BMTCN - Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN)

Updated on 2025-03-19
Credential earned: BMTCN
Number of exam questions: 165
Exam pass rate: 68% - 70%

About BMTCN Certification

The BMTCN certification is offered through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC). It is a specialized credential designed for nurses who provide care to patients undergoing bone marrow and stem cell transplants. Achieving this certification validates a nurse’s expertise in the complexities of transplant nursing, including patient preparation, acute and late post-transplant management, and long-term care. It reflects a commitment to evidence-based practice and high standards of care in oncology nursing. Earning the BMTCN certification demonstrates dedication to advancing patient outcomes and professional growth in this critical field of nursing.

CategoryDetails

Exam Description

A comprehensive certification exam for professionals in blood and marrow transplantation nursing.

Credentials Earned

Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN).

Eligibility Requirements

Active RN license in the US, its territories, Canada or an equivalent international license, 2,000 hours of BMT nursing practice within the past 48 months, 2 years of RN experience in the last 48 months, and 10 contact hours in BMT/oncology nursing in the last 36 months.

Completion Time

3 hours to complete exam.

Subjects Covered in the Exam

6 main categories: Foundations of Transplant, Transplant Process and Infusion, Early Post-Transplant Management and Education, Late Post-Transplant Management and Education, Quality of Life, and Professional Performance.

Number of Questions

165 multiple-choice questions, with 125 scored and 40 unscored experimental questions.

Exam Format

Multiple-choice, computer-based test

Exam Proctoring

Exam can be taken at PSI testing centers.

Recertification Details

Required every 4 years. Candidates must have an active BMTCN certification, a current RN license in the US, its territories or Canada, one year of RN experience within the past three years, and at least 1,000 hours in blood and marrow transplant nursing within the last two-and-a-half years. Renewal can be completed through a combination of practice hours, professional development points, or testing.

Pass/Fail Rates

Pass rates vary annually but average between 68% and 70%.

Difficulty Level

Hard.

Study Material

BoardCerts BMTCN Question Bank provides practice questions that follow the exam blueprint.

BoardCerts BMTCN Question Bank

BoardCerts offers an expertly crafted question bank to prepare candidates for success on the Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN) exam. Featuring practice questions and multiple predictor exams, the content aligns closely with the BMTCN exam blueprint to ensure the most relevant material is covered. Each question is carefully reviewed by physicians and BMTCN-certified nurses to ensure accuracy and relevance. The question bank mirrors the rigor of the exam and includes detailed rationales and explanations to enhance understanding and preparation.

BMTCN Exam Content Outline

The BMTCN exam is structured into six key domains:

  • Foundations of Transplant (19%) covers essential transplant concepts and patient and donor education.
  • Transplant Process and Infusion (17%) focuses on cellular therapy and infusion management.
  • Early Post-Transplant Management and Education (21%) addresses acute complications, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and symptom control.
  • Late Post-Transplant Management and Education (20%) includes chronic GVHD, long-term complications, and follow-up care.
  • Quality of Life (11%) covers psychosocial support, survivorship, and end-of-life care.
  • Professional Performance (12%) focuses on nursing standards, ethical practice, and self-care.

For more details, please refer to the BMTCN exam blueprint available here.

Exam Categories: Percentage Distribution

BMTCN Exam Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the BMTCN exam, candidates must have a valid, unrestricted RN license in the U.S., its territories, or Canada. They must have completed at least 2,000 hours of bone marrow transplant (BMT) nursing practice within the past four years in clinical care, education, research, administration, or consultation. Additionally, they need a minimum of two years of RN experience within the last four years. Candidates must also complete 10 contact hours of continuing education in BMT or oncology nursing within the past three years, with up to 50% of these hours coming from CME or CPE credits that meet ONCC standards.

BMTCN Application Process

1.

Online Application:

Visit the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) website to access the BMTCN exam application portal.
2.

Application Submission:

Complete the application by providing personal and professional details. ONCC will review your eligibility upon submission.
3.

Scheduling the Exam:

Once approved, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) within two weeks. This grants a 90-day window to schedule and take the exam. Follow the ATT instructions to book a test at a PSI testing center.
4.

