Willingness to Serve

AST relies on the resources of expertise, diversity and creativity available through our members to meet the goals of our Strategic Plan. You have the ability to be involved and to be an influential voice in issues related to achieving the mission and vision of AST.

Willingness to become involved with AST leadership, committees, work groups, projects and events is your first step in beginning your journey to personal and professional fulfillment.

Currently, there are several opportunities to have a significant impact on the profession as well as the entire AST organization by serving in one of the national positions listed below. Only active AST members (CST with currency or CST, CSFA as defined in the AST Bylaws) are eligible to serve on national committees.

More information about these positions is also available on the AST Leadership page

AST National Office
President
The President is the official representative of the association and is responsible, in partnership with the Board of Directors, for the organization’s activities. The President presides at all meeting, works with the Vice President to determine appointments to standing committees (with approval from the Board), maintains dialogue with other professional organizations and serves as an ex-officio member on all committees.

Vice President
The Vice President actively aids the President and performs the duties of the President when required. The Vice President assists the President with orientation of new officers and committee members, consults with the President regarding the termination of committee appointments and provides assistance in finding replacements, and recognizes outstanding achievements among members and supporters.

Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for the collection, disbursement, protection and accounting of association funds under the guidance of the Board of Directors and pursuant to the AST Policy Manual. The Treasurer chairs the Budget and Finance Committee, supervises the preparation of the semi-annual financial reports, and advises the Board of unbudgeted financial expenditures.

Secretary
The Secretary records the proceedings of the Board of Directors and House of Delegates. The Secretary furnishes a copy of the Board meeting minutes, ensures that the Minutes Readers Committee reviews the minutes of the House of Delegates meetings, assists with writing motions concerning the intent of the Board of Directors, presents an oral report to the House of Delegates and serves as the chair of the Policy and Procedures Committee.

AST Board of Directors
The AST Board of Directors includes the four national officers and seven elected Directors. The Board transacts business on behalf of the organization in between meetings of the House of Delegates, formulates policies and procedures for the organization, establishes standing committees, reviews committee reports and enacts responses, and contracts for the services of the Chief Executive Officer.

AST Standing Committees
Bylaws, Resolutions and Parliamentary Procedures
The President makes appointments annually with approval of the Board for a term of two years, with a maximum of three terms, as vacancies occur. The Committee is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and recommending amendments to the AST Bylaws, including those proposed by members, and reviews and approves bylaws of constituent divisions to ensure conformity with AST Bylaws.

Education and Professional Standards Committee
The President makes appointments annually with approval of the Board for a term of two years, with a maximum of three terms, as vacancies occur. The Committee develops strategies to standardize and enhance the quality of entry-level surgical technology education, ensures the relevance of the Core Curriculum, reviews production of educational products, develops Standards of Practice and communicates with educators.

State Assembly Leadership Committee
The President makes appointments annually with approval of the Board for a term of two years, with a maximum of three terms, as vacancies occur. The Committee oversees all state assembly activities and serves as the state liaison between the Board and the individual constituent organizations. The Committee educates and motivates members of individual state assemblies regarding legislative initiatives and mentors state assemblies to achieve success.

AST Special Committees
Association of Surgical Assistants (ASA) Advisory Committee
This Committee is an Ad Hoc Committee, and its members are appointed by the AST President for a one-year term. The Committee serves to develop strategies for the development of the surgical assistant organization to promote growth, identify benefits, advance recognition and legislative strategies. The Committee is focusing on the establishment of an independent organization.

ASTSA Student Association (ASTSA)
The ASTSA mission focuses on building and improving AST’s services and benefits to the surgical technology student population. THE ASTSA Board is elected annually and is composed of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The officers serve as tellers for the ASTSA elections, and develop the agenda for the ASTSA Forum at the following year’s annual conference.

Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology
and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)
Board of Directors
The Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting establishes, maintains and promotes appropriate standards of quality for educational programs in surgical technology and surgical assisting. Appointed for three-year terms, the eight-member Board of Directors consists of three surgical technology educators and one surgical assisting educator appointed by AST, two surgeons appointed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and an allied health dean and a surgical technology educator appointed by ARC/STSA.

Subcommittee on Accreditation for Surgical Assisting (SASA)
The Subcommittee on Accreditation for Surgical Assisting helps to administer the surgical assisting accreditation process. Appointed for three year terms, the five-member Subcommittee is composed of four representatives with appropriate academic experience and knowledge (two are appointed by AST and two are appointed by the National Surgical Assistants Association, NSAA), and one academic administrator for allied health is appointed by ARC/STSA.

National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
Board of Directors
The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting is the credentialing agency for surgical technologists and surgical assistants and is solely responsible for certification exam content and test administration. Appointed for three-year terms, the nine-member Board of Directors consists of six CSTs and CFAs (five of whom are appointed by AST and one by NBSTSA), one public member appointed by AST, one surgeon appointed by (ACS) and one surgical technology education appointed by NBSTSA.

Download National Office Forms
National Office - Consent to Serve Form
National Office - Curriculum Vitae - Board of Directors
National Office - Curriculum Vitae - Appointed Positions

STATE ASSEMBLY OFFICE

All AST members are automatically members of their state assembly, free of charge. State assemblies have wonderful opportunities to advance your career through continuing education events and annual meetings. Participating in your state assembly is a great way to connect with colleagues throughout your state, as well as influence the future of this profession.

If you would like to run for office, please fill out the Consent to Serve Form and Curriculum Vitae below. Send the completed forms to your state assembly president or officer. Click here for a list of state assembly websites for contact information.

Download State Assembly Forms
State Assembly - Consent to Serve Form
State Assembly - Curriculum Vitae

Thank you for helping AST grow!