Renew/Join

Welcome! Or welcome back! We're glad you're joining the only professional organization for surgical technologists.

Students   Please visit the Students section for membership information and student application.
For information about Student Packages, please see below

Current Members   Renew your membership here.

Not a Member Yet?   Decide which membership category in this list is right for you, then download the AST Member Benefits brochure to learn more.

Need to Pay with a Personal or Company Check?

Print out the new member application, fill it out, and mail it with your check or money order to:

AST
6 West Dry Creek Circle, Suite 200
Littleton, CO 80120-8031

Additional Information

  Memberships are processed within approximately five business days of receiving the application or order. Once they have been processed, it takes approximately 10 business days to receive your membership card and membership packet.

  The AST journal, The Surgical Technologist, is sent out in the beginning of each month. Since the mailing list is generated two months before the date of publication, you should expect to receive your first journal approximately two months after your join date.

AST GOLD/SILVER GROUP PACKAGE INFORMATION
*****For Students and/or already an AST Member ******

$262.50 - Individual Gold Package*

Includes:

 AST Student Membership - 1 year *Includes the
monthly journal - The Surgical Technologist
 Certifying Exam Study Guide
 NBSTSA Prepaid Exam Application with NBSTSA Candidate Handbook
(Includes shipping and handling.)

$222.50 - Silver Package *Currently an AST member.

Includes:

 Certifying Exam Study Guide
 NBSTSA Prepaid Exam Application with NBSTSA Candidate Handbook
(Includes shipping and handling.)

*Qualifying students must be currently enrolled in an ABHES or CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program and for first time certificates only. Student membership is for one year and thereafter the regular $80 membership applies.

Q&A
What is the difference between the Gold & Silver Group packages?
Both packages offer the same discounts on the certifying exam and study guide for first time certification. The Gold Package includes an additional discount on student membership and the Silver Package is for individuals who are already an AST member.

What roles do the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) play?
AST: processes and ships the package deals (the study guide & prepaid NBSTSA exam application) to the school/program (all shipped together to the program and person indicated on the Instructors Form).
NBSTSA: administers the exam. For all questions regarding the certifying exam and testing locations, please contact the NBSTSA at 800-707-0057 or visit their website at www.nbstsa.org.

When do we receive our packages?
If your application is by phone, the package is shipped the next day. If your application is by mail, the package is processed within 5 business days from the date we received it. Study guides and prepaid NBSTSA exams are shipped together by FedEx Ground. FedEx Ground usually delivers within 5–7 business days. No FedEx shipping on weekends. Rush orders are an extra charge. AST membership cards are mailed separately to the individual's residence through the United States Postal Service.

Exam Deadlines?
Exam application must be submitted to the NBSTSA within 6 months from the date of purchase. Once the exam application is submitted to the NBSTSA, there is an additional 6 month time limit to take the exam. An exam must be completed within one year of purchase date.

To Order: Gold/Silver Packages are not available online. Call AST Member Services at 800-637-7433, option 3. Business Hours: Mon – Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST. Or mail the corresponding membership application. Current Students Click here. Current AST Members (not a current student) Click here.