Last updated: March 10, 2004
Copyright©2001
Farrell Hobbs, Program Director
fhobbs@cvtc.edu

Historically, surgical technology was predominately a male occupation. One of the earliest surgical technologists was recognized in the late nineteenth century in England. His name was Mr. Rampley; he was employed at London Hospital as a "surgery beadle" (theater technician).

During WWII, nurses were in short supply, so military men were trained to function as surgical technicians.

By the early 1950's most surgical technologists were trained in the military or on the job in hospitals.

In the late 1950's through the 1960's, the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) worked diligently to create the Association of Operating Room Technicians (AORT). The first formal AORT was in 1969.

In 1972 the first certification examination was given.

In 1978 AORT changed its name to Association of Surgical Technologists (AST). Since then the association has encountered many changes.

Most surgical technologist programs are now located in technical or community colleges although there are some that are still in hospital programs. All programs must follow the core curriculum as defined by AST.