Best Online Oncology Courses in 2025

The digital transformation of education has opened up rich learning opportunities for healthcare professionals. In oncology—a field that demands continuous learning due to rapid scientific advancements—online courses have become indispensable. In 2025, the landscape of oncology courses offers everything from short, focused modules on imaging to in-depth postgraduate programs in radiotherapy. This article explores the best online oncology courses available in 2025, their value, target audience, and how to choose the best fit for your career.

1. Clinical Oncology Visualization & Imaging

Medvarsity – Clinical Oncology Course

• Provider: Medvarsity, developed in collaboration with the Royal College of Radiologists and NHS England.

• Duration: 1 month, bitesize flexible modules.

• Focus: Oncology imaging techniques (thoracic imaging, neuroradiology, breast, pediatric imaging, radionuclide radiology, etc.).

• Format: Fully online, interactive content including animations and videos.

• Certification: Awarded upon completion; highly recognized by employers.

A quick, practical choice for healthcare practitioners seeking to sharpen their imaging skills in oncology.

2. In-depth Clinical Oncology Foundations

OC Academy – Certification Course in Clinical Oncology

• Provider: OC Academy, with content accredited by NHS England & the Royal College of Radiologists.

• Start Date: August 24, 2025; Duration: ~3 months.

• Content: 12 self-paced modules focusing on cancer imaging, diagnostic principles, treatment planning, and physics.

• Format: Text-based interactive materials without video lectures; flexible and self-directed.

• Certification: Recognized by global medical professionals.

Suited for physicians and radiologists seeking a credential to bolster their diagnostic and management acumen.

3. General Clinical Oncology Certificate

Medvarsity – Certificate Course in Clinical Oncology

• Provider: Medvarsity, accredited by CPD Standards Office (UK) and British Accreditation Council.

• Duration: 3 months; next batch begins August 4, 2025.

• Content: Covers screening, prevention, treatment modalities (therapeutic and surgical oncology), and ethics.

• Pedagogy: Expert lectures, case presentations, reflective learning.

• Certification: Globally recognized; designed for MBBS, MD, DNB professionals.

Great for professionals aiming to step into leadership roles in oncology care delivery.

4. Advanced Postgraduate Degree—Radiotherapy & Oncology

Sheffield Hallam University – MSc Enhanced Radiotherapy and Oncology Practice

• Provider: Sheffield Hallam University (UK).

• Start: September 2025 (also January 2026); Duration: 3 years part-time.

• Focus: Oncology practice in radiotherapy, cancer care, individualized professional development.

• Format: Distance learning with blended methods—recorded lectures, interactive projects, webinars.

• Assessment: Coursework, case studies, research projects, literature reviews.

• Flexibility: Allows selection of elective modules tailored to career goals.

Ideal for professionals seeking comprehensive postgraduate credentials and research opportunities.

5. Short Specialized Oncology Courses via FutureLearn

FutureLearn offers several niche online oncology courses:

• Exploring Cancer Medicines (University of Leeds)

• Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care Practitioners (University of Melbourne & VCCC Alliance)

• Cancer and the Older Person: Improving Care (same provider)

• Cancer Fundamentals: Basic and Clinical Oncology (University of Groningen & UMCG)

• Introduction to Radiation Oncology (Trinity College Dublin)

• Genomics in Cancer Testing (NHS England & St George’s, University of London)

These 2–4-week courses (~2–4 hrs/week) offer targeted, modular learning—perfect for busy professionals or students exploring oncology’s subfields.

6. Continuous CME & Specialist Learning

Mayo Clinic – Online CME Courses in Hematology/Oncology

• Updates in Palliative Care (enduring access until Dec 2027) – online. Mayo Clinic

• 34th Annual Hematology/Oncology Reviews 2025 – virtual/live attendance for July 31–August 2, 2025. Mayo Clinic

Relevant for clinicians looking for ongoing education and latest clinical updates with CME credits.

