Association of Surgical Technologists

Association of Surgical Technologists AST is the oldest and most widely-recognized professional association for surgical technologists and surgical assistants. Learn more at www.ast.org.
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AST’s mission is to enhance the profession of surgical technology and ensure quality patient care.

You read it right! This years National Surgical Technology Conference will have a brand new schedule! Join us Sunday, Ma...
01/23/2026

You read it right! This years National Surgical Technology Conference will have a brand new schedule! Join us Sunday, May 31 - Tuesday, June 2, in Seattle, Washington, for a weekend of networking, learning, and fun! Stay connected for more updates and information, we can't wait!

Join AST for The Vanderbilt Experience, an exclusive preconference event limited to 90 attendees, featuring innovative p...
01/14/2026

Join AST for The Vanderbilt Experience, an exclusive preconference event limited to 90 attendees, featuring innovative perioperative education strategies, leadership development in the OR, and a pediatric preceptorship deep dive. Earn up to 5 CE credits and enjoy a hosted lunch while connecting with fellow educators and VUMC leaders.

Separate registration required and there are only a few spots left. Don't wait to sign up! Register here: http://bit.ly/44wTOXi We can't wait to see you in Nashville!

The AST Educators Conference is coming in hot, and you do not want to miss this Nashville energy! Join us at the DoubleT...
01/09/2026

The AST Educators Conference is coming in hot, and you do not want to miss this Nashville energy!

Join us at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Nashville Downtown, February 6-7, 2026!

Reminder: Room block closes on Tuesday, January 13, at 4 pm MST, after which hotel rates will increase. Book today!

Whether you're a seasoned educator, new to the field, or simply passionate about advancing surgical technology, this conference offers:
- Inspiring sessions presented by top educators in the surgical technology field
- Networking opportunities with peers and industry experts
- Insights into classroom management, curriculum development, and technology integration

Register today at: https://web.cvent.com/event/cddb4b59-1204-4dbb-9356-b2107ce5d577/summary

Time is running out to apply for AST Leadership roles. Now is the time to get involved!Each year, AST holds elections fo...
01/06/2026

Time is running out to apply for AST Leadership roles. Now is the time to get involved!

Each year, AST holds elections for its Board of Directors, and in 2026, the following positions will be on the ballot:

• Secretary (Two-Year Term: 2026–2028)
• Four (4) Directors (Two-Year Term: 2026–2028)

These positions offer an incredible opportunity to contribute to long-term goals and strengthen the mission and vision that guide AST.

If you're ready to elevate your involvement and ensure your perspective is part of the conversation, review the eligibility requirements before submitting your CV & Consent.

Make your voice count, applications are due January 15! Apply here: https://www.ast.org/AboutUs/Elected_Offices/

On behalf of the AST Board of Directors and AST staff, we wish everyone a Happy New Year!Front row: Director Jaime Lopez...
01/01/2026

On behalf of the AST Board of Directors and AST staff, we wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Front row: Director Jaime Lopez, CST, CSFA, RN, FAST; Secretary Rob Blackston, MEd, CST, CSFA, FAST; President Joseph Charleman, DBA, CST, CSFA, FAST; Vice President Dustin Cain, CST, CRCST, CHL, FAST; Treasurer Rachel Clark, CST, CSFA, ST-R, FAST; Director Lisa Day, MA, CST, CSFA, FAST.

Back row: Director Chris Blevins, BS, AAS-ST, CST, FAST; Director Brooke Oliver, MEd, CST, FAST; Director David Blevins, MHA, CST, CSFA, FAST; Director Monica Thulon, CST, CSFA, FAST; Director Stephanie Austin, EdD, CST, FAST.

A new year means new opportunities to learn, grow, and elevate patient care. What’s one area of surgical technology you ...
12/30/2025

A new year means new opportunities to learn, grow, and elevate patient care. What’s one area of surgical technology you want to learn more about in 2026? Comment below and see if anyone else shares the same goal!

Which OR instrument would be the best to use while baking cookies? And what would you use it for? Comment below!
12/24/2025

Which OR instrument would be the best to use while baking cookies? And what would you use it for? Comment below!

Which instrument is the one you can always count on to work some magic? Comment below!
12/23/2025

Which instrument is the one you can always count on to work some magic? Comment below!

Get ready for The Vanderbilt Experience at AST’s 2026 Educators Conference!In partnership with Vanderbilt University Med...
12/18/2025

Get ready for The Vanderbilt Experience at AST’s 2026 Educators Conference!

In partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, this two-part preconference experience delivers innovative strategies, practical tools, and immersive learning designed to elevate every surgical technology educator.

From expert-led sessions on CST pipeline development, student preparation, and emerging technologies to exclusive small-group tours of Vanderbilt’s adult and pediatric ORs, this is your chance to see cutting-edge education and clinical integration in action.

Not to mention, you can earn up to 7 CE credits!

Separate registration is required and space is limited. Secure your spot early! Register today at http://bit.ly/44wTOXi

AST Past President Sandy Edwards, CST, FASTIt is with utter sadness that we mourn the loss of AST Past President Sandy E...
12/17/2025

AST Past President Sandy Edwards, CST, FAST

It is with utter sadness that we mourn the loss of AST Past President Sandy Edwards, CST, FAST, who passed away December 12. Sandy was an instrumental presence within the profession and the organization advancing the role of the surgical technologist and championing the highest standards to provide safe patient care.

Sandy became a Certified Surgical Technologist in 1985, the same year she joined AST. Throughout the years, she became an influential member in the association, serving on the AST Board of Directors in various roles from director to secretary and then vice president from 1996 to 2001. She then served as AST’s president from 2001-2003. From there, she went on to become the president of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), then known as the LLC-ST (The Liaison Council on Certification of the Surgical Technologist). She also served as a delegate to AST’s national conference for numerous years and volunteered her time in various roles on the Oklahoma State Assembly Board.

Sandy was a shining light to many – guiding and mentoring hundreds of practitioners. Her warm, embracing spirit welcomed many into the profession and encouraged them to get involved and be an active voice for the role. Sandy will forever be in the AST family, and we are indebted to all she dedicated to this profession and the organization. She will be missed.

Rest in peace, Sandy.

To view her obituary or for service information, visit https://www.floralhaven.com/obituaries/sandy-edwards/obituary

Exhibitors, join us in Nashville! The AST 2026 Educators Conference is your opportunity to connect directly with leaders...
12/16/2025

Exhibitors, join us in Nashville! The AST 2026 Educators Conference is your opportunity to connect directly with leaders in surgical technology education. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are now open — including premium branding options and a special Vanderbilt Experience preconference.

📝 View the prospectus:
https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:9449e0f9-1c07-43a1-8e64-cac1923ec2d6?viewer%21megaVerb=group-discover
📝 Reserve Your Spot: https://ffst.formstack.com/forms/2025_educators_conference_exhibitors_copy
Questions? Contact exhibits_advertising@ast.org.

AST’s Educators Conference is where educators come together, learn together, and lead together, and The Vanderbilt Exper...
12/11/2025

AST’s Educators Conference is where educators come together, learn together, and lead together, and The Vanderbilt Experience is the cherry on top!

Space is very limited for this pre-conference event! Check out standout sessions like ATOM, Leadership in the Operating Room, and more! This event is designed to elevate your teaching and strengthen your leadership toolkit.

Don’t wait, sign up today! http://bit.ly/44wTOXi

Address

6 W Dry Creek Cir, Ste 200
Littleton, CO
80120

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+18006377433

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