Become a Cancer Registrar

An Introduction to the Cancer Registry 

The NCRA Education Foundation developed the Introduction to the Cancer Registry presentations to help increase the number of students entering the cancer registry profession. The 16 presentations are posted below (Updated April 2025). PowerPoint presentation slides with presenter notes are also included within each presenation activity.  All materials provide a glimpse into the roles and responsibilities of a cancer registrar, with the goal of inspiring them to take courses that will lead to a career as a cancer registrar and eventually to earn the ODS credential.

For more information on how to become a cancer registrar and earn the ODS credential visit Paths to the Profession


For presentation details, click on the title of the presentation. To view a presentation and/or download the PowerPoint slides, click on the "Enroll Now" button. You must be logged into the system to enroll. The presentation will automatically load to the "My Learning Activities" page. 

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Presentation 11 - Quality

Understand what quality means in terms of data as well as the importance of high-quality cancer registry data. (Video duration 0:04:45)
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Presentation 12 - Become an ODS-Certified Cancer Registry Professional

Learn how to become an ODS-certified cancer registrar. (Video duration 0:15:50)
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Presentation 13 - Advocacy

Learn the definition of advocacy and understand the role advocacy plays in the cancer registry profession. (Video duration 0:06:30)
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Presentation 14 - Oncology Coding

Learn about oncology coding, understanding who the standard setters are and what the standards are for data collection. (Video duration 0:13:10)
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Presentation 15 - Treatment

Learn about cancer treatment types and goals. (Video duration 0:09:16)
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Presentation 16 - Standard Setters

Learn about the key cancer standard setters and their roles. (Video duration 0:11:03)

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