The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) was established in 1969 with the mission of ensuring quality patient care. Today, AST is proud to acknowledge more than 40,000 members and represents the interests of more than 80,000 practitioners nationwide. AST actively promotes education for the profession; legislatively advocates for practitioner recognition; supports state-level constituent organizations; and has committed to students as the future of the profession.
Full Answer
Is there a demand for surgical technologist?
These health professionals are in demand, and hospitals, medical centers, outpatient surgery centers, and physician offices all need to have trained and qualified surgical techs. The growth in surgical technology jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to be around 9 percent, which is faster than average job growth.
What are the educational requirements for a surgical tech?
- Excellent attention to detail
- Understanding of all health and safety requirements
- Ability to respond to rapidly changing situations
- Ability to work as a team
- Excellent communication skills
- Time management skills
- Organizational skills
- Skills in patient care and active listening
How to get a surgical technician certification?
To prove eligibility, candidates must submit one of the following documents:
- A copy of the graduation certificate
- A copy of DD214, which includes the state the program was completed
- A smart transcript
What is an AST member?
The membership of AST values our future practitioners and welcomes young practitioners. The organization is a strong advocate for student interests and opportunities -- from helping young student applicants choose the best program to sponsoring a student organization that addresses specifically their needs and concerns.
When was the surgical technolgy established?
The Association of Surgical Technologists was established in 1969 by members of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). Today, surgical technologists are working in one of the fastest growing professions in the country.
What is the role of a surgical technologist?
Surgical technologists serve as an integral part of the surgical team providing surgical care to patients. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of surgical procedures.
What is AST brochure?
It describes the surgical technologist in sterile and nonsterile roles, as well as how they participate in case management. In addition, this brochure discusses the role of AST and the importance of accreditation and certification. For hard copies, contact Member Services .
What is the AST program?
AST provides lobbying support at the state and national levels to advocate for legislative recognition of graduation from an accredited program in surgical technology and holding/maintaining the Certified Surgical Technologist credential as a condition of employment, and for similar regulation of, and reimbursement for, nonphysician surgical assistants.
What is AST in surgical?
AST provides continuing education opportunities to advance the knowledge and skills base of practicing surgical technologists and surgical assistants through a national Journal and an annual conference.
What is the AST week?
AST offers national recognition through National Surgical Technologist Week, a week that has been specifically designated to celebrate and honor the professions. It began by a resolution adopted by the AST Board of Directors in 1984.
What is the purpose of the AST?
As the oldest and most widely recognized professional organization for surgical technologists, AST's primary purpose is to ensure that surgical technologists have the knowledge and skills to administer patient care of the highest quality.
When is National Surgical Technologists Week?
You are worth celebrating. You work hard for your team. You make the operating room efficient while ensuring patient safety. You deserve recognition! That’s why, in 1984, the Association of Surgical Technologists Board of Directors dedicated the third week in September to recognizing you and your profession. National Surgical Technologists Week has been celebrated every year since and has become a national phenomenon.
Why are surgical technologists important?
Surgical technologists are essential – not only in the operating room – but to your kids and families, to local nonprofits, churches and charities, to local businesses, to your neighborhoods, causes and communities, to friends and colleagues, to the profession and to the public.
What is a surgical technologist?
A surgical technologist assists surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other members of an operating room team. Surgical technologists, who may also be called surgical or operating room technicians or scrub techs, prepare the operating room before the surgery takes place. They also prepare patients for their surgery, ...
What is a surgical assistant?
A surgical assistant is another member of the operating room team. While a surgical technologist's tasks are usually limited to preparing operating rooms and equipment, and handing instruments to surgeons, the surgical assistant provides hands-on assistance to a surgeon during an operation. A surgical assistant might help control ...
What are the requirements for surgical tech?
To work in this field, you must complete certain educational requirements and an optional certification: 1 Education: You'll need an associate degree, diploma or certificate in surgical technology. Some vocational schools, colleges, and hospitals offer this training that can last from several months to two years. Programs consist of a combination of classroom education and clinical training. The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), a widely recognized professional association, believes the associate degree is the preferred level of entry into the profession. 2 Certification: You can become certified as a surgical technologist by first completing an educational program and then passing an exam. The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) both offer certification. The NBSTA requires completion of a surgical technology program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). You can search for an accredited surgical technology program on the CAAHEP website (CAAHEP Accredited Program Search). The NCCT requires that one completes a program approved by that organization. Few states have laws regulating this occupation, but the Association of Surgical Technologists has been lobbying for licensure of surgical technologists.
What degree do you need to become a surgical technologist?
The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), a widely recognized professional association, believes the associate degree is the preferred level of entry into the profession. Certification: You can become certified as a surgical technologist by first completing an educational program and then passing an exam.
How long does it take to become a surgical tech?
Some vocational schools, colleges, and hospitals offer this training that can last from several months to two years. Programs consist of a combination of classroom education and clinical training. The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), a widely recognized professional association, believes the associate degree is the preferred level of entry into the profession.
What is the NBSTA certification?
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) both offer certification. The NBSTA requires completion of a surgical technology program that has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
