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.

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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

• 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).