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NP RNFA PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The NP RNFA program includes three distinct phases. The online didactic portion addresses all the modules of the AORN Core Curriculum for RN First Assistants. In total, home studies would represent approximately 48 hours including preparation for the hands-on training portion. Then, learners undergo either a 3-Day or 5-Day SutureStar™ Workshop where they perform a myriad of high-fidelity surgery simulations. Once complete and ready to enter the real OR environment, the student can take those skills and apply them to their 140-hour surgical internship arranged at their own facility.
OVER 90% OF ALL NP RNFAS ARE NIFA® TRAINED.
The National Institute of First Assisting, Inc. (NIFA) in Centennial, Colorado is the largest, distance learning NP first assistant training program in the nation, specializing in health care education specific to operating room nurses and NPs since 1995. Our SutureStar™ Summit provides the NPs with an unparalleled hands-on training experience presented around the country to meet the increased need for expert-led training unique to the NP’s role in surgery.
ACCREDITATION
The Registered Nurse First Assistant, distance learning, RNFA Program is offered through three different colleges; one being the University of Saint Anthony College of Nursing; and has met all of the Association of PeriOperative Nurses (AORN) Educational Standards for registered nurse first assistant (RNFA) training for over 25 years.
Eligibility for NPs and APRNs
APRNs include nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). Per AORN, perioperative experience can be waived. APRN’s must submit proof of national certification prior to graduating from the program. Call for all the details.
Continued Education Awarded*
99 CEs – Home Studies*
21 CMEs – 3 Day Workshop**
35 CMEs – 5 Day Workshop***
College Certificate of Completion
NIFA Certificate of Mastery
*NIFA is a licensed provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider Number CEP11471
AORN POSITION STATEMENT ON ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSES (APRNS) IN THE PERIOPERATIVE ENVIRONMENT
NurseJournal.org States:
“… APRN nurses … may also choose to attend an RNFA program. The program may be offered through a school of nursing or through the National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA).”
Our One-Of-Kind SutureStar™ Workshops
With up to 30 times more hands-on training than other programs, NIFA program guarantees to have you performing at expert levels before seeing your first patient or we will retrain you, free of charge. It just makes sense that when you add NIFA training to your portfolio, you’ll be even more in demand.
NP Reasons To Enroll:
Traditionally, the RNFA in surgery has been defined as a perioperative nurse certified (RN, CNOR). NIFA conducted a student survey to find out why so many NPs were enrolling into the program. The main responses were:
- Reputation of NIFA up to 30 times more hands-on labs
- More training guarantees more confidence
- Credentialing Committees required training
- NPs want to address the entire spectrum of care for patients
- NP Medicare compensation
Because of deadline of January 2016 in the new AORN Position Statement more NPs will need this specialized training.
5-Day SutureStar™ Workshop for NP and APRN
Your success as an NP RNFA is directly commensurate with the amount of hands-on training you receive now. NIFA offers up to 30 times more suture and knot tying than other programs – all while performing wheels-in-wheels-out simulated cases. That’s why, since 1997 NIFA’s given this guarantee: you will master the skills of the nation’s top RN First Assistants or we will retrain you free of charge. See the NIFA difference by requesting our new brochure today!
- Laparoscopic Labs
- Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting (EVH) Labs
- Transverse Colon Resection Labs
- Cesarean Section Labs
- ORIF of the Femur Labs
- Carotid Endarterectomy Labs
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Repair Labs AND more!
Tuition
Training starts at $4,080. Final pricing is determined based on each student’s experience, individual needs, and Admissions Policies.
Upcoming SutureSTAR™
Workshops
NIFA offers over 20 dates in 16 different cities. We have monthly payment options. VIEW ALL WORKSHOPS
Chicago, IL
Las Vegas, NV
Columbus, OH
Los Angeles, CA
Denver, CO
Atlanta, GA
Las Vegas, NV
Dr. John Russell DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, CRNFA
NIFA APRN RNFA Program Director, College Division
Founder and CEO of SkillsOnPoint.com
[email protected]
UPON GRADUATION
Although students have two years to complete the program, many APRN students graduate between 5-8 months. Graduates receive a certificate verifying that they have successfully completed the NIFA RNFA program designed specifically for APRNs, meeting all the standards set forth by the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and is accepted by the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) for national certification administered by the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC™). Your APRN RNFA certificate is recognized by all 50 state Boards of Nursing. (Note: national RNFA certification is typically not required for APRN RNFAs. Check with your facility and state Board of Nursing.)
THE NATION’S LARGEST APRN RNFA TRAINER
Largest NP RNFAs Trainer
90% of NP RNFAs are NIFA® Trained. NIFA is the largest, distance learning NP first assistant training program in the nation, specializing in health care education specific to operating room nurses and NPs since 1995.
Accredited Programs
Our RNFA program meets all AORN Education Standards, is presented through institutionally accredited colleges recognized by the USDOE and CHEA, and is associated with those college accredited nursing programs.
Advancing Surgical Skills
Our training program with 30X MORE HANDS-ON SUTURING opportunities is designed for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses who aspire to broaden their surgical skills and achieve their RNFA certificate that is recognized by all 50 boards of nursing.
Early Bird Registration Discount
Online RNFA Program + 5-Day SutureStar™ – Save $1,148 off Tuition
Online RNFA Program + 3-Day SutureStar™ – Save $853 off Tuition
Monthly installments for tuition are available.
Request RNFA Program details/cost
via text at (720) 431-6508
Request More InfoBUILD CONFIDENCE. LEARN TECHNIQUES. EARN MORE.
Hear what our past students and graduates liked most about our SutureStar™ Workshops and why they recommend them to friends and peers.
View More Testimonials
LOREN BALDWIN
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
“...the repetition, the skills, the different techniques, from adult medicine, to trauma, to pediatrics, you're gonna see and learn a gamut of skills.”
DANA ULRICH
Registered Nurse
“...When I started looking into training, I talked with some of the RNFAs at work and this program came highly recommended!”
THOMAS VEGA
RNFA Graduate
“...I graduated this course 10 years ago, but came back to revisit my skills, especially for things I'm not doing regularly.”
TENLEY JOHNSON
Surgical Team Member
“...I just took a role with an orthopedic surgical team and I think these skills will help me understand what's happening in the OR.”
*NIFA is a licensed provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Provider Number CEP11471
**3-Day Category 1 CME Credits
This activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 21 AAPA Category 1 CME CREDITS. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. Approval is valid from 10/1/2024 to 9/30/2025. AAPA reference number: CME-2012275.
*** 5-Day Category 1 CME Credits
This activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 35 AAPA Category 1 CME CREDITS. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation. Approval is valid from 10/1/2024 to 9/30/2025. AAPA reference number: CME-2012092.