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Student Services Resources

This your MCC guide for all Student Services resources.
AST STEPS TO SCHEDULE  EXAM THROUGH NBSTSA

The Surgical Technology students at Midwestern Career College are registered for the Certified Surgical Technology (CST) Exam through the National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) by the program director.

  1. The program director submits the students' names, addresses, and personal emails to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) for their AST Gold Bundle purchase. This bundle includes a one-year AST student membership and covers the cost of their first certification exam attempt.
  2. The exam is scheduled through the NBSTSA for web-based testing at the Lasalle campus. This scheduling should be done within 30 days before or after graduation.
  3. Students take the exam on campus at the scheduled date. Results will be released once the unofficial transcripts for each student are uploaded.

If a student needs to retake the Certified Surgical Technology (CST) Exam can follow the below steps:

To sign up for the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, follow these steps:

1. Verify Eligibility

Ensure you meet one of the eligibility requirements (MCC is a CAAHEP-accredited program):

  • Graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program
  • Graduate from a military surgical technology program
  • Have previously been certified and are seeking recertification

2. Prepare Required Documents

Gather the necessary documents, which may include:

  • Proof of graduation (e.g., transcripts, diploma)
  • Proof of previous certification (if applicable)
  • Photo ID

***Proof of graduation can be obtained from the registrar by emailing registrar@mccollege.edu.

3. Create an Account

  • Go to the NBSTSA website: NBSTSA
  • Create an account if you don't already have one. This involves providing personal information and creating a username and password.

4. Complete the Application

  • Log in to your NBSTSA account.
  • Complete the online application for the CST exam. Provide all necessary information and upload the required documents.

5. Pay the Exam Fee

  • Pay the examination fee, which is typically around $190-$290, depending on your membership status with the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).

6. Schedule the Exam

  • Once your application is approved, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter.
  • Use the information in the ATT letter to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE, the testing partner. You can do this online or by phone.
  • This will be sent to your personal email address.

7. Study and Prepare

  • Review the exam content outline provided by NBSTSA (Link here: https://www.nbstsa.org/sites/nbstsa/files/pdf/2024_CST_ECO.pdf)
  • Use study materials, practice exams, and review courses to prepare for the test.

8. Take the Exam

  • Arrive at the testing center on the scheduled date and time.
  • Bring the necessary identification and any other required documents.

9. Receive Your Results

After completing the exam, you will receive your results. If you pass, you will be awarded the CST certification.