By Casey Rivers 
As Cincinnati cements its position as a regional healthcare hub, the sector’s expansion has ushered in new employment opportunities across hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and diagnostic centers. According to REDI Cincinnati, healthcare and life sciences now employ more than 17,000 residents, with job growth expected to rise 9% by 2028.
Photo by Jake Blucker on Unsplash
Yet this growth brings urgent workforce demands—especially for certified pharmacy technicians and other allied health techs. For local jobseekers, the right credentials open doors not just to employment, but to upward mobility in one of the city’s most resilient industries.
Below, we explore two key segments shaping the technician workforce—beginning with PTCB certification as a vital step for pharmacy techs.
PTCB Certification: The First Step For Cincinnati’s Pharmacy Techs
Across Cincinnati, hospitals and retail chains alike require pharmacy technicians to be certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)—a standard that has become central to career entry.
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) administered by PTCB validates knowledge in medications, order processing, federal regulations, and safety protocols. In Cincinnati, certification is essential: major employers such as UC Health, The Christ Hospital, and Cincinnati Children’s list PTCB certification among their core hiring requirements. The Children’s Hospital, in particular, offers a paid, four-month Pharmacy Technician Training Program that prepares students for the exam at no cost—on the condition of one year of full-time employment post-certification. Trainees earn $16.50/hour during the program, with the exam fee and tuition covered in full. Graduates of the 2023–2024 cohort posted a 100% first-time pass rate.
For independent study, platforms like Medical Hero provide flexible PTCB practice tests aligned with national standards. The resource allows candidates to rehearse across all four tested areas, making it a key tool for exam readiness—especially for those not enrolled in employer-sponsored training.
On-the-ground, Cincinnati pharmacies including Kroger, CVS, and Walgreens also offer apprenticeship programs that promote techs once certified. Walgreens’ pathway, for instance, moves apprentices into senior pharmacy tech roles once they pass the PTCB and accumulate 1,200 hours of experience.
With an aging population, rising chronic conditions, and increasing medication complexity, certified pharmacy techs are more essential than ever. PTCB certification is no longer just a credential—it’s the baseline for a career in Cincinnati’s evolving pharmaceutical care network.
The Rise Of Other Skilled Techs In Cincinnati’s Expanding Care Ecosystem
While pharmacy roles remain in high demand, other healthcare technicians are fast becoming equally indispensable across Cincinnati’s clinical landscape.
Diagnostic Imaging Technologists Are In Short Supply
Cincinnati’s imaging sector is under pressure. Hospitals are seeking MRI, CT, and radiologic technologists faster than training programs can graduate them. The University of Cincinnati’s Advanced Medical Imaging Technology (AMIT) program recently responded by expanding clinical placement opportunities in partnership with area hospitals.
These moves aim to combat regional shortages driven by technologist retirements and rising imaging volume. Between 2023 and 2033, MRI and X-ray technologist jobs are expected to grow 6% nationally, but in Cincinnati, local health networks are moving quickly to secure talent with hands-on training and career placement options.
Patient Care Assistants Help Address Bedside Staffing Gaps
In response to acute staffing needs on hospital floors, Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) are filling vital gaps in bedside care. UC Health’s “Healthcare Exploration Through Patient Care” program offers students a paid, for-credit opportunity to work as PCAs while pursuing academic advancement. Since 2022, more than 300 individuals have joined the initiative.
PCAs assist with basic clinical tasks—vital signs, hygiene, mobility—and their role has become foundational in maintaining operational continuity in local facilities. With hospitals like The Christ Hospital and TriHealth frequently advertising PCA roles with bonuses or tuition incentives, these positions offer a meaningful entry point into broader nursing or allied health careers.
Photo by Jake Blucker on Unsplash
Allied Health Certifications Support Life Sciences Growth
Beyond hospitals, Cincinnati’s booming life sciences sector is expanding demand for medical laboratory technicians, surgical technologists, respiratory therapists, and health information managers. REDI Cincinnati notes that healthcare-related occupations represent more than 9% of the region’s total workforce, and training institutions are scaling up in response.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers over a dozen certifications—from STNA (State Tested Nurse Aide) to medical assistant and clinical lab technician programs—all of which connect directly to current job openings. With projected growth in outpatient care and diagnostics, these certifications provide a fast, affordable route to meaningful employment.
Healthcare employers are increasingly forming partnerships with colleges to develop direct workforce pipelines. For example, UC Health’s collaboration with Cincinnati State on dual-enrollment programs allows students to train while working. These efforts support job readiness and reduce the friction between education and full-time employment.
Real Estate And Infrastructure Reflect Industry Expansion
The city’s real estate sector also mirrors this medical momentum. According to Colliers’ Q3 2024 Healthcare Market Report, Cincinnati medical office occupancy reached 93.8%, up from 91% the previous year.
New leases are driven by expanding provider groups, urgent care clinics, and specialty practices—all of which require skilled techs to operate equipment, manage patients, and ensure accurate diagnostics. The physical footprint of healthcare in Cincinnati is growing, and behind every expansion lies the need for trained, credentialed personnel.
Photo by Matt Koffel on Unsplash
Wrapping Up
Cincinnati’s transformation into a regional healthcare powerhouse has created an unprecedented surge in demand for skilled techs across all areas—from pharmacy counters to diagnostic labs. PTCB certification has become the gold standard for pharmacy technician employment, while allied health pathways are expanding rapidly to meet clinical and technological staffing needs.
But beyond the numbers lies a deeper shift: Cincinnati isn’t just creating jobs—it’s building structured, supported, and future-ready careers for the city’s next generation of technicians. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking a mid-career pivot, now is the time to enter a field that’s vital, valued, and growing fast.