The American Cancer Society Leadership in Oncology Navigation (ACS LION™) credential is a standardized, non-clinical training and credentialing program designed to elevate the role of patient navigators in cancer care. This comprehensive, evidence-based course equips individuals with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to guide patients, caregivers, and families through the complex cancer continuum. The program is specifically designed to meet the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) training requirements for "Principal Illness Navigation" reimbursement, making it an essential qualification for professionals. This course is for anyone seeking to provide high-quality, professional navigation and support, including current patient navigators, community health workers, social workers, case managers, and other allied health professionals who want to standardize their skills and impact.
The ACS LION™ Mastery course consists of ten self-paced, sequential modules that align with both CMS competencies and the Oncology Navigation Standards of Professional Practice. The core topics covered in the curriculum include: Navigation Basics (history, principles, health equity); Cancer Basics (key terms, oncology concepts); Person-Centered Assessments; Health System Services Access and Coordination; Community-Based Services Access and Coordination; Community Assessment; Patient and Family Communication; Promoting Patient Self-Advocacy; Facilitation of Person-Centered Support; and Professionalism and Ethical Conduct. To earn the credential, learners must complete all ten modules, pass each module quiz with a score of at least 80%, and successfully pass the comprehensive, summative program assessment within 90 days of enrollment.
The final program assessment is a comprehensive, single-session, computer-based exam that must be completed within a strict 120-minute time limit. Candidates are granted up to two attempts to pass the assessment within their 90-day enrollment period. The passing score for the final assessment is 80%. The exam is a summative evaluation that covers all content presented across the ten LION Mastery modules. No notes, additional resources, or external materials are permitted during the final assessment. Learners must create a specific Canvas account and must use a desktop or laptop computer to complete all program requirements, including the final exam, as tablets and mobile devices are not supported.
Effective preparation is key to success on the ACS LION™ Practice Exam. Utilize this practice test to simulate the time constraints and understand the application-based nature of the questions. A primary study strategy should involve a deep review of the ACS LION Learner Handbook, which details all learning objectives, and a comprehensive re-study of the material from each of the ten training modules, especially focusing on areas where you found module quizzes challenging. Ensure you can practically apply the navigation principles to real-world scenarios. Regarding exam centers, there are no physical testing locations or specific centers like Pearson VUE for this program. The entire ACS LION™ Mastery program, including all modules and the final assessment, is administered entirely online via the ACS's designated learning management system (Canvas). You must provide your own desktop or laptop computer in a suitable environment to take the remotely proctored final exam.
Earning the ACS LION™ credential demonstrates standardized expertise and can significantly expand your career pathways in the rapidly evolving field of oncology navigation. It specifically qualifies you for roles that may be eligible for Principal Illness Navigation (PIN) reimbursement, a critical factor for healthcare institutions. Key job opportunities and career paths unlocked by this certification include:
Oncology Patient Navigator
Lay Patient Navigator
Community Health Worker (specializing in Cancer Care)
Cancer Care Coordinator
Patient Advocate
Principal Illness Navigation (PIN) Services Manager
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