RNAS-C - Registered Nurse Assistant at Surgery – Certified
- Cost $425
- Renews every 3 years
COURSE FORMAT
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:
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.
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.
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.