Scholarship Funding for Surgical Technology Students!

At the fall 2008 business meeting, it was proposed that MSA-AST donate $2000 to the Foundation for Surgical Technology scholarship fund to be made available to 4 Michigan Surgical Technology Students in the amount of $500 each. This is a onetime donation to the Foundation for Surgical Technology. The proposal was passed.

Some members asked for additional information.

MSA currently provides stipends to members who serve as delegates to the National Conference and for one member to attend the Leadership Forum.

There are currently 15 CAAHEP accredited Surgical Technology Programs in the state of Michigan. It was reasoned by the MSA board that by donating the money to the Foundation for Surgical Technology there would be no appearance of impropriety or question regarding the distribution of funds. It is believed that the money will not only benefit 4 students pursuing the field of Surgical Technology as a career, but will also benefit MSA.

The foundations’ mission is twofold:

First, current AST members can seek financial assistance for medical mission work or to pursue advanced education related to the practice. These applications do not have a deadline and are reviewed throughout the year.

Second, the foundation offers assistance to surgical technology students who seek a career in surgical technology. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage and reward educational excellence as well as to respond to the financial need demonstrated by the surgical technology student. Student applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2009.

There are additional scholarship programs available to all AST membership.

For additional information regarding the Foundation of Surgical Technologist and other scholarships that are available please visit http://www.ast.org/educators/scholarships.aspx


Updated 11/24/2008