A list of eligible activities to recertify by the points method is presented below. The candidate may choose any activity. There are maximum numbers of points allowed for each activity with the exception of Academic Study, which has no points limits. The number of points required for recertification is based on the number of clinical practice hours, as outlined in the grid below. Click here for a list of documents which must be supplied if certificant is audited.
# of Clinical Practice Hours | Required # of Points |
1,000 or more | 400 Points |
Between 500 and 999 | 500 Points |
Continuing Education
A maximum of 200 points (100 contact hours) may be earned from Continuing Education activities through an approved provider. One half (100 points or 50 contact hours) may be earned through Category 1 CMEs.
1 contact hour = 2 points
1 CME Category 1 credit = 1 contact hour = 2 points
Academic Study
Unlimited points may be earned in the Academic Study category. The course must be part of a degree completion program, such as a healthcare degree (BSN, MSN, DNP, etc.), or a degree where the knowledge attained is used to advance your first assisting nursing career (including MBA).
1 semester hour/credit = 15 points
1 quarter hour = 10 points
Teaching a Perioperative–Related Course for College Credit (i.e., College or University)
A maximum of 200 points is allowed in the Teaching category. Each perioperative class taught = 30 points.
Publishing
A maximum of 150 points may be earned in the Publishing category.
Material | Point Value |
Doctoral Dissertation | 100 Points |
DNP Capstone Project | 75 Points |
Primary Author, Book Chapter | 50 Points |
Guest Editor, Peer-Reviewed Journal Issue | 50 Points |
Primary Author, Peer-Reviewed Journal Article | 50 Points |
Secondary Author, Book Chapter | 30 Points |
Editorial, Peer-Reviewed Journal | 30 Points |
Secondary Author, Peer-Reviewed Journal Article | 30 Points |
Subject Matter Expert (SME) or Reviewer for Journal Article or Book Chapter | 20 Points |
Author, Book Review | 20 Points |
Developer/Author of a Patient Education or Healthcare Professional Resource | 20 Points |
Poster Presentation at a Professional Meeting | 20 Points |
Presentations
A maximum of 150 points may be earned in the Presentation category.
In-service: Each 60 minutes of presentation time = 10 points
Service as a Board or Committee Member
A maximum of 200 points is allowed in the Service as a Board or Committee Member category. Each Service on a Board or Committee = 20 points per year/per committee. A minimum of four meetings per year is required.
Examples of accepted service include:
Precepting/Mentoring in the RNFA Role
A maximum of 150 points is allowed in the Precepting/Mentoring Category. Preceptee/mentee may be either a RNFA student or a new employee in the RNFA role. Each precepted student/employee=25 points.
Volunteer, NASC Committees
A maximum of 200 points is allowed in the Volunteer, NASC Committees category.
Committee | Point Value |
Job Analysis | 40 points |
Item Writer | 30 points |
Cut Score/Standard Setting | 30 points |
Item Review | 20 points |
Form Review | 15 points |
Problem Identification (PIN) | 15 points |
Other Ad Hoc Committees (specify) | 15 points |
Attain/Maintain Perioperative-Related Certification
A maximum of 100 points may be accrued for earning an accredited perioperative-related certification or completing the recertification process for an accredited perioperative-related certification. Examples of accredited perioperative-related certifications include CAPA, CPAN, CRCST, or ABCGN. Accreditation by ANSI, ABSNC, or NCCA will meet these criteria. The list is not intended to be all-inclusive. Other accredited certification deemed equivalent by the Executive Director of NASC in consultation with the Credentialing Manager may be accepted.
Attain/Maintain an Accredited Perioperative Certification | |
Initial Certification | 30 points |
Completion of Recertification | 20 points |
Clinical Inquiry
A maximum of 100 points may be earned in the Clinical Inquiry category. Quality Improvement (QI), Quality Assurance (QA), Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) and Research projects are accepted under this heading. To receive points under this activity you must have primary responsibility for developing, implementing, and/or evaluating projects in these categories. The activity must show evidence of the participation in or application of clinical inquiry that improves current practice and/or patient outcomes.
Role | Point Value |
Primary Investigator or Primary Project Leader | 50 points/project |
Co-Investigator or Project Lead | 30 points/project |
Professional perioperative-related volunteer service
A maximum of 100 points may be earned for medically-related volunteer service activities. Examples include surgical mission trips and service at medically underserved clinics.
Role | Point Value |
Professional Perioperative-Related Volunteer Service | 20 points/year of service or project |
info@nascertification.org | 866-681-NASC (6272) | Contact
© Copyright 2020 NASC