Preparation:

The BoardCerts BMTCN Question Bank is designed to simplify exam preparation by closely following the BMTCN exam blueprint and reflecting the test’s level of difficulty.

BMTCN Exam Dates and Costs

The Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN) exam is available year-round, allowing candidates to choose a convenient time to test. International testing is offered during specific time periods annually.

The latest information on BMTCN exam dates, application windows, and costs can be found on the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) website. For comprehensive details and resources, visit oncc.org.

BMTCN Exam Format

Number of Questions: The BMTCN exam includes 165 multiple-choice questions, of which 125 are scored and 40 are unscored experimental questions. Candidates will not know which questions are scored or unscored.

Exam Response Options: Each question offers four answer options with one correct answer choice.

Testing Options: The exam is available at PSI testing centers.

Time Allotted: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam, which includes a 15-minute computer-based testing tutorial and a post-test survey.

Passing Score for BMTCN

Difficulty Level: The BMTCN exam is considered a challenging test, with annual pass rates ranging from 68% to 70%.

Passing Score: Exam results are reported as a scaled score, ranging from 25 to 75, with a passing score set at 55. This scoring system helps candidates understand their performance relative to the passing standard. Those who do not pass can use this information to guide their preparation for a retake.

Exam Statistics: Detailed pass/fail statistics are available on the ONCC Exam Statistics webpage. Pass rates vary annually but are generally between 68% and 70%.

Score Reporting: Candidates receive an official pass/fail result on their computer screen immediately after completing the exam. A detailed Results Report is then emailed, outlining their overall result and performance in each subject area. Passing candidates will see "PASS" on their report along with a Performance Summary Chart highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Failing candidates receive a numeric score, the required passing score, and detailed feedback on their performance.

BMTCN Exam Proctoring

The Blood and Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN) exam is administered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) in partnership with PSI Services. The exam is availble for in-person testing at PSI test centers.

BMTCN Preparation and Resources

The BoardCerts BMTCN Question Bank is designed to closely align with the BMTCN exam blueprint, ensuring that practice questions are relevant and reflect the content of the actual test. Questions are developed and validated using authoritative references from the official exam, providing a preparation experience that meets the highest standards in bone marrow transplant nursing.

Topics on Exam: Familiarize yourself with the topics outlined in the BMTCN exam blueprint, which can be accessed here: Preparation and Resources - BMTCN

Review Course: Enhance your preparation with a review course, such as those offered by ONCC, to build a comprehensive understanding of the exam content.

Question Bank: The BoardCerts BMTCN Question Bank is an essential resource, featuring expertly crafted questions reviewed by physicians and BMTCN-certified nurses. It includes four predictor exams to help you assess your readiness and ensure success on test day.

BMTCN Certification Renewal

The BMTCN certification is valid for four years. To maintain certification, renewal requirements must be met before the expiration date.

  • Current Certification: Candidates must maintain an active BMTCN certification.
  • RN License: Possess a current, active, unencumbered RN license in the U.S., its territories, Canada, or an equivalent international license.
  • Professional Experience: Have at least one year of RN experience within the three years prior to application.
  • Specialty Practice Hours: Accumulate a minimum of 1,000 hours of blood and marrow transplant nursing practice within the 30 months preceding the application.
  • Advanced Oncology Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (AOCNS) – For clinical nurse specialists providing advanced oncology care.

The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) offers three renewal options. Candidates can either combine the required practice hours with professional development activities to earn renewal points, fulfill the practice hours requirement and pass the exam, or accumulate the necessary professional development points and pass the exam.

For detailed information on each renewal option and additional guidelines, refer to the ONCC Certification Renewal Guide.

BMTCN Practice Questions

  • Practicing sample questions is a vital component of BMTCN exam preparation, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the exam format, question style, and core content areas. The BoardCerts BMTCN Question Bank provides high-quality, exam-focused sample questions that closely follow the exam blueprint, helping you approach test day with confidence.
  • Access Sample Questions: Explore sample questions from the BoardCerts BMTCN Question Bank here. These questions are designed to mirror the application level and difficulty of the BMTCN exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

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