Which organization provides certification for surgical technologists?

The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is the organization responsible for providing certification for surgical technologists. This certification is crucial as it demonstrates that individuals have met specific educational and professional standards necessary for the practice of surgical technology. The NBSTSA administers the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, which tests the knowledge and skills required in a surgical setting, ensuring that certified surgical technologists are well-prepared to assist in surgical procedures.

While other organizations play important roles in the field of surgical technology, such as setting educational standards or promoting the profession, they do not issue the certification itself. For example, the American College of Surgeons focuses more on surgical practice and education for surgeons rather than certification for surgical technologists. The Joint Commission is primarily concerned with the accreditation of healthcare organizations and promotes safety, quality, and performance improvement but does not certify individual practitioners. The Association of Surgical Technologists advocates for the profession and provides resources for surgical technologists but does not provide certification. Therefore, the NBSTSA stands out as the authoritative body for certification in this field.