Student Association

Something new and exciting is in the works for students -- a new student association. As a student member of AST, you're automatically a member of the new association, and there's no fee or paperwork required to join. See what's new ...

Find a School

Finding an accredited surgical technology program is very important for students. In order to sit for the national certification exam, students must have graduated from an accredited school.

By passing the certification exam, students are able to use the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) credential. This designation is important to your future career, because many states and health-care facilities now require certification prior to employment.

Read more, including a list of accredited schools, on the Accreditation page. Read more about certification on the Certification page.

Scholarships

There are several opportunities for students to receive financial assistance. Learn more about them on the Scholarships page.

Honor Society

The AST National Honor Society recognizes outstanding students and offers a special scholarship for students who extend their education into an accredited surgical assisting program. Click on the Honor Society page.

Join AST

AST offers two discount packages for students and two ways to join:

Online - To join, click here. You must be participating in a program accredited by the ARCST. For a list of accredited programs and institutions, please visit www.arcst.org. 

Fax/Mail - Open this student-only membership application. Fill out the information in the interactive fields, and then print. Fax number and mailing address are listed on the form.
Please note: The Gold and Silver Student Packages are only for students who have never held the CST credential, do not hold the CST credential currently, and have never taken the national CST exam administered by the NBSTSA.

Current practitioners - Please visit the Renew/Join page for a membership application and renewal information.


Certification
Earning the CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) credential is vital to your future career. Here's why ...


Publications
Student members receive two free publications from AST -- ASTSA News (formerly Student Connection) and The Surgical Technologist monthly journal. Please see the Publications page for descriptions of both.

Career Center

Another benefit of being a member of AST is the online Career Center.  Check it out for future job possibilities across the country.

AST Products

Textbooks, study guides, medical dictionaries - surgical technology students learn A LOT in school! You get a discount on a long list of valuable resources if you're a student member of AST. Visit the AST Online Store to see what would help you in school.

Online Discussion Board