Key Points
- Surgical techs are vital members of the surgical team who prepare operating rooms, manage sterile instruments, and assist surgeons during procedures.
- Complete an accredited surgical technology program, earn a national certification, and apply for jobs at hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and clinics.
- Surgical tech programs in Ohio typically last from 9 to 24 months.
- Ohio employs approximately 3,800 surgical techs, with steady demand and projected job growth of 4% through 2034, with a median annual salary of $61,600.
What is a Surgical Tech?
A surgical technician, also known as a surgical technologist, is an allied health professional who works as part of a surgical team. They are responsible for ensuring the operating room environment is safe, sterile, and efficient.
What Does a Surgical Tech Do?
- Prepare the operating room and sterile equipment
- Organize surgical instruments for procedures
- Assist with prepping patients for surgery
- Pass instruments and supplies to surgeons during operations
- Help with post-procedure cleanup and patient care
Surgical Tech Salary and Job Outlook in Ohio
The demand for surgical technicians in Ohio is stable, with the state having a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average.
According to May 2024 data, the median annual salary for a surgical tech in Ohio is $61,600. Salaries can range from around $46,380 for entry-level positions to over $78,250 for the most experienced techs. Nationally, employment is projected to grow by 4% between 2024 and 2034, ensuring continued opportunities across the state.
How to Become a Surgical Tech in Ohio
Follow these steps to start your career as a surgical technician in Ohio.
Step 1: Meet education requirements: You must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a surgical technology program.
Step 2: Enroll in an accredited surgical tech program: Choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). These programs result in a certificate or an associate degree.
Step 3: Earn your surgical tech certification: After graduating, you must pass a national certification exam. The most common credential is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). The national first-time pass rate for the CST exam was 68.6% in 2025.
Step 4: Apply for surgical tech jobs: With your certification, you can apply for positions in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and private clinics throughout Ohio. You can also search for job openings via MyNextMove.
Step 5: Maintain your certification and advance your career: To maintain your CST credential, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. You can also pursue advanced roles, such as becoming a surgical first assistant.
Requirements to Become a Surgical Tech in Ohio
While Ohio does not currently require state licensure for surgical technologists, most employers follow industry standards and require national certification. Proposed legislation may establish state-level regulations in the future.
Typical requirements include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program
- A passing score on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam
- A criminal background check, drug screening, and proof of immunizations may also be required by employers
Where to Find Classes in Ohio
Dreambound allows you to search and compare surgical tech schools in Ohio by location, cost, and program format.
Programs can be completed in as little as nine months for a certificate or four to five semesters for an Associate of Applied Science degree. In-state tuition at Ohio community colleges typically ranges from approximately $3,200 to $5,800 per academic year. Many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans to help students cover costs.
Find a surgical tech program near you to get started.
Career Paths and Opportunities for Surgical Techs
After earning your certification, you have several career options:
- Work as a general surgical tech in a hospital operating room
- Specialize in a surgical field like orthopedics, neurosurgery, or cardiac surgery
- Take on travel surgical tech assignments for higher pay and flexibility
- Advance to a surgical first assistant (CSFA) role with additional training
- Move into non-clinical roles like teaching, program management, or medical device sales
