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  • AST Student Members

    More than 7,000 students are currently members of AST and are widely recognized as future leaders of the profession. Student enjoy a discounted membership and are eligible to save substantially on the certification examination.

    Join AST today.


  • Students are the Future of the Profession

    The membership of AST values our future practitioners and welcomes young practitioners. The organization is a strong advocate for student interests and opportunities -- from helping young student applicants choose the best program to sponsoring a student organization that addresses specifically their needs and concerns. AST welcomes students in many diverse ways and wants to keep students informed during every phase of their student days.

    The importance of choosing the right surgical technology educational program.

    Students from CAAHEP-accredited surgical technologist and surgical assisting programs are eligible to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting national Certified Surgical Technologist Examination and Certified Surgical First Assistant Examination.

    How to find a program that is CAAHEP-accredited?

    CAAHEP is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. It is the organization that grants accreditation to surgical technology programs. All CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology and surgical assisting programs are listed by state on the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) website.

    What is the CST examination?

    The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) sponsors the CST certification examination.

    Are there student scholarship opportunities?

    Yes! Students must be currently attending an accredited program to be eligible for annual scholarships from the Foundation for Surgical Technology.

    The Foundation scholarship deadline is March 1 of each calendar year.

    AST Student Association (ASTSA)

    All AST student members are automatically members of the ASTSA. For more information about ASTSA, click on the corresponding tab on the left. 

    What is the AST National Honor Society?

    The Mission of the AST National Honor Society (NHS) is to recognize the achievement of surgical technology students and to support the learning and professional development of our members who strive to improve the surgical technology profession. For more information about AST National Honor Society, click on the corresponding tab on the left.