[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”3″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]How Long to Become[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]6-8 years[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Degree Required[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]BSN[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-cap font-bold uppercase mb-2″]Certification[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-4xl text-primary-800 font-heading font-bold mt-0″]CNASC, CNOR[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/rn-first-assistant/”]registered nurse first assistant[/hen-ui-link] (RNFA) is a highly trained nurse who works closely with surgical teams. After completing advanced training, education, and certification, many RNFAs serve as surgeons’ assistants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an RNFA can be an excellent career choice for people who are interested in surgery and want to help deliver complex, life-saving patient care. Discover details about required certifications, education, and a career outlook for this advanced nursing role.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What is an RNFA?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/rn-first-assistant/”]RNFAs are[/hen-ui-link] operating room (OR) or perioperative [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/or-nurse/”]registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] (RN) or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses[/hen-ui-link] (APRN). These professionals have the expertise to work as surgeons’ first assistants during invasive and non-invasive medical procedures.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These nurses can practice beyond the standard scope because of the advanced training and certification required to prepare for the role.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Specific duties for an RNFA may include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Preparing patients for surgery[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Handling and using surgical devices[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Draping surgical site and maintaining the sterile field[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Performing and suturing incisions[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Taking part in postoperative patient care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Achieving hemostasis through the controlling of incisional bleeding[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Educating patients and their families[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Postoperative incision assessment and care[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Not all hospitals hire RNFAs, as some prefer to have two surgeons in the OR instead. Nevertheless, RNFAs are a key part of many surgery teams.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming an RNFA[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Wondering how to become an RNFA? The education process is fairly intensive. Ambitious nurses focused on gaining expertise can achieve RNFA certification after years of experience in the OR. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nascertification.com/news/how-do-i-become-an-rnfa/” target=”_blank”]National Assistant at Surgery Certification[/hen-ui-link] (NASC) and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aorn.org/” target=”_blank”]Association of periOperative Registered Nurses[/hen-ui-link] (AORN) set specific requirements for RNFA credentials. Under NASC, the requirements are:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Working a minimum of 2,000 relevant experience hours[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in any field[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Holding current CNOR certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maintaining an unrestricted RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing a program that meets AORN standards[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to the above, NASC requirements for APRNs involve completing a certified APRN program before applying. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aorn.org/docs/default-source/guidelines-resources/position-statements/first-assisting/posstat-rnfa-0908.pdf?sfvrsn=7d9f3037_6″ target=”_blank”]Under AORN[/hen-ui-link], there are separate requirements for RNs and APRNs:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Requirements for RNs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a BSN degree (with the exception of RNFAs practicing before Jan. 1, 2020, who are allowed to have ADN degrees only)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Passing the NCLEX-RN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Maintaining unrestricted RN licensure[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Achieving basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, and pediatric advanced life support certifications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning clinical nurse-operating room (CNOR) certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of an accredited RNFA program that meets AORN standards[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A minimum of 2,000 hours of relevant documented practice[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Requirements for APRNs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning APRN certification by an accredited program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Holding current, unrestricted RN licensure[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing an accredited RNFA program that meets AORN standards for education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Obtaining a minimum of 2,000 documented relevant practice hours[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community colleges commonly offer [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degrees in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN). This entry-level nursing degree typically requires two years of full-time enrollment, although it may take longer without first completing prerequisite courses. As of Jan. 1, 2020, nurses pursuing ADNs must complete BSN programs to apply for certification and practice as RNFAs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) is a four-year degree. Nurses with ADNs can enroll in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/rn-to-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link]. These degree tracks last 9-24 months, and many programs are geared toward working nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields can complete [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]accelerated BSN programs[/hen-ui-link]. This entry-level degree track offers transfer-friendly policies for enrollees to bring past credits. Accelerated programs use an intensive course of study over 11-18 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Pass the NCLEX Exam to Receive RN Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All ADN and BSN students must pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]National Council Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link] (NCLEX-RN) to earn their nursing licensure. Recent graduates can take the exam within one month of graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NCLEX-RN exam applies to ADN and BSN graduates, while the NCLEX-PN exam is for those who have graduated from practical nurse certificate programs. Approximately [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/NCLEX_Stats_2024_Q1_PassRates.pdf” target=”_blank”]80% of first-time candidates passed[/hen-ui-link] the NCLEX-RN in 2024 so far.