CERTIFIED TUMOR REGISTRAR

Position Information

Job Series: Health Specialties

Classification: Certified Tumor Registrar – Independent

Class Code: PHS02I

Pay Grade: SPC02

Salary Range: $64,570 - $95,654

Job Summary

The Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) is responsible for overseeing the operation and administration of the Arkansas Cancer Registry within the Arkansas Department of Health. The CTR will provide leadership in ensuring the accurate, timely, and comprehensive collection of cancer data across the state. This role is essential to the surveillance and reporting of cancer statistics, which inform public health policies, research, and intervention strategies. The CTR will ensure compliance with national and state standards for cancer data reporting, lead a team of tumor registrars, and collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance cancer registry processes and public health outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for the Arkansas Cancer Registry. Oversee the daily operations of the registry, ensuring that all activities align with state and federal regulations. Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the cancer registry program, focusing on improving data collection processes and public health outcomes. Supervise and manage a team of certified tumor registrars and data entry staff. Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to ensure the team’s knowledge and skills are up-to-date with current cancer registry standards. Conduct performance evaluations and foster a collaborative and supportive work environment. Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of cancer data collected and entered into the Arkansas Cancer Registry. Implement quality assurance procedures, perform data validation, and lead efforts to resolve discrepancies and data integrity issues. Develop and enforce protocols for data collection and reporting. Ensure the registry complies with all relevant state and federal regulations, including those established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR). Stay informed of changes in data reporting standards and ensure the registry adapts accordingly. Oversee the analysis of cancer data to identify trends, incidence rates, and survival outcomes. Provide regular reports to stakeholders, including state health officials, policymakers, and public health agencies. Present findings to inform decision-making on cancer prevention, treatment, and research programs. Contribute to cancer-related research efforts by providing comprehensive and accurate data for epidemiological studies, scientific investigations, and public health programs. Collaborate with researchers and public health professionals to use cancer data in addressing health disparities and improving cancer prevention and control efforts. Lead the development and delivery of training programs for healthcare providers, registrars, and other stakeholders on cancer reporting, coding standards, and registry processes. Conduct outreach activities to promote awareness of the cancer registry and its importance to public health. Ensure that all cancer data is handled in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy regulations. Maintain the confidentiality of patient and health data and uphold ethical standards in the use and dissemination of cancer registry information.

Knowledge and Skills

Strong leadership abilities, with experience in managing teams, setting priorities, and achieving organizational goals. Ability to motivate staff and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. In-depth knowledge of cancer classification, coding systems (ICD-O, AJCC), and national cancer reporting standards. Familiarity with data abstraction, case finding, and cancer registry reporting guidelines. Ability to analyze complex cancer data and generate meaningful reports and insights. Proficiency in using cancer registry software, statistical analysis tools, and reporting platforms. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively present data, policy recommendations, and reports to stakeholders at all levels. Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with healthcare providers, government agencies, and public health organizations. High level of attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and reporting. Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address discrepancies, data integrity issues, and other challenges in cancer registry operations. Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring compliance with privacy laws and regulations. Ethical handling of sensitive patient information and cancer data.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in health information management, public health, medical coding, or a related field is required, plus 1 year supervisory or management experience in a cancer registry or related health information management field.

Licensure/Certifications

Must possess current Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) to Oncology Data Specialist (ODC) and CRT to ODS. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.