AST recognizes the physical, emotional and financial hardships surgical
technologists and surgical assistants are facing during the COVID-19 crisis.
CSTs and CSFAs are performing surgical procedures on potentially infectious
patients, serving on the front lines as PPE specialists, conducting COVID
testing, and being assigned jobs outside their normal duties. Despite the
hardships, maintaining the CST and CSFA credential is important, which is why
AST has partnered with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical
Assisting (NBSTSA) to jointly underwrite the $25 renewal fee for all CSTs and
CSFAs whose certification renewal dates fall between March 15 and December 31,
2020.
*CSTs and CSFAs still will need to complete and submit the NBSTSA’s
certification renewal form as well as have earned the CE required for renewal.
Complete your AST CE Reporting Form.
For more information regarding extended certification cycles and for renewal requirements, please visit the NBSTSA website.
AST Staff Goes Remote
As
we continue to monitor the ever-changing and seemingly daily updates to the
coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to assure you that even though we have moved to
remote operations, we are doing everything we can to provide you with the same
service and benefits we normally do.
While
we have made some adjustments for our staff to work remotely, we believe that
these measures will allow us to continue providing uninterrupted service for
your membership needs. Although we have taken steps to ensure there is no
disruption for you to get in touch with our staff, we ask for your patience as
we navigate these new parameters together.
For
direct assistance, you can continue to reach us from 8 am–4:30 pm MT through all
the channels you normally do: email us at memserv@ast.org,
call us at 800-637-7433 or connect with us via chat on ast.org.
We value your commitment to your patients and your profession, and we look
forward to continuing to serve your membership needs.
Bill
Teutsch, CAE, FASAHP
CEO/Executive Director
Association
of Surgical Technologists