Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Northeastern University Partner to Train the Next Generation of Clinical-Ready Oncology Nurses

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Northeastern University are transforming oncology nursing education through a groundbreaking agreement that will advance the science of nursing and ability to train the next generation of nurses with expert faculty. Through this new agreement, nurse scientists from Dana-Farber’s Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services will become Northeastern faculty members, bringing world-class oncology nursing science and clinical expertise directly into the classroom.

Cancer incidence is rising, creating a vital need for nurses equipped with specialized knowledge at the start of their careers. This new program integrates oncology curriculum throughout undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D. and clinical doctorate programs—shifting specialized training from post-graduation hospital programs to earlier in students’ educational journey.

“This exciting new chapter builds on the strong partnership between Dana-Farber and Northeastern University, creating innovative opportunities to train the next generation of nurses and advance nursing science and practice. Together, we are preparing clinicians who will arrive at the bedside with both specialized knowledge and true clinical readiness, exemplifying our common vision to forge a path toward groundbreaking research and enhanced patient care,” said Dr. Benjamin L. Ebert, president and CEO of Dana-Farber. He also expressed his appreciation that Anne Gross, PhD, RN, senior vice president for Nursing and Patient Care Services, chief nursing officer and the Ning Zhao Chair of Nursing, will be leading Dana-Farber’s efforts.

“Through this partnership with Dana-Farber, our nursing students will learn from faculty who are actively advancing the science of oncology care at one of the world’s leading cancer centers,” said Carmen Sceppa, dean of Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University. “This, combined with our commitment to experiential learning, means our graduates won’t just enter the workforce with theoretical knowledge—they’ll arrive with the experience and specialized expertise needed to provide exceptional cancer care from day one.”

Marilyn Hammer, PhD, RN, director of the Cantor Center for Research, has become a professor at Northeastern, while Rachel Pozzar, PhD, RN, associate director of the center’s Bioinformatics and Technology Core within the Precision Health Symptom Science Program, has joined as an associate professor. Two additional nurse scientists will join the Northeastern faculty next year. This is a unique program in that it’s the first of its kind where nurse scientists join a tenure track academic program.

The jointly appointed faculty bring Dana-Farber’s cutting-edge research and clinical insights directly into classrooms, creating an integrated oncology curriculum across all nursing education levels. This produces graduates who understand cancer care complexities and can make immediate impact in oncology settings.

Additional activities include experiential learning opportunities, educational program partnerships, research funding pursuit and collaboration on academic publications.

Dana-Farber and Northeastern have a rich history of partnerships, including clinical opportunities for pharmacy students and paid internships for pre-medical students through Dana-Farber’s Office of Workplace Development Student Training Program.