Explore the Evolving Role of Surgical Technologists in the Age of Robotics

Infection Control Today celebrates National Surgical Technologists Week. (Adobe Stock 528170762 by Rana)

As surgical technology advances, so does the essential role of the certified surgical technologist (CST). From the growth of robotics to more complex instruments, CSTs are now responsible not only for maintaining sterile fields but also for mastering advanced tools that demand specialized training.

Their expertise extends from the surgeon’s side to the patient’s bedside, where they troubleshoot, anticipate complications, and ensure seamless transitions between robotic, laparoscopic, and open procedures.

Infection Control Today^® (ICT^®), in celebration of National Surgical Technologists Week 2025 from September 21 to 27, 2025, spoke with Kevin M. Toole, MEd, BS, CST, National Dean of Medical Technology Programs at Education Affiliates, about how the CST’s role has changed as robotics has entered the surgical field.

During Surgical Technologists Week, we celebrate these professionals whose adaptability, precision, and commitment to infection prevention safeguard patients and support the entire surgical team.

ICT: How has the role of CSTs evolved with the rise of robotics and new surgical technologies, and what does this mean for infection prevention in the operating room?

Kevin M. Toole MEd, BS, CST: Robotics has reshaped the surgical field, and as a result, surgical technologists have had to evolve right alongside it. Surgical technologists are now responsible for assembling, testing, and troubleshooting robotic instrumentation. Unlike traditional surgery and surgical instruments, robotic instruments are highly specialized, so surgical technologists must be more specialized and highly trained as well.

While the surgeon controls the robot from the console, surgical technologists remain at the patient’s bedside, exchanging instruments, positioning ports, and assisting with troubleshooting in real time. Surgical technologists must be prepared to quickly convert robotic procedures to open or laparoscopic surgery if complications arise, so their role on the surgical team has evolved substantially.

As far as the surgical technologists’ continued role with infection prevention in the operating room, as it pertains to robotic surgery, the overall principles of sterile technique remain the same, but the robotic instruments themselves have more complex handling, usage limits, and cleaning requirements that surgical technologists must be familiar with to ensure compliance and infection control.

ICT: In what ways does surgical technologist training emphasize infection prevention practices, such as maintaining a sterile field, proper instrument handling, and adherence to protocols, and how has this training changed in recent years?

KMT: Infection prevention is one of the core pillars of surgical technology education and training, and surgical technologists are always on the front line of creating, maintaining, monitoring, and protecting the sterile field, ensuring that patient safety is the top priority. Surgical technologists are responsible for the correct application of aseptic and sterile techniques, establishing the sterile field for surgery, and ensuring the sterile field remains intact throughout the surgical procedure. Safe and effective instrument handling before, during, and after the surgical procedure is paramount to the surgical technology profession.

The training and education of surgical technologists has evolved substantially along with the evolution of more advanced surgical procedures, techniques, and more advanced surgical instruments and equipment, such as robotics. Surgical technology education programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) are at the forefront in ensuring that a Gold Standard level of education and training is surgical technology practices is always achieved. Only graduates of CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited programs meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the CST examination. The CST certification is the leading national certification for the surgical technology profession and is also required, by law, for employment as a surgical technologist in many states.

ICT: With ongoing health care staffing shortages, why is it especially important now to raise awareness of the surgical technologist profession, and how does having properly trained and certified technologists protect both patients and surgical teams from infection risks?

KMT: The ongoing shortages of surgical technologists have been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic and have contributed to an increase in nonaccredited alternative training programs, as well as abbreviated online training programs, neither of which meets the standards associated with a fully accredited surgical technology educational program.

These alternative pathways do not utilize the current Association of Surgical Technology (AST) Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology nor undergo any formal, recurring accreditation review to ensure the proper education, techniques, and adherence to the standards of practice are being taught that meet or exceed the industry standards, to include infection control practices, required for safe patient care in the operating room. Having a properly trained CST provides the utmost protection from infection risks for both patients and surgical teams in the operating room.