Cancer Registry Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s health-conscious world, the role of a Cancer Registry Manager has become increasingly critical.

As advancements in medical research continue, the demand for meticulous professionals capable of organizing, analyzing, and maintaining cancer patient data is on the rise.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Cancer Registry Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of managing a cancer registry,

You’ve landed in the right spot.

Today, we present a customizable Cancer Registry Manager job description template, crafted for effortless publishing on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right in.

Cancer Registry Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Cancer Registry Managers are responsible for managing and maintaining a comprehensive database of cancer patients.

They play a vital role in cancer research, monitoring cancer treatment results, and determining cancer patterns.

The duties and responsibilities of a Cancer Registry Manager include:

• Overseeing the collection, coding, and classification of data about patients’ cancer for entry into the cancer registry database
• Managing the quality and accuracy of data entered into the cancer registry
• Coordinating and conducting regular audits to ensure data integrity
• Collaborating with medical staff to collect, analyze, and maintain patient treatment and outcome information
• Generating statistical reports on cancer patient populations for use in research studies and health planning
• Assisting in research projects and contributing to scientific papers
• Ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, as well as institutional policies, that regulate cancer registries
• Providing training and guidance to cancer registry staff
• Staying updated with developments in the field of oncology and changes in coding rules
• Participating in professional organizations to maintain certification and enhance professional growth

 

Cancer Registry Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Cancer Registry Manager to oversee our cancer data management operations.

The Cancer Registry Manager will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the quality of our cancer registry data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing relevant data to support cancer research and clinical decision-making.

Our ideal candidate is a certified tumor registrar (CTR) with a deep understanding of oncology data management, a meticulous attention to detail, and strong leadership qualities.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the cancer registry, including data collection, coding, and reporting
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and accreditation standards
• Provide relevant data to support hospital departments, cancer committees, and researchers
• Lead quality assurance efforts to maintain accuracy and completeness of data
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the cancer registry
• Train and supervise registry staff
• Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff to improve registry operations
• Stay current with developments in oncology data management and related fields

 

Qualifications

• Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) credential required
• Proven experience as a Cancer Registry Manager or similar role
• Knowledge of cancer data reporting standards and requirements
• Familiarity with cancer registry software and databases
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, Nursing, or a related field preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cancer Registry Manager
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. This role may require some on-call hours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Health Information Management.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cancer Registry Manager Do?

Cancer Registry Managers work predominantly in hospitals, clinics, and health departments, though some work for government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, or other private sectors.

Their main role is to manage the cancer registry, a system for collecting, storing, and analyzing data on persons with the diagnosis of a malignancy or tumor.

They are responsible for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the cancer registry data collection.

Cancer Registry Managers oversee a team of Certified Tumor Registrars (CTR) who are tasked with the detailed collection of data from patient records.

They ensure that the CTRs abstract demographic, diagnostic, and treatment data for every cancer patient, following all applicable standards and rules.

Additionally, they may perform quality control functions, assist in statistical analysis, and prepare annual reports, which are used by healthcare providers for management purposes and by researchers for studies on cancer prevention and treatment.

Moreover, Cancer Registry Managers collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals in developing cancer care programs and strategies.

They may be involved in cancer program accreditations, maintaining compliance with various regulatory bodies.

Their role plays a critical part in cancer research, prevention, and treatment monitoring.

Therefore, they are expected to stay updated with the latest developments and advancements in the field.

 

Cancer Registry Manager Qualifications and Skills

A competent Cancer Registry Manager should possess the following skills and qualifications to effectively oversee the cancer registry:

• Understanding of oncology, medical terminology, and coding to accurately compile and interpret cancer patient data
• Knowledge of registry principles and practices to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, as well as professional standards
• Leadership skills to supervise and guide the registry team, ensuring all tasks are completed in a timely and accurate manner
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with physicians, administrators, and other healthcare professionals, and to present data findings when needed
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex patient data and generate comprehensive reports
• Knowledge of data management and electronic health record (EHR) systems to accurately store, update and retrieve patient information
• Attention to detail to ensure data accuracy and consistency in the cancer registry
• Problem-solving skills to resolve any issues that may arise during the data collection, compilation, and reporting processes
• Educational background in health information management, nursing, or a related field, along with certification as a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) is often required

 

Cancer Registry Manager Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of Cancer Registry Manager typically hold a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field.

