RN First Assistant Program (RNFA)

The RN First Assistant (RNFA) program prepares CNORs to take on an expanded role and empowers APRNs to follow their surgical patients throughout the perioperative experience.

The RNFA program—based on Association of Peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) guidelines—is considered an acceptable program for CRNFA or RNAS-C eligibility with the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC).

Course Length

6-week online course

Plus 1.5 in-person experiential skills days at the University of Rochester Medical Center

Clinical Internship

200 hours

Clinical internship with a board-certified surgeon preceptor

Application Deadline

July 15

for Fall session

Why the University of Rochester?

Our RNFA program in Rochester, New York offers the best of both worlds—an immersive on-site Experiential Learning & Skills Day where you will meet practicing RNFAs and RNFA students, and the ability to complete clinical requirements where you live.

RNFA Curriculum

Learn the essential elements of RN First Assistant practice, including scope of practice, the nursing process as a foundation for practice, communication, and operating room safety. During the program, surgeons, RNFAs, and other specialists from the University of Rochester Medical Center will cover use of surgical instruments, tissue handling and wound healing, surgical procedures, and management of perioperative complications.

Learn more

Program Overview

The RN First Assistant (RNFA) program features a six-week course, one and a half experiential skills days on the University of Rochester Medical Center campus in New York, and a clinical internship. This combination of learning methods provides flexibility with close guidance from program faculty. Upon completion, prepare to practice as an RNFA.