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CE Course Description

Oncology social work has been a specialty within medical social work for over 40 years. Several historical events led to its recognition as a distinct profession, including the establishment of hospitals and cancer centers, and the integration of the social perspective of patients’ lives into their medical care by hospital social workers. As interest in the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of a cancer diagnosis increased in the 1970s, medical social workers became specialized in cancer care, and professional psychosocial oncology groups began to form. In 1984, the Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW) was established to enhance psychosocial services for people with cancer and their families and caregivers. Today, oncology social work is the primary professional discipline that provides psychosocial services to patients, families, and significant others facing the impact of a potential or actual diagnosis of cancer. AOSW’s Standards of Practice state that oncology social workers provide comprehensive psychosocial services to cancer survivors, families, and caregivers through clinical practice across all phases of the cancer experience. After a psychosocial assessment is completed, one aspect of practice is developing a multidisciplinary care plan that uses a range of interventions to address issues at each phase of the illness. This course will review core competencies of care coordination in oncology social work, including providing culturally competent care, navigating the health care system, addressing barriers to care, and supporting patients during transitions throughout the disease trajectory. This course expands on the first three Oncology Social Work Practice courses titled “Assessing Psychosocial Needs in Oncology,” “Clinical Assessment in Oncology Social Work,” and “Clinical Intervention in Oncology Social Work.” 

Author: Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW

CE Course Objectives

1. Demonstrate an understanding of culturally-competent, equitable access to care for people living with cancer, including for vulnerable populations (e.g., persons of color, LGBTIQA+, young adults, elderly, disabled, Veterans, and low-income individuals). 
2. Describe certain aspects of care coordination, including navigating the health care system, addressing barriers to care, facilitating family meetings, and advocating for patients’ rights.
3. Recognize practical needs that may arise for patients and families after a cancer diagnosis, and identify ways to address them.
4. Explain how to arrange, facilitate, and support transitions of care throughout the disease trajectory. 
5. Interpret oncology case management practices and guidelines.

CE Course Outline

1. Section 1: Introduction (15 minutes)
2. Section 1: Key Terms (5 minutes)
3. Section 1: Reflection Question (2 minutes)
4. Section 2: Vulnerable Populations and Equitable Access to Care (30 minutes)
5. Section 2: Reflection Question (2 minutes)
6. Section 3: Care Coordination (15 minutes)
   
7. Section 3: Key Terms (5 minutes)
   
8. Section 3: Reflection Question (2 minutes)
9. Section 4: Identifying and Addressing Social and Practical Needs (15 minutes)
10. Section 4: Key Terms (5 minutes)
    
11. Section 4: Reflection Questions (2 minutes)
    
12. Section 5: Transitions of Care (8 minutes)
    
13. Section 5: Key Term (2 minutes)
    
14. Section 5: Reflection Questions (2 minutes)
15. Section 6: Case Management Practices and Guidelines (6 minutes)
16. Section 6: Key Term (2 minutes)
17. Section 6: Reflection Question (2 minutes)
    
18. References 

Total Time: 120 minutes (2 hours)
Course Level: Introductory

Social Work Approval

Social Work CE Credit for this course is offered with the following approvals. Many state boards of social work will accept the approvals listed. Provider Approvals by state and license type can be found here.

• Quantum Units Education is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, CAMFT Provider #89970, to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEP. Quantum Units Education maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
• Florida board for Social Workers CE Provider #50-8650 (Quantum 'immediately' reports CE Credits to Florida licensees) 
• Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, License No. 159.001261 approved CE Sponsor
• Ohio CSWMFTB #RCST091701 approved CE Provider
• Texas Board of SWE #5070 approved CE Provider
• Quantum Units Education, #1289, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 01/03/2026 - 01/03/2029. Social workers completing this course receive 2.00 'General' continuing education credits.

To see other approvals in your state, see our state by state provider approval listings here.

Course Development: Each course is identified and reviewed by the appropriate Quantum Units Education consultant with professional and licensed expertise in the various disciplines we serve. Our professional consultants oversee course development to satisfy the needs of various professionals based on their board requirements, rate course degrees of difficulty and ensure the course content and exam questions are appropriate, relevant and comprehensive. See our professional staff and their bios here.

*Questions regarding how to take a course, refunds, grievance policy and ADA policy can be found here.
*Questions regarding this course or need support? Contact us at support@quantumunitsed.com.

Added On: 02/06/2026