Key Points

• What is a surgical tech? Surgical techs are vital members of the surgical team who prepare operating rooms, manage sterile instruments, and assist surgeons during procedures.
• How to become a surgical tech in Ohio? Complete an accredited surgical technology program, earn a national certification, and apply for jobs at hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and clinics.
• Training length: Surgical tech programs in Ohio typically last from 9 to 24 months.
• Surgical tech salary: $61,600 per year (median).
• Job outlook: Ohio employs approximately 3,800 surgical techs, with steady demand and projected job growth of 4% through 2034.

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