Fellow of AST

The Fellow of the Association of Surgical Technologists (FAST) designation recognizes those individuals who have upheld the highest standards and traditions of the surgical technology profession, and whose professional activities have been devoted to the advancement of the profession toward improving the quality of surgical patient care.

A candidate designated as a Fellow is also recognized as one whose dedication to professional excellence has furthered the practice of surgical technology.

AST Fellows are surgical technologists and surgical assistants ...

• whose professional activities have been devoted to the practice of surgical technology and
• who abide by the AST Code of Ethics and the AST Recommended Standards of Practice

Candidates chosen as a Fellow will commit and adhere to these ethics and standards of practice when declaring the Oath of an AST Fellow.

The evaluation process involves a comprehensive inquiry and evaluation of each candidate's professional practice as a surgical technologist and his or her contributions to the profession. Candidates are required to provide AST with all relevant information required for the evaluation of the individual.

Attaining and maintaining certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist or Certified First Assistant does not, by itself, entitle the individual to acceptance as a Fellow of AST.

Members of the Fellows of the Association of Surgical Technologists

Download:

FAST application
FAST policies

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

• Applications must be received by February 1 of each year.  Applications and policies are available on the AST web site, www.ast.org  Mail applications to AST, Continuing Education Dept., 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200, Littleton, CO 80120.

• Two letters of reference.  The letters of reference must be sent with the application.  Letters of reference will be accepted from the following individuals: employer/supervisor, surgeons, member of the AST Board of Directors, member of a State Assembly Board of Directors, committee member of an AST national standing committee, individual who is a Fellow of AST, member of the ARC-ST Board of Directors, and member of the NBSTSA Board of Directors. 

• No action will be taken when an application is incomplete and/or the applicant did not submit all requested information to AST. 

• Submit $50 application fee with the application package.  If application is withdrawn, a $15 administrative fee will be charged.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE

• An applicant must meet the following qualifications:

• Prior to March 1, 2000, graduate of a surgical technology program or equivalent experience.  Beginning March 1, 2000, graduate of a CAAHEP accredited surgical technology program.

• Must have maintained CST credential for a minimum of 8 consecutive, uninterrupted years.

• Must have maintained AST membership for a minimum of 8 consecutive, uninterrupted years.

• Must be a current member of AST.  If accepted into FAST, the individual must maintain membership in AST.  If membership is not maintained, the individual will lose FAST status.

• A FAST application that is submitted by a CST or CFA that is currently serving on the AST Board of Directors will not be accepted until the individual is no longer a seated Board of Director.

• A FAST application that is submitted by a CST or CFA who is a candidate for the AST Board of Directors, officer position or director position, will not be accepted.  If the individual is elected to the AST Board of Directors, policy #5 above will apply. 

• Must maintain certification.  If certification is not maintained, the individual will lose FAST status.

• Must maintain currency through the completion of continuing education.  Renewal of certification by taking the national certification examination is not acceptable.  If the individual who is a member of FAST renews their certification through testing, they will lose FAST status. 

• No recorded professional disciplinary actions as related to practice as a CST or CFA.

Award Criteria

• Participation in local, regional, state, and/or national activities that are related to AST. 

• Demonstrated influence on surgical technology through national professional roles (lecturer, writer/author/, spokesperson such as at the state legislative level). 

• Participation in community, regional, or national volunteer activities that are not necessarily related to the surgical technology profession.

• Demonstrates outstanding knowledge and expertise in the practice, education, research or management areas of the surgical technology profession.

• Recognized by peers as an outstanding leader in the profession of surgical technology.

Evaluation, Acceptance and Denial

The evaluation of an applicant is based on the information that is provided as related to the above stated qualifications and examples of achievements. 

Following review of all applicants, individuals will be chosen for admittance into FAST and their names forwarded to the AST Board of Directors for recognition.  Approval and denial is as follows:

1. Approved for FAST Membership

• Approved applicants will be notified by letter from the AST Board of Directors of their acceptance.  However, formal acceptance and membership begins at the AST National Conference when applicant is announced.

          2.  Non-approval of FAST Membership       

• If not accepted, an individual’s application will remain active and on file for two years from the submission date.  As the individual submits documentation to AST showing proof of meeting additional acceptance criteria and/or updating current information this will be added to his/her file and reviewed prior to the next conference.  The $50 application fee will not be charged.
• At the end of the two year period, if the individual has not received the FAST designation his/her file will be discarded.  The individual can reapply by submitting a new application and $50 application fee.     

Emeritus Status for Retired CST and CFA

Individuals who are retired from the practice of surgical technology can attain Emeritus status as a member of FAST.  However, the individual must still provide evidence of meeting the  aboved stated qualifications and criteria including submitting the application with letters of reference.

Award Description

• Certificate of Recognition

• FAST Pin   

• Announcement at the AST National Conference of individuals accepted into FAST.

• Announcement in the AST monthly journal The Surgical Technologist and on the AST web site.

• Press releases at the request of the individual accepted into FAST.

• Individual is allowed to place the acronym FAST after name.  The credential is to be placed after the CST or CFA credential, i.e. John Smith, CST, FAST.

Oath of an AST Fellow

I, (state name), pledge myself to continue practicing surgical technology with the highest of utmost honesty, strict application of aseptic principles, establishing myself as an example for peers, respect the knowledge and skills of my peers, and above all else, for the safety and welfare of the surgical patient in accordance with the AST motto Aeger Primo - The Patient First.  This I solemnly swear as a Fellow of the Association of Surgical Technologists.