7. Broad Global Programming

European School of Oncology (ESO) – e-ESO Distance Learning

• Long-established institution offering oncology education since 1982. Wikipedia

• Programs include masterclasses, clinical fellowships, certificates in breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, etc.

• Online distance learning expands global reach across career stages. Wikipedia

Excellent for those seeking recognized, multidisciplinary oncologic training with a European perspective.

8. Free Learning & Informational Resources

CancerQuest (Emory University)

• A freely accessible online textbook-style resource with 3D animations, patient interviews, cancer biology, treatments, quality of life issues. Available in multiple languages. Wikipedia

Great for students or early learners wanting foundational knowledge in oncology.

9. Suggestions from the Oncology Community

On Reddit, professionals often share course tips and book recommendations:

These reflect the value of traditional textbooks plus free supplemental CME content to stay current.

10. Course Comparison Table

Course / Provider	Duration	Format	Target Audience	Highlights
Medvarsity – Clinical Oncology Imaging	1 month	Online, interactive	Clinicians in imaging	Fast, engaging, imaging-focused
OC Academy – Clinical Oncology Certificate	~3 months	Self-paced	Physicians, radiologists	Diagnostic fundamentals, flexible
Medvarsity – Certificate in Clinical Oncology	3 months	Interactive case-based	Oncologists, surgeons	Ethical, global perspective
Sheffield Hallam – MSc Radiotherapy & Oncology	3 years	Distance learning	Postgrad clinicians	Research-focused, flexible, credited
FutureLearn short courses	2–4 weeks	Online short modules	Generalists, students	Affordable, topic-specific
Mayo Clinic CME	Varies	Online/live options	Practicing clinicians	CME credits, latest updates
ESO e-ESO Distance Learning	Varies	Online distance	All oncology career stages	Multi-certificates, European focus
CancerQuest (Emory)	Self-directed	Free online resource	Students/general learners	Foundational, multimedia learning

11. Why These Courses Matter in 2025

• Rapid Advances: Oncology evolves fast; online programs allow clinicians to upskill in real time.

• Flexibility: Scalable learning fits into busy professional lives.

• Accreditation: Certifications from NHS, RCR, BAC, CPD, and reputable universities add credibility.

• Global Access: Distance learning breaks geographic barriers for learners worldwide.

• Specialization: From imaging to radiotherapy, courses now cater to niche skill sets.

• Cost-effective Pathways: Short courses offer low-commitment entry points; full MScs offer career advancement.

12. Tips for Choosing the Right Course

1. Identify Your Goal:

   • Quick skill upgrade? Go for Medvarsity or FutureLearn modules.

   • Formal qualification? Consider OC Academy certificate or Sheffield Hallam MSc.

   • Continued education? Mayo Clinic CME or ESO programs.

2. Check Accreditation & Recognition:

   • Look for NHS, CPD, RCR, or recognized academic endorsement.

3. Consider Time & Format:

   • Self-paced for busy schedules, live webinars for interaction, full degrees for depth.

4. Budget Wisely:

   • Short courses are affordable and fast.

   • MSc programs involve considerable investment but offer higher returns in expertise and credentials.

5. Look for Practical and Relevant Content:

   • Emphasis on real-world cases, interactive modules or current guidelines adds value.

6. Blend Resources:

   • Use free platforms like CancerQuest or ESMO handbooks alongside formal courses.

Conclusion

2025 brings a robust array of online oncology courses, from bite-sized imaging modules to full postgraduate degrees. Whether you're a clinician seeking to refine your diagnostic skills, a researcher wanting advanced credentials, or an aspiring oncologist exploring the field, the right online course is accessible largely at your own pace and place in the world.

The key is clarity about your goals—choose courses that are accredited, relevant, flexible, and aligned with your career trajectory. By combining structured learning, free resources, community-recommended textbooks, and CME updates, you can build a strong, future-oriented oncology skill set. Let me know if you'd like help tailoring the list to your profession or region!