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 55,000 members and represents the interests of more than 80,000 practitioners nationwide.

Renew your credential with any of the 15 CE credit packages AST features. Once your credential has expired, the window to earn qualifying CE credits vanishes and your only option is to recertify by exam through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

The surgical technologist manages instruments and implants that can harm patients during surgery. For example, in neurosurgery cases, the surgical technologist assembles drills that go into the patient's brain.

2025 AST Surgical Technology Conference June 5-7, 2025 Orlando Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace 1900 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 Speak for AST Are you a member and have a topic you'd like to share with your peers? Or know someone who would make a good presenter? To be considered, please complete the Speaker Application.

The Ellik evacuator is filled with irrigation solution by the first scrub surgical technologist and it is used by the surgeon for the irrigation/evacuation of the bladder to remove prostatic tissue fragments during a TURP.

Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) - Find your next career at AST Career Center. Check back frequently as new jobs are posted every day.

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.

The Surgical Technologist Program prepares graduates to: Become an integral member of the health care team. Assume a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, pride, team work, and enthusiasm. Utilize a knowledge base in the sciences and technologies of Surgical Technology at the technical level. Develop effective communication skills.

Currently, there are 32 published guidelines that are divided into four topics: surgical technologist responsibilities, surgical attire, aseptic technique, and disinfection and sterilization.

Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) must earn 30 CE credits, including 4 defined as live, before their two-year cycle expires to renew their credential. Two-Year Certification Cycle - CSFAs