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

Application Procedure

• Applications must be received by February 1 of each year. Mail applications with payment to AST, Attn: CE Dept, 6 West Dry Creek Circle, Littleton CO 80120.
• The applicant must submit two letters of reference. The letters of reference must be mailed 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, and an individual who is a Fellow of AST.
• No action will be taken if an incomplete application is received.
• Submit a $50-application fee with the application package. If a candidate requests that his/her application be withdrawn, the individual will receive a refund of the amount paid less a $15-administrative fee.

Qualifications for FAST Candidates

• Candidates who graduated prior to March 1, 2000, must either be graduates of a surgical technology program or have the equivalent experience. Candidates who graduated after March 1, 2000 must have graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program.
• A candidate must have maintained the CST credential for a minimum of eight consecutive years.
• A candidate must have maintained AST membership for a minimum of eight consecutive years.
• A candidate must be a current member of AST. If accepted as a Fellow, the individual must maintain membership in AST. If membership is not maintained, the Fellow will lose the FAST designation.
• A candidate must maintain certification. If certification is not maintained, the Fellow will lose the FAST designation.
• A candidate must maintain currency through the completion of continuing education. Renewal of certification by taking the national certification examination is not acceptable. If the Fellow renews certification through testing, he/she will lose the FAST designation.
• A candidate must have no recorded professional disciplinary actions related to their practice as a CST or CFA.
• The candidate must be actively working in the surgical technology profession as a practitioner, educator, administrator/manager, or sales representative for a medical company.

Award Criteria

• The candidate participates in local, regional, state, and/or national activities that are related to AST.
• The candidate demonstrates influence on surgical technology through national professional roles (lecturer, writer/author/spokesperson such as at the state legislative level).
• The candidate participates in community, regional, or national volunteer activities that are not necessarily related to the surgical technology profession.
• The candidate demonstrates outstanding knowledge and expertise in the practice, education, research or management areas of the surgical technology profession.
• The candidate is recognized by peers as an outstanding leader in the profession of surgical technology.

Evaluation, Acceptance and Denial

The evaluation of a candidate is based on the documents substantiating the individual's qualifications and achievements. Following the review of all documentation, candidates will be chosen and their names forwarded to the AST Board of Directors for recognition. Approval and denial is based on the following criteria:

• Approval of FAST Designation —
Approved applicants will be notified by letter from the AST Board of Directors. However, formal acceptance and membership commence at the AST National Conference when the Fellow candidate is publicly announced.

• Denial of FAST Designation —
Following denial, the candidate may resubmit a new application and letters of reference after meeting further criteria.

All candidate information is kept confidential by AST.

The policies established for selecting candidates are formed, accepted, and applied uniformly by the AST Board of Directors. These policies are revised by the AST Board of Directors. No other method is available for designation as a FAST.

Emeritus Status for Retired CST and CFA

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

Award Description

• Certificate of Recognition
• FAST pin
• Announcement of accepted Fellows at the AST Annual National Conference.
• Announcement in the AST monthly journal The Surgical Technologist and on the AST web site.
• Press releases at the request of the new Fellow.
• Right to place the acronym FAST after the name. The FAST designation is to be placed after the CST or CFA credential, ie John Smith, CST, FAST (or Fellow of the Association of Surgical Technologists).

Oath of an AST Fellow