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.
Neurosurgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to neurosurgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 7, 2026
Cardiac Surgery for Surgical Technologists: A CST Exam Specialty Guide
A focused guide to cardiac surgery instrumentation, positioning, and technique concepts relevant to surgical technology students and the CST exam.
June 6, 2026
The Future of Surgical Technology as a Career: Trends Worth Watching
A look at workforce, technology, and scope-of-practice trends likely to shape the surgical technologist career over the next decade.
June 5, 2026
Surgical Robotics Instrument Certification: Is It Worth Pursuing After Your CST
An overview of manufacturer robotic instrument certification programs available to certified surgical technologists and whether they are worth the investment.
June 4, 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
3D Printing in Surgical Planning: What Surgical Technologists Should Know
How 3D-printed anatomical models and patient-specific instrumentation are used in surgical planning, and how they affect OR workflow.
June 2, 2026
Augmented Reality Surgical Navigation: A Primer for Surgical Technologists
An introduction to augmented reality navigation systems used in orthopedic and spine surgery, and their relevance to the surgical technologist role.
June 1, 2026
AI in the Operating Room: How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Surgical Technology
An overview of how artificial intelligence tools are being introduced into operating room workflows and what it means for surgical technologists.
May 31, 2026
Robotic Surgery Advances and What They Mean for the Surgical Technologist Role
How advances in robotic-assisted surgery are changing the surgical technologist's responsibilities in the operating room.
May 30, 2026
Hospital-Based vs. Community College Surgical Technology Programs Compared
A comparison of hospital-based and community college surgical technology training pathways, including cost, clinical access, and job placement.
May 29, 2026
Online vs. In-Person Surgical Technology Programs: What You Actually Need Hands-On
A comparison of hybrid online and traditional in-person surgical technology programs, and why clinical hours cannot be replicated remotely.
May 28, 2026
Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Surgical Technology Programs: Why It Matters
Why CAAHEP and ABHES accreditation status affects your CST exam eligibility, and how to verify a program before enrolling.
May 27, 2026