Resources for Surgical Professionals
A curated list of trusted tools and organizations to help you excel in every stage of your surgical career.
Study & Exam Prep
Use this list to assist you in your educational journey. All resources include direct links to order from their respective publishers.
If you're a Surgical Technology student, this is the textbook you NEED! Published AST is 2017, this is the main source of your CST exam. You can expect anything in this book to be on your certification exam.
Based on feedback from educational program directors and on the approved core curriculum, this textbook delivers the information and insights you need as you work your way through the surgical assisting programs and study for the certification exam.
Published in 2024, this is this is the most recent updated surgical technology education resource from AST.
A quick resource when you're at work, or clinicals. These double sided badge buddy reference cards will help any medical professional from surgical techs, nurses, medical students, PAs and anyone else working in the surgery.
JOMI creates a window into the practice of expert surgeons creating on-demand virtual shadowing experiences. Prepare for clinical rotations with full-length procedures and accurate information knowing that JOMI articles are peer-reviewed.
Use code FTLOS for a 20% discount on subscriptions
The only AST-endorsed study guide for the NBSTSA national surgical technologist certifying examination. A total of 1,386 practice questions - each exam reflects the NBSTSA exam content outline.
A pocket guide for Surgical Tech students during clinical rotations and newly hired graduates. Information on basic skills in aseptic technique, sterility and how to accomplish it, standard equipment and its uses, medication usage, common procedures and more are discussed in the book.
Certification/ Licensing Review
With a 100% pass guarantee, prepare for the most important exams of your career with realistic board review questions and board-style cases.
Use the discount code FTLOS20 for a 20% off coupon sitewide (that includes ANY prep course)
This pocket guide presents more than 500 surgical procedures. For each procedure, you’ll find a definition, discussion, description of the surgery, preparation of the patient, skin preparation, draping technique, instrumentation, supplies, and special notes pertinent to that surgery.
A surgeon preference card book, divided into surgical services for quick reference of the surgical procedure. Improve surgical accuracy and efficiency by providing detailed information on a surgeon's preferred techniques, instruments, supplies, sutures, medication and more.
Career Development & Networking
Use this section to navigate the various developmental opportunities within the surgical speciality. Whether it's certification, licensing, or networking to foster stronger professional relationships - you can find it here.
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, 50 formed state assemblies address member concerns and issues.
The trusted source for perioperative leaders, providing critical information, analysis, and best practices for management of the surgical suite. They offer monthly publications, conferences, educational events, and an array of resources for perioperative leaders.
Determines, through examination, if an individual has acquired both theoretical and practical knowledge of surgical technology or surgical first assisting.
ASA seeks to unite professionals from diverse backgrounds, including Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFAs), Certified Surgical Assistants (CSAs), and Surgical Assistants-Certified (SA-Cs), and to advance the allied health profession of surgical assisting.
Real salaries in the surgical technology field, organized by state.
A national community for operating room nurses to share best practices for patients undergoing surgery.
Additional Resources
Use this section as a way to give back and add to the list of resources that could've helped you in your journey. Sharing what we learn with each other is the best way to feed into our community.
These guidelines were researched and developed, in order to aid in legislative efforts for state assemblies and to provide readily available answers to questions asked by operating room supervisors.
Share a surgical technology program where you’ve had a positive experience and we'll add it to the growing list for proscet students to use as a resource.
Trusted Partners & Networks
We proudly collaborate with organizations that uphold excellence in surgical education and patient care.