Registered Nursing First Assistant
Advanced Technical Certificate

GOAL: The purpose of this program is to prepare the registered perioperative nurse in the specialized expanded area of practice as a first assistant in surgery.

1. Apply for admission to Gulf Coast State College.
2. Submit the RNFA program application with all forms as outlined in the application packet.
3. Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges to the Office of Admissions and Records for evaluation.
4. Have two letters of reference mailed to the program director.

To enter the program the student must:

1. Meet and complete all general admission requirements for GCSC.
2. Provide proof of active licensure in good standing to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state in which the clinical internship will be undertaken.
3. Verification of certification as follows:
   1. CNOR or CNOR eligible or Board certified or board eligible as an advanced practice nurse (APN). If no experience or competency in intraoperative patient care, student must undergo an assessment regarding clinical skills and knowledge. If deficient, faculty shall develop a plan to remediate identified deficiencies using courses NUR2293 and NUR2949.
   2. Proof of current CPR (BCLS); ACLS is preferred.
   3. Two letters of recommendation attesting to the years of experience as an RN and knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to surgical patient care.
   4. Call Primary Adviser for further information on the course.

Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in each course. See the RNFA syllabus for further information regarding graduation, retention, dismissal, readmission, and transfer credit policies