Professional Development

Surgical technologists are able to advance their careers outside the operating room in several ways. They can continue their education and become certified as surgical assistants, or they can contribute to the field of medicine in other roles. Here’s what some AST members are currently employed as:

• O.R. managers
• Central supply
• Sterile processing
• Sales representatives for medical manufacturers
• Educators

Read more about the profession in the following documents. Copies of these brochures are available at no charge by contacting Member Services by email or by calling 800-637-7433 (choose option 3).

AST Recommended Standards of Practice

This document 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’s degree as the preferred educational model for entry-level practice; and
• The bachelor’s degree as the preferred model for surgical assistants.

AST Recommended Clinical Ladder for the Surgical Technologist

This document 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

This document 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

This document 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.