AST headquarters will be closed Monday, January 21, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr Day. We will reopen at 8 am MT Tuesday, January 22. 

  • Around the World

    Surgical technologists are committed to patient care -- not only at their own facilities, but also around the world. One of the most outstanding characteristics of practitioners is their abiding interest in working in underdeveloped countries with populations in need. AST members have sought to help others in Haiti, the Philippines, Nicaragua and Ethiopia, among others.

  • Medical Missions

    AST members interested in volunteering for a medical mission may be eligible for financial assistance from the Foundation for Surgical Technology.

    In addition, members may also receive 10 hours of continuing education credit for their participation in a medical mission once every certification cycle.

    You will need to complete and submit the Mission Medical Application and the  Medical Mission Verification Form.

    It is also our intention to share information about organizations that offer techs the opportunity to serve on medical missions. We anticipate that this list will grow as more members send us the names of medical mission organizations.

    Operation Giving Back (OPG) is a program of the American College of Surgeons and was created for the volunteer surgeon. OPG recognizes the team nature of surgical care delivery and the critical  contributions of all surgical professionals. OPG attempts to include information relevant to all members of the surgical team. 

    Please visit Resources for the Surgical Team. At the bottom of the page, you'll see a list of some of the OGB partner organizations that have indicated that they provide volunteer opportunities for surgical technologists.