SurgicalTechPrep Blog
Study smarter. Pass the CST exam.
Study guides, procedure breakdowns, and exam strategy to help you pass the NBSTSA CST exam on your first attempt.
CST Exam Testing Center Rules: What You Need to Know Before You Arrive
A rundown of standard testing center rules and security procedures candidates should expect when sitting for the CST exam.
August 14, 2026
Work-Life Balance for Surgical Technologists: Practical Strategies That Actually Help
Realistic strategies surgical technologists can use to build sustainable work-life balance around demanding OR schedules.
August 6, 2026
Prone Position Complications in Surgery and How the Team Prevents Them
An overview of complications associated with the prone surgical position and prevention strategies used by the surgical team.
July 29, 2026
Pneumatic Tourniquet Safety Guidelines for Extremity Surgery
An overview of pneumatic tourniquet safety principles surgical technologists must follow during extremity procedures.
July 21, 2026
Recognizing the Early Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Hyperthermia
A guide to the early clinical signs of malignant hyperthermia that surgical team members should recognize quickly during a case.
July 13, 2026
Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Medications in the OR: A Surgical Technologist's Guide
An overview of look-alike, sound-alike medication risk in the operating room and how surgical technologists help prevent mix-ups.
July 5, 2026
Antibiotic Prophylaxis Timing in Surgery: Why the 60-Minute Window Matters
An explanation of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis timing standards and why the surgical technologist should understand this even outside direct administration duties.
June 27, 2026
Transplant Surgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to transplant surgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 19, 2026
Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Surgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to ear, nose, and throat (ent) surgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 11, 2026
Single-Port Robotic Surgery: A Guide to the Newest Robotic Platform Category
An overview of single-port robotic surgical platforms and how they differ from multi-port robotic systems for surgical technologists.
June 3, 2026
CST vs. Perioperative Registered Nurse: How the Roles Differ in the OR
A comparison of the surgical technologist and perioperative registered nurse roles, including training length, scope, and daily responsibilities.
May 26, 2026
Cranial Nerve Mnemonics for Surgical Technologists Preparing for the CST Exam
How surgical technology students can use classic and updated cranial nerve mnemonics to prepare for anatomy questions on the CST exam.
May 18, 2026