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Gain Experience in Surgical Nursing[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many employers may require candidates to have at least 1-2 years of experience [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/medical-surgical-nursing/”]in medical-surgical environments[/hen-ui-link] or other acute care settings. This requirement applies because of the high-stakes nature of the OR and the critical-thinking skills required to succeed. However, some hospitals offer new graduate [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-residency-programs/”]residency programs[/hen-ui-link] for the OR.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Consider Becoming Certified or an APRN[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RNFA, you must gain operating room experience and become certified as a CNOR or become an APRN. An RN with an unrestricted license and at least two years of experience in a perioperative setting can take the national certification exam to become a CNOR.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs who choose to earn MSNs can become APRNs. Most MSN programs take around two years to complete. Each APRN needs to complete an assessment covering competency in preoperative and postoperative care from a program instructor.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Complete an AORN-Approved RNFA Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, RNs can validate their knowledge and experience by earning specialty board certification as RNFAs. To do so, they must first complete an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nascertification.com/resources/acceptable-rnfa-programs/” target=”_blank”]AORN-approved RNFA program[/hen-ui-link]. Nurses have two years to complete the program, but many APRNs graduate as early as 5-8 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RNFA Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All RNFAs certified after Jan. 1, 2020, must have BSN degrees. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aorn.org/guidelines/clinical-resources/rn-first-assistant-resources” target=”_blank”]AORN Standards[/hen-ui-link] for RN First Assistant Education Programs, all candidates for RNFA certification must also complete six credits of post-RN education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These programs must include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Didactic education (with specific requirements outlined in detail by the AORN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical training of at least three credit hours (with specific requirements outlined in detail by the AORN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]ADN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN programs are common at community colleges. This degree fulfills the minimum eligibility to sit for the NCLEX and earn RN licensure. Completing an ADN takes around two years, although prerequisites can lengthen the process for some students.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate with 2.5 GPA; completed application with transcripts; 2.5 college GPA (if previous college experience); [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.elsevier.com/solutions/hesi” target=”_blank”]HESI Exam[/hen-ui-link] (scored subtests: math, reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Clinical assignments, nursing care, pathophysiology, physical assessment, psychosocial assessment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Nursing assessment, critical thinking, nursing process, hands-on patient care, psycho-emotional and psychosocial assessment[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]BSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a BSN degree is an important step toward becoming an RNFA. A traditional BSN program covers English, math, and other general education courses plus microbiology, anatomy, and physiology, and 2-3 years of lecture-based education and clinical hands-on training. A BSN is often considered the minimum degree required to pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing/”]master’s degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many hospital employers require all nurse candidates to hold BSNs, so earning this degree is a smart career move for most nurses interested in working in acute care settings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: 2.5-3.0 GPA; college and high school transcripts; completed application, often with personal essay; successfully completed prerequisites; SAT or ACT scores; CV or resume[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Clinical assignments, nursing care, pathophysiology, physical assessment, management and supervision, delegation, community health, population health, evaluation of scientific research[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: 4 years for a traditional program, less for RN-to-BSN or accelerated BSN programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Nursing assessment, critical thinking, nursing process, hands-on patient care, psycho-emotional and psychosocial assessment, management and supervision, delegation, community health assessment, evaluation of research[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]MSN Degree[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) expands nurses’ career potential. The MSN is the minimum requirement to become an APRN and suits nurses seeking increased specialization, autonomy, and/or clinical responsibility.