Oncology Data Specialist

NKC Health; North Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

NKC Health is seeking an Oncology Data Specialist to maintain the cancer registry, perform case finding, abstracting, staging, and data submission in alignment with national standards and organizational policies.

The role supports accreditation, performance improvement, research, and service line planning within the oncology program. Strong analytical skills and confidentiality are essential for accurate data handling and reporting.

Qualifications

• One year of cancer registry or oncology data abstraction experience preferred.
• Experience with electronic health records (Cerner Oracle), registry software, cancer staging, abstracting standards, and regulatory data submission strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the cancer registry in accordance with Commission on Cancer, state cancer registry, NAACCR, SEER, AJCC, and organizational policies.
• Support oncology program accreditation, performance improvement, research, and service line planning.

Skills

Analytical ability

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Organizational skills

Independent judgment

Customer service

Written/Verbal communication with Clin

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Health Information Management related degree/certificate (preferred)

Job description

Job Description

Under the direction of Health Information Management Director, the Oncology Data Specialist is responsible for accurate, timely case finding, abstracting, staging, follow‑up, data submission, reporting, and quality support for the NKC Health oncology program. This role maintains the cancer registry in accordance with Commission on Cancer, state cancer registry, NAACCR, SEER, AJCC, and organizational policies and supports oncology program accreditation, performance improvement, research, and service line planning.

Experience: One year of cancer registry, oncology data abstraction, health information management, coding, quality reporting, or related healthcare experience preferred. Experience with electronic health records (Cerner Oracle), registry software, cancer staging, abstracting standards, and regulatory data submission strongly preferred.

Other: Requires strong analytical ability, attention to detail, confidentiality, organization, independent judgment, customer service, and effective written and verbal communication with clinicians, leadership, committees, and external registry partners.

Licensure/Certifications

Preferred: ODS-C (Oncology Data Specialist‑Certified, formerly CTR) through the National Cancer Registrars Association. RHIA or RHIT preferred.

If not credentialed at hire, employee may be required to obtain ODS-C certification within an organization‑defined timeframe based on department needs and applicable accreditation requirements.

Education

Required: Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant health information, oncology registry, coding, data quality, or acute care hospital experience.

Preferred: Degree or certificate in Health Information Management, Cancer Registry Management, Oncology Data Management, or related healthcare field.