Dissappointed

I would like to know how many people on this site are currently CST's? Meaning you actually passed the national exam & became certified. I would also like to know how many of you are involved in your state assembly? It seems like alot people grip on this site about pay. Well if you ROCK & you are certified you get paid pretty well. If you don't think your getting paid enough take the First Assistant Exam & become a CFA.

I am SHOCKED to see so many people say so many negative things about OUR career! To the point it ends up changing other possible students minds about the career.YOU WILL NOT become rich by being a STSR! But your work WILL be rewarding & you will learn alot!

As far as saying do be a nurse.... What makes you say being a nurse is better. I mean as far as employment goes it's CST's or RN's!

ALL FUTURE CST's Please visit AST's website & research. Do not base your opinion on what is on this forum alone.

No CST's ????

I am a CST, I went to school in 1994 ~gasp~ and in 2002 I left the work force to have a couple of babies and this past April I decided to go back to work. I pulled out my books that I've been lugging around for more than a decade, did a quick overview and took the CST test again. Passed it without an issue and went to work.

I ran into another CST whom I worked with years ago and we were talking about this whole certification/pay issue. I had no idea that anyone could work without being a CST, but here in VA it doesn't seem to be a big deal for employers.

A couple of weeks ago I did get a letter in the mail about the local assembly and my friend and I are talking about getting involved instead of just complaining about the issues and actually doing something about it. It has been a difficult transition for me since I went back to work to balance family with working full time and having enough time to get involved. But that is our goal.

South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas are requiring certification now. With the exception of people who were "Grandfathered" in a few years ago. I know my class has to gain certification in order to graduate. Shand's Health care, which is HUGE here is pushing towards the same. If you are hired on with Shands you have 6 months to get certified.

Getting involved with your state assembly is a WONDERFUL thing. Especially if you have an opinion about the association or state issues within our field!

Taking our profession seriously is something WAY bigger than state assemblies, or school accreditation. It start with US!! If you want to be taken seriously and respected for all the education we have then you must get involved. Individually, and complaining on forums does NOTHING!!!

We are CST's or CFA's need to become proactive & make a difference!!

how do you find out if your state require's a certification in order to work?