How to become a Medical Oncologist
Also called: Medical Oncology Physician
Investigates, diagnoses and treats patients with cancer using chemotherapy and biological therapy.
Main tasks
- Assesses patients to determine the possible presence, nature and extent of cancer
- Analyses test results and other medical information to make cancer diagnoses
- Prescribes, administers and understands the pharmacology of antineoplastic drugs, including cytotoxic drugs, hormonal therapies, molecular targeted agents and biological agents
- Prevents and treats complications caused by cancer and its treatment
- Provides supportive management of cancer patients, including symptom palliation and rehabilitation, with particular emphasis on psychological and social support
- Consults with a multidisciplinary team to manage and treat cancer
- Assesses primary, secondary and tertiary preventive measures to prevent cancer development
- Discusses treatment options and prognoses and formulates treatment management plans with patients regarding the role of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in the management of cancer
- Implements palliative and end-of-life care
Ways in
- University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $188,240 a year
- About 16,100 people work in this job group now, and about 21,400 are projected by 2035. (+32.8%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Medical Oncologist?
Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees.
How much does a Medical Oncologist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $188,240 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Medical Oncologist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 33% by 2035, from about 16,100 to about 21,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Medical Oncologist?
Usually. 97% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Medical Oncologist?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04