As the oldest and most widely recognized professional organizations for surgical technologists, AST's primary purpose is to ensure that surgical technologists possess the knowledge and skill sets to administer the highest quality of care for every patient

The nonprofit arm of the Association of Surgical Technologists and serves to award scholarships and financial assistant to students studying in accredited surgical technology programs and to practitioners who volunteer for medical missions.

The mission of the NBSTSA is to provide professional certification of surgical technologists (CST) and surgical first assistants (CSFA), thus promoting quality patient care in the surgical setting.