What is the recommended educational background for entry-level surgical technologist according to Recommended Standards of Practice?

The Recommended Standards of Practice for Surgical Technologists, as published by organizations like the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST), generally recommend that entry-level surgical technologists have completion of an accredited surgical technology program. This is not merely a high school diploma or some on-the-job training, but a formal, structured education that typically includes:

* Completion of a formal education program: This is usually a certificate, associate's degree, or diploma program specifically in surgical technology. The program must be accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body like the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

* Clinical rotations: A significant portion of the accredited program involves supervised clinical rotations in a variety of surgical settings to gain hands-on experience. These rotations are crucial for developing the practical skills necessary for the job.

In short, while there might be some variance depending on the specific employer or location, a formal, accredited education is the universally recommended educational background for entry-level surgical technologists. Simply having related experience without formal education from an accredited program is generally not sufficient to meet the standards.