Surgical Technology

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). AST, the only national organization that represents more than 80,000 surgical technologists, is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors.

The purpose of NBSTSA is to determine, through examination, if an individual has acquired both theoretical and practical knowledge of surgical technology or surgical first assisting. In addition, through the acquisition of continuing education credits or by re-examination, CST’s certified after August 31, 1977 and all CST/CSFAs are required to stay up to date with changes in the medical field.

AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) represents the interests of more than 200,000 nurses, educators, leaders, and other healthcare professionals working in the perioperative setting.