Abstract
Background. The Advanced Practice in Oncology Nursing Program was designed to prepare graduates to manage the cancer experience through the delivery of comprehensive, holistic, oncology‐focused care to individuals, families, and communities in a variety of settings. Methods. Theoretical course work and clinical practicum are required to complete the degree plan. Students are actively recruited from urban, rural, and underserved population settings. The program is committed to fostering a teaching‐learning paradigm that facilitates self‐directed learning. The program's basic tenet is that all course offerings will be designed in a distributed learning/distance learning method. Clinical experiences are accomplished in or near the student's home community. Results. Development and implementation of the program are in process. Shaping a curriculum and learning environment to be consonant with a health care system in a constant state of reform flux is a challenging task. Conclusion. This program's long‐term challenge is to remain flexible, collaborative, and futuristic while promoting the expansion of advanced practice in oncology nursing.