A Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a specialized allied health professional and a member of the surgical team. This certification signifies the individual has met the national standard of knowledge and skills required to work in the operating room. The CST plays a direct role in preparing for and assisting with surgical procedures to ensure a safe and organized environment for the patient and the surgical staff. These professionals work under the supervision of a surgeon, registered nurse, or other surgical personnel.
Defining the Certified Surgical Technologist Role
The CST is a highly specialized member of the surgical team, often known informally as a surgical scrub or scrub tech. Their primary focus is maintaining the integrity of the operating room environment and the surgical workflow. This role requires an understanding of surgical procedures and the corresponding instrumentation involved. The technologist’s primary goal is to anticipate the surgeon’s next move, which helps make the entire procedure more efficient.
A major focus of the CST’s work is establishing and maintaining the “sterile field,” an area free of microorganisms created to prevent infection during surgery. This requires meticulous adherence to aseptic techniques. The CST must possess a detailed knowledge of human anatomy, microbiology, and surgical pharmacology to effectively perform their duties. Unlike a circulating nurse, the CST works directly within the sterile field, handling instruments and supplies throughout the procedure.
Essential Duties During Surgery
The duties of a Certified Surgical Technologist are divided into three phases: pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative. In the pre-operative phase, the CST prepares the operating room by ensuring all necessary equipment is functioning correctly and supplies are stocked. This preparation includes verifying the integrity and sterility of all packages and setting up the instrument table. The technologist also performs an initial count of sponges, needles, and instruments with a circulating nurse before the procedure begins.
During the intra-operative phase, the CST works directly alongside the surgeon, passing instruments and supplies quickly and precisely. They must constantly monitor the sterile field and correct any identified breaches in technique to prevent patient infection. The technologist is also responsible for handling biological specimens collected during the procedure, ensuring they are correctly labeled and prepared for laboratory analysis.
As the operation concludes, the CST participates in the final count of all instruments, sponges, and sharps to ensure nothing has been inadvertently left inside the patient. In the post-operative phase, the technologist assists with applying dressings to the surgical site and prepares the used instruments for terminal sterilization. They then begin the process of cleaning and restocking the operating room to prepare for the next surgical procedure.
Education and Certification Requirements
To earn the Certified Surgical Technologist credential, a candidate must first complete a formal education program. This program must be accredited by a recognized body such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs typically result in a certificate, diploma, or an associate’s degree in surgical technology.
Upon graduation, the candidate becomes eligible to sit for the national certification examination, which is administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Passing this exam demonstrates a professional’s mastery of the technical knowledge and clinical skills required for the role. The CST certification is recognized as the national standard for the profession and is often required by employers or state regulations to practice.
The certification must be maintained through a process of recertification every two years. This renewal can be achieved either by completing a required number of continuing education credits or by retaking and passing the national certification examination. This ongoing requirement ensures that the Certified Surgical Technologist remains current with advancements in surgical techniques, equipment, and safety practices.