focuses on diagnosing and treating cancer in children, typically for individuals under 18 or 21 years old.
- Neurological: Treats cancers that affect the brain and nervous system.
There are even supportive and specialized areas of oncology that play a key role in patient care, such as:
- Pain and palliative oncology: Helps manage symptoms, pain, and quality of life during treatment.
- Psycho-oncology: Helps manage symptoms, pain, and quality of life during treatment.
- Preventive oncology: Focuses on cancer prevention, early detection, and risk reduction.
Demand for Cancer Career Pathways in Virginia
Demand for oncology careers continues to grow across Virginia as healthcare systems expand cancer care services. According to the American Cancer Society, tens of thousands of new cancer cases are diagnosed in Virginia each year, including more than 52,000 prostate cancer cases and over 16,000 lung cancer-related deaths.
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Virginia, following heart disease.
As a result, Virginia’s healthcare system continues to invest in advanced cancer care programs. Leading institutions across the state support innovation in cancer detection, treatment, education, and patient care. The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center and VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center are just two of many facilities taking a multidisciplinary approach to oncology.
What Is it Like to Work in Oncology?
Working in oncology combines specialized medical knowledge with meaningful patient interaction. Healthcare professionals in this field often build strong relationships with patients and care teams while contributing to long-term treatment plans.
One common misconception about oncology work is that it can be emotionally taxing. While this idea pervades many medical fields, the story is often more optimistic than people realize. Professionals note that life in oncology is characterized by strong team collaboration, inspiring patient resilience, and ongoing research opportunities that keep the work engaging and impactful.
Oncology Jobs in Virginia
Given the complexity of oncology, it’s no surprise that there are a lot of role options. Oncology careers span a wide range of positions across hospitals, outpatient clinics, and research facilities. Outlined below are some of the most popular oncology jobs in Virginia.
1. Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists collect blood samples that are used for cancer screening, diagnosis, and ongoing monitoring. They work closely with nurses, laboratory technicians, and physicians to support accurate testing and patient care.
This hands-on role is a strong entry point into healthcare careers and is often considered a good choice for individuals looking to enter healthcare. Training programs are typically short, with some taking only eight weeks. Look for fast-track certification programs such as FastForward Virginia to earn stackable credentials and find financial aid opportunities!
- Average Salary in Virginia: Approximately $36,000–$40,000 per year
- Education Requirements: A high school diploma or equivalent is required, completion of a phlebotomy training program, and passing a national certification exam.
2. Clinical Laboratory Technician
Clinical laboratory technicians, also known as medical laboratory technicians, are one of the top career paths in medical technology. They perform tests that help diagnose and monitor cancer. They analyze samples, operate lab equipment, and provide data that supports treatment decisions.
Working collaboratively with physicians, oncologists, and care teams, clinical laboratory technicians can be found in settings such as hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient clinics. This role offers a clear entry-level pathway into healthcare in Virginia with opportunities to specialize in areas like microbiology, hematology, and molecular diagnostics.
- Average Salary in Virginia: Approximately $76,000-$88,000
- Education Requirements: Associate degree in medical laboratory technology from a NAACLS-accredited program, including clinical training, with eligibility for ASCP or AMT certification.
3. Pharmacologists
Pharmacologists act as clinical researchers who study how medications interact with the body and contribute to the development of new cancer treatments. In this research-based role, they test how drugs affect cancer cells, analyze data from clinical trials and laboratory studies, evaluate drug safety and effectiveness, and support the development of new therapies. They work alongside researchers, physicians, and data scientists to analyze drug responses and improve treatment strategies.
With advancements in genomics, AI, and data modeling, this field continues to expand, although the education requirements for it are higher than other oncology jobs on this list. Professionals with both biology and data analysis skills are especially in demand because they can interpret complex datasets, identify patterns in drug responses, and support the development of more targeted cancer treatments.
- Average Salary in Virginia: Approximately $98,000–$148,000
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field followed by a Ph.D. in pharmacology, or a Pharm.D. or M.D. for clinical roles, with additional training or certification depending on the position.
4. Radiological Technologist (Rad Tech)
Radiologic technologists, or rad techs, are popular entry-level healthcare roles across Virginia. They perform imaging procedures such as X-rays and CT scans to help diagnose and monitor cancer. They also prepare patients, operate imaging equipment, and support the capture of high-quality images for physicians.
This role combines technology and limited patient care, making it a strong fit for individuals interested in meaningful medical imaging careers. Demand continues to grow as imaging becomes central to cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
- Average Salary in Virginia: Approximately $68,000–$78,000 per year
- Education Requirements: Complete an Associate of Applied Science or Bachelor’s Degree through a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program, pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam in radiology, and obtain licensure through the Virginia Board of Medicine.
5. Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists are medical professionals who deliver targeted treatments to patients with cancer using specialized equipment, including linear accelerators and imaging systems such as CT scanners. They work closely with oncologists and care teams to administer cancer therapy and monitor patient responses.
This high-responsibility role requires precision, collaboration, and some advanced schooling to enter the field. As radiation therapy plays a key role in many cancer care plans, demand for radiation oncology jobs continues to grow across Virginia. Additionally, as the population ages and more individuals seek ongoing care, healthcare systems are expanding services, creating more opportunities for radiation therapists.
- Average Salary in Virginia: Approximately $81,000–$125,000
- Education Requirements: Completion of an associate or bachelor’s degree through a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)-accredited program and passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam in Radiation Therapy.
6. Oncology RN
An oncology RN is a type of registered nurse who specializes in caring for patients diagnosed with cancer, including those undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other treatments.
They provide direct care, administer medications, and monitor treatment progress. Additionally, they work with oncologists, pharmacists, and healthcare teams to coordinate care plans for patients.
This role is ideal for individuals looking for purpose-driven patient interaction and long-term career growth. Oncology nurses can further their careers through certifications, leadership roles, and advanced practice pathways, such as nurse practitioner roles and nurse educator positions.
- Average Salary in Virginia: Approximately $68,000–$101,000
- Education Requirements: Nursing degree from a CCNE or ACEN-accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam, and licensure by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
7. Oncologist
Oncologists are physicians who diagnose cancer, develop treatment plans, and oversee patient care. They work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to guide patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Becoming an oncologist requires extensive education, typically 14 to 16 years, including a bachelor’s degree, medical school, residency training, and a specialized fellowship. Training pathways vary by specialty, such as medical oncology, surgical oncology, or radiation oncology, each requiring focused clinical experience and additional certification. This role offers strong opportunities for specialization and for healthcare professionals to lead within the healthcare system.
- Average Salary in Virginia: Approximately $200,000–$400,000
- Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, completion of medical school (Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree), and a 3-year internal medicine residency. Must be licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine and be board-eligible or board-certified by the ABIM or American Board of Radiology.
Discover Oncology Jobs in Virginia and Build Your Career Today
Oncology careers offer a wide range of opportunities across Virginia’s healthcare system. These careers allow professionals to work collaboratively and contribute to evolving treatment approaches.
Whether you’re entering healthcare or growing your career, oncology jobs provide a clear path to build a rewarding future. Explore healthcare careers to find the right fit for you and connect with hospitals hiring across Virginia to take your next step.