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission Requirements: BSN degree, unless enrolled in an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN[/hen-ui-link] bridge program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Curriculum: Advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology; legal and ethical issues in nursing; theory and research; advanced physical assessment; diverse populations; practicum or capstone experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Time to Complete: 2-3 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Skills Learned: Advanced physical assessment, management of nurses and direct reports, research, advanced pharmacology, diagnosis, treatment of common diseases[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Finding an RNFA Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several reliable resources to help nurses find approved RNFA programs. According to the NASC list of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nascertification.com/resources/acceptable-rnfa-programs/” target=”_blank”]acceptable RNFA programs[/hen-ui-link], no program is directly affiliated with NASC, and each will have its own eligibility requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NASC lists programs in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each candidate applying for CRNFA certification through NASC must submit a copy of a certificate of completion from an acceptable RNFA program. AORN links the accepted programs in its [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aorn.org/guidelines-resources/clinical-resources/rn-first-assistant-resources” target=”_blank”]RNFA resources[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]RNFA Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs and APRNs can serve as RNFAs, depending on the requirements of the employing institution. An active RN license is required to practice as an RNFA. Maintaining RN licensure is based on the continuing education (CE) requirements of the state where a nurse lives and works. Successful completion of 30 CE hours every two years is common in many states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the AORN’s RNFA [hen-ui-link href=”https://aornjournal.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aorn.12596″ target=”_blank”]position statement[/hen-ui-link], qualifications for serving as an RNFA include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CNOR certification[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of an RNFA program that meets the “AORN standards for RN first assistant education programs”[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Compliance with institutional and state regulations, statutes, and policies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN degree, with the exception of RNFAs practicing before Jan. 1, 2020[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completion of AORN requirements of six hours of post-RN RNFA education provided by an accredited school of nursing. This requirement includes three credits of didactic and three credits of clinical RNFA training as outlined by the AORN[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4”]Sitting for the CNOR exam and earning the CNOR credential is achieved by fulfilling the following requirements:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Unrestricted RN license[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Currently working full-time or part-time in perioperative clinical practice, education, or research[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing a minimum of two years and 2,400 hours in perioperative nursing practice, with at least 1,200 hours in the intraoperative setting[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification as an RNFA is required for clinical practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as an RNFA[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/rn-first-assistant/salary/”]RNFAs command competitive salaries[/hen-ui-link] and expanded professional opportunities. Successfully finding a position as an RNFA will depend on many factors, such as:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Education[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professional recommendations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Evaluation of the RNFA job market in the nurse’s specific geographic area[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Networking and job-hunting skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interview and negotiation skills[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Since RNFAs are intraoperative nursing professionals, candidates can find employment in acute care hospital facilities and surgical centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an RNFA[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between RN and RNFA?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/” target=”_blank”]registered nurse[/hen-ui-link], which is a broad profession covering numerous jobs. A registered nurse first assistant (RNFA) is an RN who has received special training and certification to handle special duties in the operating room, including directly assisting the surgeon.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the duties of an RNFA?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNFAs work closely with surgeons and help throughout surgical cases by holding instruments, making incisions, along with suctioning, draining, cleaning, and suturing wounds.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to become an RNFA?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become an RNFA, you must earn a BSN, complete a minimum of two years and 2,400 hours in perioperative nursing practice to become CNOR certified, and receive six credits of post-RN accredited RNFA training. This process may take between 6-8 years at a minimum.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the quickest way to become an RNFA?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The quickest way to become an RNFA is by earning a BSN degree, taking part in two years and 2,400 hours of relevant experience to earn CNOR certification, and earning six credits of RNFA training. In total, this process can take 6-8 years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How hard is it to become an RNFA?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming an RNFA is a challenging process involving a basic BSN program followed by the accumulation of considerable perioperative experience and several certifications. This process is intensive yet achievable for ambitious nurses with a keen interest in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the highest salary for the RNFA?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Certification=Registered_Nurse_First_Assistant_(RNFA)/Salary” target=”_blank”]September 2025 Payscale data[/hen-ui-link], surgical assistants had the highest salaries among common RNFA positions, averaging about $138,292 per year. Note that this figure reflects fewer than 50 respondents.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do RNFAs get paid well?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Payscale data from September 2025 indicates that RNFAs earn an average annual salary of $125,000, though this data reflects fewer than 50 respondents.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]