Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)

The Association of Surgical Technologists was established in 1969 by members of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Hospital Association (AHA), and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). Today, surgical technologists are working in one of the fastest growing professions in the country. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the surgical technology profession will grow faster than the average of all other occupations through the year 2030, and it is anticipated that the volume of surgery will increase exponentially due to the expanding senior population. As the oldest and most widely recognized professional organization for surgical technologists, AST's primary purpose is to ensure that surgical technologists have the knowledge and skills to administer patient care of the highest quality.

AST, the only national organization that represents more than 80,000 surgical technologists, is governed by an 11-member Board of Directors. On the local level, 48 formed state assemblies address member concerns and issues.

Mission:
To enhance the profession of surgical technology and ensure quality patient care.