CST case studies

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST®) credential is issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), which describes itself as the premier standard in certification for the surgical technology field. The credential is built for practicing surgical technologists who want to demonstrate a level of training, professional competency, and commitment above that of a non-certified technologist. NBSTSA also issues the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA®) credential, the advanced step for technologists who assist the surgeon directly with tasks such as controlling bleeding and closing incisions. The CST exam samples the full perioperative role: preparing instruments and supplies, establishing and protecting the sterile field, anticipating the surgeon's needs during the procedure, managing counts and specimens, handling post-procedure care, and applying professional and administrative knowledge such as documentation, standards, and patient-safety practices. The CST case studies are 5 cases and about 2,970 words.