RN First Assistant

Lecture and Practicum Topics Include:

• Introduction to the RNFA Role
• Implementation of Standardized Procedures/Protocols
• Medical/Legal Aspects to Expanded Practice
• Reimbursement Issues
• Surgical Emergencies
• Pharmacology
• Wound Healing
• Wound Closure
• Hemostasis
• Anesthesia Concepts
• General Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• OB –Gynecology
• Electrosurgery Concepts
• Orthopedics
• Plastic Surgery
• Endoscopic Surgery

Prerequisites for acceptance into the program:

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• RN license
• Two years of operating room experience in scrubbing and circulating

Board Certified/or eligible APRNs are also accepted into the program. Perioperative OR nursing experience is preferred. 

For APRNs who do not hold two years’ of operating room experience, please sign up for our one-day program, Basic Concepts and Skills of Perioperative Nursing for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), designed to clinically prepare you to function in the surgical arena. APRNs must also obtain national certification prior to the certificate of completion.

Preceptorships are arranged by the students for completion of the required 120 hours. The requirements for the preceptorship will be reviewed during the first class session. Successful completion of the preceptorship is required prior to the certificate of completion being awarded.

Additional requirements

• Malpractice insurance must be obtained before beginning preceptorship
• Basic life support provider certificate must be obtained before certificate of completion is awarded
• CNOR must be obtained before certificate of completion is awarded.

1. When the course is open for enrollment, click the "Apply Now" button. You will be prompted to create a Student Account and Profile in order to complete the application.

2. Complete the application and pay the $100 application fee.

As part of the application, you will be asked to attach the following documents in PDF format:

• RN license
• Evidence of a baccalaureates degree in a related field
• Curriculum vitae/resumé noting two years of operating room experience in scrubbing and circulating
• Two letters of reference on official hospital letterhead from supervisors or surgeons knowledgeable about your competencies

Once you have been accepted into the program, you will receive an email with instructions for paying the course fee, along with a packet of information on textbooks, supplies and equipment, and a hotel list of accommodations near the classroom. Please verify acceptance prior to making travel arrangements and purchasing required texts.

Affiliation Agreements

An affiliation agreement can be created specifically for the duties of the RNFA preceptorship  if required by your hospital/organization.  View sample agreement

To have an affiliation agreement prepared, please provide the name, title, and address of the person authorized to sign for contractual matters at your facility. Most hospitals do not require an agreement, however if one is requested by your facility, please be aware that this is the only agreement UCLA Extension can accept.