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State Requirements · Detailed Review

Ohio Surgical Technologist Requirements

A closer look at Ohio’s current requirements, proposed legislation, and what it means for your Surgical Technologist career path.

Ohio•Last updated: September 2026
OhioDetailed regulatory review

1. Overview

Ohio currently does not require Surgical Technologists to hold a state-issued license or registration. Hiring requirements are largely determined by hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, and other employers.

Ohio is considering House Bill 423, which would establish statewide employment requirements for Surgical Technologists working in hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities.

2. Current Requirements

As of September 2026, there is no current Ohio law requiring Surgical Technologists to obtain a state license or registration before working in the occupation.

Important: A lack of state licensing does not mean every employer accepts every education or certification pathway. Hospitals and surgical facilities can set their own hiring standards.

Depending on the position, employers may require or prefer national certification, accredited Surgical Technology education, previous operating-room experience, Basic Life Support certification, or other facility-specific qualifications.

3. House Bill 423

House Bill 423 would establish employment requirements for Surgical Technologists working in Ohio hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities.

Key points from the House-passed version

  • Applies to Surgical Technologists employed in hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities.
  • Allows qualification through certification from an approved organization, including the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
  • Requires completion of 120 surgical cases for those qualifying through the certification pathway described in the proposal.
  • Includes other qualification routes described in the legislation.

Current status

  • Passed by the Ohio House.
  • Referred to the Senate Health Committee.
  • Has not become law.
  • Requirements may change during the legislative process.
Why this matters: NCCT is specifically named in the current proposal. If the bill becomes law substantially in its present form, NCCT certification would be one of the recognized certification routes.

4. Certification Pathways

Two national Surgical Technologist credentials commonly encountered in employer requirements are the NCCT TS-C and the NBSTSA CST.

Primary UpTrain pathway

NCCT Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C)

  • Issued by the National Center for Competency Testing.
  • NCCA-accredited certification.
  • Specifically identified in the House-passed version of HB 423.
  • For the education pathway, NCCT requires 125 documented surgical cases, including at least 90 first scrub.

NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

  • Issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.
  • NCCA-accredited certification.
  • Commonly associated with CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited Surgical Technology education for new graduates.
  • Widely recognized by employers, although individual requirements vary.

5. What This Means for You

Ohio is employer-driven today.
You can currently work without a state license or registration if you meet employer requirements.
NCCT TS-C has real relevance.
Ohio employers already accept it in some positions, and HB 423 specifically names NCCT.
Case requirements matter.
NCCT currently requires 125 documented cases, including at least 90 first scrub.
Always verify the job posting.
Some employers require CST, accredited education, or additional experience.

6. Key Takeaways

  • No Ohio state license or registration requirement identified as of September 2026.
  • HB 423 is pending and has not become law.
  • NCCT is specifically named in the House-passed proposal.
  • The UpTrain pathway is built primarily around NCCT TS-C.
  • Employer requirements still vary by facility and position.

7. Sources

Ready to take the next step?

Return to the Ohio guide or go back to the UpTrain Surgical Technologist program to review curriculum, tuition, payment options, and enrollment.

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This information is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. State laws, certification rules, and employer requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with official sources and prospective employers.
1. Overview⌄

Ohio currently 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 employment requirements for Surgical Technologists working in hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities.

2. Current Requirements⌄

As of September 2026, there is no current Ohio state license or registration requirement identified for Surgical Technologists.

Important: Employers can still require national certification, accredited education, experience, or other qualifications.
3. House Bill 423⌄

HB 423 would create statewide employment requirements for Surgical Technologists in hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities.

  • Specifically identifies NCCT among approved certifying organizations.
  • Includes a 120-surgical-case requirement in the House-passed proposal.
  • Has passed the Ohio House but is not yet law.
4. Certification Pathways⌄
Primary UpTrain pathway

NCCT TS-C

For the education pathway, NCCT requires 125 documented surgical cases, including at least 90 first scrub.

NBSTSA CST

A separate national certification commonly associated with accredited Surgical Technology education for new graduates.

5. What This Means for You⌄
  • Ohio is employer-driven today.
  • NCCT TS-C is accepted by some Ohio employers.
  • HB 423 specifically names NCCT.
  • Employer requirements are not universal.
6. Key Takeaways⌄
  • No state license or registration identified as currently required.
  • HB 423 remains pending.
  • NCCT TS-C is especially relevant to the UpTrain pathway.
  • Always review the latest employer requirements.
7. Sources⌄

Ready to take the next step?

Return to the Ohio guide or go back to the Surgical Technologist program.

Back to Ohio Guide → Return to Program & Enroll
General information only. Requirements may change. Verify with official sources and prospective employers.