They generally have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in cancer registry, often beginning their careers in roles such as Cancer Registrar or Tumor Registrar.

Starting positions in this field allow them to gain hands-on experience with collecting and maintaining cancer patient data, staging cancer, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.

With around 3 years of experience, these professionals may move into senior or lead registrar roles, where they gain experience in managing and training other registrars, overseeing data abstraction and collection, and ensuring data quality and accuracy.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a significant amount of managerial experience.

They may be well-versed in cancer registry operations, capable of overseeing the entire registry process, and experienced in liaising with other healthcare professionals.

In addition, certification as a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) by the National Cancer Registrars Association is usually a requirement, which itself requires a combination of education and practical experience.

A deep understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and epidemiology is also crucial, often gained through both academic studies and on-the-job experience.

Advanced IT skills, especially experience with cancer registry software, are also important.

 

Cancer Registry Manager Education and Training Requirements

Cancer Registry Managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in health information management, nursing, or a related field.

The curriculum should cover core areas like medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, cancer registry management, statistics and data analysis, health data requirements and standards, healthcare reimbursement methods, and quality management.

Certification is often required, and most employers prefer candidates who are Certified Tumor Registrars (CTR).

This certification is provided by the National Cancer Registrars Association and requires completion of an approved educational program, work experience, and passing an exam.

In addition, some Cancer Registry Managers may choose to pursue a master’s degree in health administration or a related field to deepen their understanding and potentially enhance their career opportunities.

While not mandatory, a background or experience in the medical field can be beneficial since the role requires a deep understanding of medical records and data.

Continuous education is important to stay updated with the latest developments in oncology, coding, and registry procedures.

Membership in professional organizations like the National Cancer Registrars Association can provide access to resources, networking, and continuing education opportunities.

 

Cancer Registry Manager Salary Expectations

A Cancer Registry Manager earns an average salary of $76,987 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can differ based on the level of expertise, the location, and the size and type of the healthcare facility they work for.

 

Cancer Registry Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Cancer Registry Manager need?

A Cancer Registry Manager should have strong knowledge about cancer diagnosis, treatment and patient care.

They should be skilled in medical coding and data entry, have a strong understanding of cancer registry operations, and be proficient in using cancer registry software.

Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are also crucial for this role.

 

Do Cancer Registry Managers need a degree?

Yes, most Cancer Registry Managers require at least a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field.

Many also require certification from the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) as a Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR).

Some roles may also require experience working in a cancer registry.

 

What should you look for in a Cancer Registry Manager resume?

A Cancer Registry Manager’s resume should indicate a strong background in health information management, as well as specific experience in cancer registry.

Look for qualifications such as a CTR certification and a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field.

Relevant work experience, particularly managerial experience, is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Cancer Registry Manager?

A good Cancer Registry Manager should be meticulous and detail-oriented to ensure accurate collection and reporting of cancer data.

They should have excellent communication skills for coordinating with different departments and explaining complex information clearly.

They should also be proficient in using different data management tools and software.

A deep understanding of the cancer registry system and a commitment to staying updated on new developments in the field are also important.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Cancer Registry Manager?

Hiring a Cancer Registry Manager can be challenging due to the specific set of skills and qualifications required for this role.

The demand for these professionals is high, especially in larger hospitals and cancer centers.

Therefore, it’s important to offer a competitive salary and benefits package to attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the ins and outs of being a Cancer Registry Manager.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing data.

It’s about spearheading the fight against cancer, one data point at a time.

With our essential Cancer Registry Manager job description template and practical examples, you’re fully equipped to make your move.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to fine-tuning your job listings or optimizing your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every data point contributes to the broader fight against cancer.

Let’s take on this fight. Together.

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