The Association of Surgical Technologist
The Association of Surgical Technologist is an organization that was started in 1969. It was initiated by members of the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses, American College of Surgeons and the American Hospital Association. Representing over 55,000 surgical assistants and technologists, it is run by 11 Board of Director members, and local levels consist of 46 state formed assemblies who deal with members issues and concerns. This association is widely recognized as the oldest surgical assistant and surgical technologists organization that ensures that these professionals have acquired the proper skills and knowledge that is required to administer high quality patient care. This association’s mission is to provide enhancement to this profession, to ensure excellence in patient care. The AST work to provide uniform standards for educating students that are entering into this profession. They work with the committee of education in surgical technology’s accreditation review, to ensure standards that include the preferred entry level of this profession to be an associate degree. They also lobby at national and state levels for accredited education in this field, and hold and maintain the Certified Surgical Technologist credentials for employment as well as regulating and reimbursement of surgical assistants.
They also provide opportunities in continuing education for advancement in skills and knowledge of surgical techs and surgical assistants. In 1984 the organization began a national recognition week to honor and celebrate these professionals. Becoming a member of this organization allows free archiving of continuing education credits. They automatically transfer the credits to the National Board of Surgical Technicians and Surgical Assistants for renewal of their certification. They offer twelve continuing education courses free of charge that are eligible for use in a 4 year renewal of certification, which is 20 percent of the required amount. They also offer discounts of substantial amounts on continuing education courses and the certification examination. A monthly journal is included with topics that are relevant to this profession. Other benefits of being a member of this organization are discounted educational supplies such as textbooks, DVDs and CDs, current website, up-to-date salary information.
Since this is the only organization that supports and represents these professionals on a national level, they are committed to providing excellent education resulting in excellent patient care. With their on-line website, members can easily update information, renew membership, explore benefits and submit CEUs. They also offer a job search that can assist surgical technologist in finding employment. Certification is very important. CEUs should be completed at least six months prior to the certification expiration date. If these credits are not completed and filed before the expiration date, the only option is the take the exam that is required by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. To renew credentials the certified tech must have earned 60 CEUs in the four years of each cycle. Certification is issued through the NBSTSA, and the Association of Surgical Technologist are in charge of approving and processing continuing education units. Joining this organization saves surgical technologist costs on processing fees of CEUs, which are quite expensive. Annual membership is $80.00.
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