Media Contacts:
Oncology Nursing Society
Jeanette Kent, Public Relations Manager
jkent@ons.org
412-859-6246
American Society of Hematology
Amanda Szabo, Communications Specialist
aszabo@hematology.org
202-552-4914
Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology
Lynn Hupp, Executive Director
lhupp@kmgnet.com
407-774-7880
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oncology Groups Develop Post-Master’s Foundation in Hematology Course
for the Advanced Practice Provider
PITTSBURGH, PA, WASHINGTON, DC, ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL – July 31, 2014 – The Oncology Nursing
Society (ONS), American Society of Hematology (ASH), and Association of Physician Assistants in
Oncology (APAO) have agreed to collaborate on the development of a post-master’s foundation in
hematology course for the advanced practice provider. The course is expected to officially launch in
summer 2015.
The partnership provides access to hematology experts who will create a comprehensive course, and
meets the shared educational and organizational needs of ONS, ASH, and APAO.
ONS will provide continuing nursing education and host the course on its learning management and
evaluation systems. ASH and APAO will serve as co-providers, with ASH providing continuing medical
education for the course.
All three organizations will collaborate in designing the course, developing its educational content, and
distributing it to their customers.
“Mid-level practitioners are vital to today’s healthcare team,” said Paula Rieger, RN, MSN, CAE, FAAN,
ONS chief executive officer. “We are pleased to announce this partnership that will build on the work
each organization has done in preparing the workforce of the future.”
“Advanced practice providers are critical to the delivery of high-quality care to patients with blood
disorders,” said ASH President Linda J. Burns, MD, of the University of Minnesota. “ASH is pleased to
partner with ONS and APAO on this state-of-the-art course designed specifically for these integral
members of the hematology team.”
APAO President Evgeny Mikler, PA-C, states, "This is a great opportunity to provide collaborative
educational programs for advanced practice providers and promote team-based care."
This joint product will enhance other ONS resources for advanced practice providers, including its
successful Post-Master’s Foundation in Cancer Care for the Advanced Practice Provider Online Course.
This course gives practitioners who are new to oncology the core content they need to provide
evidence-based care to patients with cancer. The course has been used as the didactic component to
the practical experience offered in fellowship and orientation programs.
-XXXAbout ASH
The American Society of Hematology (ASH) (www.hematology.org) is the world’s largest professional
society of hematologists dedicated to furthering the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and
prevention of disorders affecting the blood. For more than 50 years, the Society has led the
development of hematology as a discipline by promoting research, patient care, education, training, and
advocacy. The official journal of ASH is Blood (www.bloodjournal.org), the most cited peer-reviewed
publication in the field, which is available weekly in print and online.
About APAO
APAO is a non-profit specialty organization affiliated with the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
APAO membership is comprised of physician assistants working in the field of oncology, in both the
clinical and research setting. The mission of APAO is to promote the utilization of physician assistants in
the delivery of exceptional care to people with cancer and related disorders.
About ONS
The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional association of more than 35,000 members
committed to promoting excellence in oncology nursing and the transformation of cancer care. Since
1975, ONS has provided a professional community for oncology nurses, developed evidence-based
education programs and treatment information, and advocated for patient care, all in an effort to
improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with cancer and their families. Learn more at
www.ons.org.
ONS is accredited with distinction as a provider of continuing education in nursing by the American
Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (ANCC) and by the California Board of
Registered Nursing-BRN Provider No. 2850. Accreditation as an ANCC provider refers only to its
continuing education activities and does not imply endorsement of any commercial products.