Advanced Certificate in Registered Nurse First Assistant

This Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program is designed to prepare the nurse participant with a comprehensive theoretical foundation of the educational preparation necessary to assume the role of the RNFA during operative and other invasive procedures, using an innovative approach to learning. The didactic content emphasizes the expanded functions unique to the RNFA during preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of care. Professional role development as well as scope of practice is emphasized. Successful completion of the didactic component shall be required for matriculation into the clinical component. The program's clinical component emphasizes the integration of the didactic role delineation throughout the periprocedural continuum into practice. Multiple innovative learning methodologies add depth and breadth to the learner's experience and facilitate enhanced comprehension of the periprocedural management and care of the patient. Instructional strategies used throughout the course include, but are not limited to, case based/problem-based case studies, simulations, and large-group facilitated discussions by content experts.

BS in Nursing from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for baccalaureate nursing degree and subsequent graduate work.
An unencumbered New York state RN license.
Verification that the student has or is eligible for one of the following credentials:
CNORif the student is not certified as a CNOR at the time of admission, proof of certification must be submitted before a certificate of completion is awarded.
APRNproof of recognition must be submitted before a certificate of completion is awarded.
APRNs without experience in perioperative patient care must undergo an assessment by the program instructor. The assessment should include competency in preoperative and postoperative care, aseptic technique, scrubbing, gowning, gloving, creating and maintaining a sterile field, and positioning the patient. If it is determined that the applicant's knowledge or skills are deficient, faculty members in the educational institution shall develop a plan to remediate the identified deficiencies.
Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic cardiac life support (BCLS) (required) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) (required).
Three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant's experience as an RN and the applicant's knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to perioperative patient care. Letters can be from the following sources: (a) The director or a faculty member from the most recent academic program attended (if applicant has been a nursing student in the last five years), (b) The applicant's immediate manager, and, (c) A person who can attest to the applicant's professional work.
A resume that includes relevant work experiences (including dates of employment by month and year), evidence of community service, examples of leadership and commitment to the profession of nursing, and memberships in professional nursing organizations.
A pre-admission interview.
Comprehensive background check.
Student Health Requirements: Proof of physical examination within one year of application, student NP liability insurance and health insurance, current immunizations for MMR, Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis.

TOEFL - 80
IELTS - 6.5