NEW Registered Nurse First Assistant Program

The Registered Nurse First Assist is a specialized RN who has the advanced technical knowledge to directly assist a surgeon during procedures. This includes: clamping vessels, closing incisions, suturing, handling tissue and providing hemostasis. The RNFA also provides pre- and post-surgery patient care. Upon completion of the program, nurses will be able to work as an RNFA.

The SUNY Upstate First Assistant Program

This 6-credit program provides eligible RNs with the necessary education to assume the role of the first assistant during operative and other invasive procedures. The program is based on the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) educational guidelines and core curriculum. Our program has been reviewed by the American Association of Operating Room Nurses Competency and Credentialing Institute and is on their list of approved RNFA programs.

First Course: NURS 511

The first course (Fall) focuses on concepts related to the delivery of care to surgical patients in all aspects of the surgical experience: pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative. This course will be held one evening per week.

Second Course: NURS 520

The second course (Spring) is the clinical practicum. Under the supervision of a board certified surgeon preceptor of their election, students apply the learned concepts in the clinical setting. The emphasis is on the expanded functions unique to the RNFA during operative and other invasive procedures. During the clinical experience students will assist with pre-operative, intra-operative, and postoperative patient management in collaboration with a multidisciplinary faculty. A minimum of 225 hours must be spent in a clinical setting with validated documentation of clinical experience.

Tuition