|
About the Profession
Surgical technology is one of the fastest growing professions
in the country. It is projected to grow faster than the average
of all other occupations through the year 2012. As baby boomers
approach retirement age, the volume of surgery will increase exponentially.
Surgical Technologist Job Description
Surgical Assistant Job Description
Surgical Technology: A Growing
Career provides information on the role of the surgical technologist
in the operating room, describes the growth rate and working conditions,
the personal characteristics and education needed, the curriculum
a student should expect, the importance of attending an accredited
school, and information about certification.
To view statistical information about the profession, including
a map of the average hourly pay rate of AST members by state,
click on Surgical
Technology Statistics.
Council on Surgical & Perioperative Safety
A coalition of seven professional organizations involved in surgical patient care has incorporated as the Council on Surgical & Perioperative Safety. The mission of the group is to promote a culture of patient safety with members of the surgical team working together to provide optimal patient care and a caring perioperative workplace environment.
The seven organizations include the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants, American College of Surgeons, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and the Association of Surgical Technologists. For more information related to the Council on Surgical & Perioperative Safety, click here.
Information for Current Surgical Technologists
AST Recommended Standards of Practice outlines:
- Foundational principles of surgical technology;
- Definitions of the role of the surgical technologist and surgical
assistant;
- Recommended clinical practices; and
- Position statements on:
- Surgical technology as a subdomain of medicine;
- The associate degree as the preferred educational model
for entry-level practice; and
- The bachelor’s degree as the preferred model for surgical
assistants.
The AST Recommended Clinical Ladder for the Surgical Technologist serves as an incentive for surgical
technologists to continually improve their skills, knowledge and
competency. It also provides a program for surgical technologists
to propose to their hospitals or surgery centers to recognize
and reward job excellence.
Certified Surgical Technologists Are Vital Members of the Operating
Room Team describes the surgical technologist in sterile and
nonsterile roles, as well as how they participate in case management.
In addition, this brochure describes the role of AST and the imporance
of accreditation and certification.
CSTs and CFAs Provide
High-quality Cost-effective Health Care in the O.R. offers
information to hospitals or potential employers about hiring certified
personnel. These reasons include specialized education, cost efficiency
and continuing education. This is an important reference brochure
for surgical technologists and surgical assistants trying to initiate
a clinical ladder, increase pay for certified employees, or lobby
for their state assembly.
If you’d like a copy of any of these brochures mailed to
you at no charge, email
Member Services or call 800-637-7433 (choose option 3).
|
