Going to this college can help me receive an excellent education while staying close to my hometown. The work environment at a cancer center can differ depending on where you work. Many cancer centers are often busy, swarming with multiple patients. When working at a hospital, hours tend to be long. Nurses are always in need. But, an average shift is around 8 hours, 3-5 days a week. The education and experience needed to become an oncologist differs. Depending on whether you want to be an oncology nurse, or an oncology nurse practitioner, can determine how long you need to go to college. An oncology nurse needs 4 years of college to get their bachelor’s degree. To be a nurse practitioner, you need 6 years of college to earn your bachelors and masters degrees. Before going to college, you can get jobs that don’t require a degree. Being a nurse assistant can get you started in the right direction. You can figure out if nursing is right for you. You can start job shadowing and assisting as young as 14. But, the main age to begin working is 16. Pay and benefits can help you pick which career you would get the most benefits