Celebrating Our History and Value
Born out of an initiative of the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), the Certified Oncology Social Worker (OSW-C®) was first bestowed in 2005, as the first professional certification program specifically designed for social workers who practice in the oncology field. The OSW-C® enhances the credibility of oncology social workers and provides tangible evidence of their expertise. Today, more than 750 social workers demonstrate their competence and commitment to providing high-quality cancer care by holding the OSW-C®.
The 2024 BOSWC Value of Certification Survey found that 86% of respondents indicated the OSW-C® validates specialized clinical knowledge. 85% indicated that holding the OSW-C® shows commitment to the profession.
BOSWC® Clarifies Licensure Requirements Effective January 1, 2026
Provisional status licenses, issued by some states to allow time for individuals to meet all requirements of the full license they are pursuing (e.g., supervised clinical hours prior to taking the required exam), are not acceptable for OSW-C® program requirements. Those currently certified with such a license will be required to have an acceptable license for their next renewal. Special circumstances may arise as state licensing boards change policy and requirements. BOSWC reserves the right to make final decisions on all license acceptance for BOSWC program purposes.

Become a Certified Oncology Social Worker OSW-C®

THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING AN OSW-C®

  1. Demonstrates to clients and colleagues that oncology social workers have a defined and specialized skill set.
  2. Certification is a public acknowledgment of going beyond what is expected.
  3. Certification opens the door for conversations with patients, staff and administrators about the knowledge, experience and commitment needed to attain this designation.
  4. Hospitals can use this to demonstrate to surveyors and accrediting bodies that the social workers on staff have attained an exceptional level of experience and competency.
  5. Some hospitals have provided social workers with financial rewards and incentives for becoming certified.
  6. Signifies your commitment in the eyes of your leadership.
  7. Represents an advanced level of competence, commitment, and experience in the field of Oncology Social Work.
  8. Validates your specialty – similar to the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) certification issued by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation for oncology nurses.
  9. Is the preferred certification for the required role of “Psychosocial Coordinator” for the Cancer Committee, which is specified in the Commission on Cancer Standards of Care.
  10. Is a great marketing tool for your employer.
  11. Comes with a certificate that you can display and a letter of recognition to be given to your employer.
  12. Demonstrates to accrediting organizations such as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and your community that Oncology Social Workers comply with standards and ethics that ensure delivery of quality services to all.

In the 2016 Patient Centered Standards, the Commission on Cancer recognizes and prefers the OSW-C® credential. Also, the Association of Community Cancer Centers recognizes and prefers the OSW-C® credential in their Cancer Program Guidelines.

PURPOSE OF THE OSW-C®

The Board of Oncology Social Work (BOSWC®) administers the Certified Oncology Social Worker program and confers the OSW-C® credential to:

    • Validate the Licensed Social Worker’s qualification, knowledge, and effective practice in the oncology-specific area of social work practice.
    • Provide nationally recognized, oncology-specific certification for the specialized knowledge and demonstrated practice ability of the certified social worker.
    • Represent to clients and colleagues the certificant’s commitment and practical experience in the field of Oncology Social Work.
    • Promote public safety by establishing minimal standards for advanced oncology social workers.
    • Provide public acknowledgment that the professional has gone beyond the minimum expectations for professional practice in the specialty.

BOSWC® BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Harold Dean, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C®, Chair
Social Work Program Manager – Myeloma Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – Little Rock, Arkansas
Field Liaison and Field Instructor – University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Social Work

Trisha Warren-VanHorn, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C®, Chair-elect
Oncology Social Worker Supervisor at Maine Medical Center Cancer Institute, ME

Rosemary “Rosie” Nagy, MSS, LSW, OSW-C®, Secretary-Treasurer
Oncology Social Worker – Temple Health, Philadelphia, PA

Leena Augustine, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C®, Member
Oncology Social Worker, Center for Survivorship and Support-Kennestone, Wellstar Health System

Christina Bach, MBE, MSW, LCSW, FAOSW, OSW-C®, Member
Educational Content Specialist and Psychosocial Content Editor – Oncolink, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Financial Navigation Specialist: Cancer Support Community Helpline

Hannah Johnson, MBA, Public Member
Director of Operations and Support – American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), Austin, TX

Catherine Lindner, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C®, Member
Social Worker Manager, AdventHealth Cancer Institute – Orlando, FL

Lisl Schweers, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C®, Member
Lead Clinical Social Worker, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Shannon Zaleski, MA, LCSW, OSW-C®, Member
Associate Director Clubhouse Programs – Gilda’s Club Chicago, an affiliate of the Cancer Support Community
Chicago, IL

CONTACT US
BOSWC®
125 Enterprise Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
[email protected]

OUR MISSION

The Board of Oncology Social Work Certification (BOSWC®) Mission is to ensure excellence in psychosocial care to oncology patients, families, caregivers, and their communities. Oncology social workers certified by BOSWC® must demonstrate:

      • Excellence in oncology-specific social work practice.
      • Ongoing oncology-specific education and training.
      • Ongoing professional oncology work employment.
      • Ongoing professional and community engagement.