RNAS-C - Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery – Certified

  • Cost $425
  • Renews every 3 years

COURSE FORMAT

Online

About

The Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery – Certified (RNAS-C) credential validates a nurse's knowledge and skills in assisting during surgical procedures and taking care of patients in the immediate preoperative and postoperative phases. The National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) offers RNAS-C exam, which covers various perioperative skills and knowledge.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the RNAS-C certification, candidates must have:

  • A current registered nurse (RN) license

  • Completed a Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) program

  • Completed 120 hours of documented first assisting experience within the past two years

  • Earned one of the following certifications:

    • Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)

    • Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Completion: Candidates have 4 hours to complete the RNAS-C exam.

Cost:

  • First attempt: $425

  • Subsequent attempts: $325

Course Format

Class Time Required

To be eligible for the RNAS-C certification exam, candidates must complete an RNFA program approved by NASC. RNFA programs typically require six credit hours of in-class instruction. These programs also include 120 clinical practicum hours, which candidates can use to satisfy the hour requirements for RNAS-C exam application.

Exam Format

The RNAS-C exam is a paper-based, proctored, multiple-choice exam consisting of 150 questions. Candidates have 4 hours to complete the exam, with an optional 15-minute break. The RNAS-C exam covers:

  • Surgical Patient Care - 33 questions

  • Surgical Skills - 33 questions

  • Anatomy and Physiology - 33 questions

  • Procedure Considerations - 33 questions

  • Preoperative and Postoperative Considerations - 18 questions

Test Dates

Proctors are available anytime convenient for test takers, 365 days a year. After being authorized by NASC to test, candidates schedule a webcam-proctored exam through NASC’s partner, Prolydian. Test takers may reschedule up to four hours before their exam appointment.

Online

To schedule the RNAS-C exam:

  • Log in to Prolydian's website

  • Select the RNAS-C exam from the website dashboard

  • Select a time and date

  • Click the "Access my Examity account" link

  • Complete the Computer Requirements Check

  • Complete the online profile

  • Upload a government-issued photo ID

Exam Day Instructions

  • Log in to the Prolydian website 15 minutes before the exam time

  • Have a government-issued ID to show to the proctor

  • Click the "Start Exam" button

  • Click the "Connect to Proctoring" button

For webcam-proctored exams, candidates must use a computer or tablet with a webcam, microphone, and internet speed of at least 5mbps. Connecting to a proctor requires using a web browser, but Internet Explorer isn’t supported.

Certification

Candidates can complete the RNAS-C application on the NASC website. To complete the applications, candidates must:

  • Create an account to access the application portal

  • Collect all application documentation

  • Include a letter of recommendation from a surgeon or an OR manager

NASC notifies candidates when they’re approved to take the RNAS-C exam. Test takers must complete the exam within 4 months of approval, or they forfeit their test fee.

Renewal

The RNAS-C certification is good for 3 years. Candidates may recertify either by points or by retaking the RNAS-C exam. To recertify by points, candidates must:

  • Have 500 hours of clinical practice annually

  • Maintain their ACLS, BLS, or CPR certification

  • Earn 150 points through continued education and development activities, such as:

    • Speaking at conferences

    • Attending relevant seminars

    • Completing additional college courses related to nursing or medicine

  • Earn at least 50 points every calendar year

  • Fill out the RNAS-C recertification packet and submit it to NASC

To recertify by exam, candidates must:

  • Have 500 hours of clinical practice annually

  • Fill out the RNAS-C recertification packet and submit it to NASC

  • Take and pass the RNAS-C certification exam

Renewal Fees

  • Recertification by points: $275

  • Recertification by exam: $325

Other Resources

Additional resources that may be helpful for nurses interested in the RNAS-C certification include:

Related Certifications

After completing the RNAS-C certification process, nurses can pursue additional certifications and education. The next step is the Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) certification. CRNFA certification is for experienced nurses with a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice. Nurses may also seek education and certification as APRNs to expand their scope of practice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does the RNAS-C certification process take?

The RNAS-C certification process can take several months to complete. After completing an RNFA program, candidates must collect all their supporting material for the RNAS-C application, including transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once they complete their RNAS-C application and NASC approves it, candidates may schedule their RNAS-C exam.

When do I get the results of my RNAS-C exam?

NASC notifies you of your exam results within three days.

What are some career options for nurses with RNAS-C certification?

Nurses with RNAS-C certification may work in various surgical settings, including operating rooms, labor and delivery procedural units, and Same Day Surgery (SDS) units.

Can I earn my RNAS-C without being employed as an RNFA?

Yes, you can earn the 120 practicum hours required for RNAS-C certification through your clinical hours in an RNFA program.

How often do I need to renew my RNAS-C certification?

The RNAS-C certification is valid for three years. Candidates may renew their certification by retaking the RNAS-C exam or recertifying with points and paying the appropriate renewal fee.

What if I don’t have 500 hours of clinical experience?

If you don’t have 500 hours of clinical experience, you can’t renew your RNAS-C certification. Check with NASC to see if they’ll accept your hours. You may be able to earn the required hours through another type of clinical experience, such as working as a registered nurse in an operating room or labor and delivery unit.

What are the renewal fees for the RNAS-C certification?

The renewal fee for the RNAS-C recertification is $275 by points and $325 by exam.