AST FAST Selection Criteria

5 • Awarded the F.A.S.T. o Those individuals awarded the F.A.S.T. will be recognized at the Opening Ceremony of the AST Annual Surgical Technology National Conference (“Conference”) where they will receive the F.A.S.T. certificate and pin. Those persons selected who are not in attendance will receive the certificate and pin after the Conference. • Not Selected NOTE: A NEW APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED EACH YEAR. o If an applicant is not selected to receive the F.A.S.T., the applicant will need to submit a NEW application complete with updates by April 15 to be considered for the F.A.S.T. award. o The applicant must maintain AST active membership status and certification on a continuous basis to meet the qualifications for being awarded the F.A.S.T. designation. All information submitted by an applicant shall be kept confidential by AST and the F.A.S.T. Selection Panel. The identity of the persons selected for the F.A.S.T. shall also be kept in strict confidence by the Selection Panel until the announcement is made at the Opening Ceremony of the Conference. EMERITUS STATUS FOR RETIRED CST AND CSFA Individuals who are retired from the practice of surgical technology or surgical first assisting can be awarded Emeritus F.A.S.T. status. However, the individual must provide evidence of meeting the above stated qualifications and criteria including submitting two (2) letters of recommendation. At the discretion of the F.A.S.T. Selection Panel, a deceased individual can be considered for being awarded the Emeritus F.A.S.T status. REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING THE F.A.ST. • Active membership status in AST. • CST  or CSFA  credential. • CST  or CSFA  certification by completing all required continuing education. Renewal of the CST  or CSFA  credential by taking the NBSTSA national certification examination is not acceptable. • No recorded professional disciplinary actions by AST or NBSTSA.