he purpose of this program is to provide nurses with advanced education on gastrointestinal (GI) assessment for children that might present to the health office with GI complaints within the school setting. The program will discuss the normal anatomy and physiology of the GI system. A general approach to a physical exam will be presented including inspection, palpation and percussion of the abdomen. The program will also describe taking a GI history and what red flags to be aware of in the student population. The program will discuss gastrointestinal disorders including organic and functional diseases. The opportunity for school nurses to learn about gastrointestinal assessment as well as different GI disorders and their management is of utmost importance to their role as health care providers in the school system.