State Career Guide

Ohio Surgical Technologist Requirements & Career Pathway

See what Ohio currently requires, what employers are asking for, and how the UpTrain Surgical Technologist program may fit your career goal.

Ohio•Guide reviewed: September 2026

OhioState-specific pathway guidance

The Bottom Line for Ohio

Can I work as a Surgical Technologist in Ohio through this pathway?

Currently, Ohio does not require Surgical Technologists to hold a state-issued license or registration. Hiring requirements are largely determined by employers.

Ohio is considering House Bill 423, which would establish statewide requirements, including certification through an approved organization — specifically NCCT — and completion of 120 surgical cases.

Read the full details →

What is NCCT TS-C?

A nationally recognized certification for Surgical Technologists.

The Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) is issued by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). The certification program is NCCA-accredited.

125surgical cases required

90+as first scrub

NCCAaccredited

The Bottom Line for Ohio⌄

Currently, Ohio does not require Surgical Technologists to hold a state-issued license or registration. Hiring requirements are largely employer-driven.

Ohio is considering House Bill 423, which would establish statewide requirements including NCCT certification and 120 surgical cases.

Read the full details →

What is NCCT TS-C?⌄

The Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C) is issued by NCCT and is NCCA-accredited.

125surgical cases

90+first scrub

NCCAaccredited

How the UpTrain Pathway Fits⌄

How the UpTrain Pathway Fits

Flexible. Affordable. Built for your future.

Designed primarily around the NCCT TS-C pathway.

The UpTrain Surgical Technologist program, offered in partnership with Louisiana State University Shreveport, provides online, self-paced training with support toward the clinical experience required for NCCT TS-C.

✓Approximately 4–6 months of online coursework
✓350 contact hours
✓Externship and clinical-placement support
✓Career-placement assistance
✓Support toward completing and documenting the NCCT 125 surgical cases

Return to Program & Enroll →

$1,188 tuition • Starting at $99/month

Primary certification pathway: NCCT TS-CThe main certification pathway associated with the UpTrain program.

Additional option: AAHThe program also prepares students for the American Allied Health Surgical Technologist certification.

Important to knowThe program is certificate/non-degree, is not CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited, and does not provide the standard new-graduate pathway to the NBSTSA CST exam.

NCCT TS-C focus

Online coursework plus required surgical-case experience.

NBSTSA CST and NCCT TS-C: What’s the Difference?⌄

Certification Comparison

NBSTSA CST and NCCT TS-C: What’s the Difference?

Two respected certifications, different pathways.

Feature	NBSTSA CST	NCCT TS-C (UpTrain pathway)
Credential	Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)	Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C)
Certification body	NBSTSA	NCCT
NCCA-accredited certification	Yes	Yes
Typical training timeline	Commonly 12–24 months	UpTrain coursework: approx. 4–6 months, followed by required surgical cases
Estimated training cost	Approx. $4,000–$40,000+	UpTrain: $1,188
Certification exam fee	Approx. $230–$340	Approx. $199
Surgical case requirement	Approx. 120 cases through accredited education	125 documented cases, including at least 90 first scrub
Accepted by every employer?	No	No

What Ohio Employers Are Asking For⌄

Employer Evidence

What Ohio Employers Are Asking For

Examples show real NCCT acceptance, but hiring requirements still vary.

Cleveland Clinic

Recent postings list both NBSTSA CST and NCCT TS-C among accepted certifications.

View source →

Kettering Health

Recent postings identify NCCT certification as an accepted qualification pathway.

View source →

Premier Health

Current and recent postings identify NCCT among accepted or preferred credentials.

View source →

Mount Carmel Health

Recent postings reference certification through NBSTSA or NCCT.

View source →

Which Pathway May Be Right for You?⌄

Choosing a Path

Which Pathway May Be Right for You?

UpTrain / NCCT TS-C may be worth considering if you:

Want online, self-paced training
Prefer a shorter timeline
Need a more affordable option
Are prepared to complete required surgical cases
Plan to pursue employers that accept NCCT TS-C

Consider an accredited CST pathway if:

Your intended employer specifically requires NBSTSA CST
You want an associate degree
Your target position requires accredited Surgical Technology education
You want the standard new-graduate route to CST eligibility

Job Titles to Search in Ohio⌄

Job Search

Job Titles to Search in Ohio

Surgical TechnologistSurgical TechnicianCertified Surgical TechnologistOperating Room TechnicianScrub TechnicianOR Surgical TechnologistPerioperative Technician

Before You Enroll⌄

Before You Enroll

Check three things before making your decision.

Your target employersReview nearby openings and confirm which credentials they accept.

Your NCCT pathwayUnderstand the 125-case requirement, including at least 90 first-scrub cases.

Current Ohio requirementsBecause HB 423 remains pending, check its status before and during training.

Ready to take the next step?

If the UpTrain pathway matches your career goal and target-employer requirements, return to the program to review curriculum, tuition, payment options, and enrollment.

Return to Program & Enroll →View Full Program Details

$1,188 tuition • Starting at $99/month

Sources & Important Information⌄

Sources reviewed

Ohio House Bill 423
NCCT TS-C certification requirements
NBSTSA CST certification information
Representative Ohio employer postings
UpTrain Surgical Technologist program information

Important information

This guide is for general informational purposes and does not guarantee eligibility for certification or employment. State laws, certification requirements, and employer hiring standards can change.

Guide reviewed: September 2026