If you are looking to enter the healthcare field in Cincinnati, you are in the right place. With major medical hubs like UC Health, The Christ Hospital, and Mercy Health, plus a large aging population in neighborhoods from Hyde Park to Westwood, the demand for caregivers is sky-high.
Whether you want to work in a hospital, a nursing home, or directly in a client’s home, this guide will show you exactly how to get started—even if you have no prior experience.
🛑 First: Choose Your Path
In Cincinnati, there are generally two ways to enter this career. It’s important to decide which one fits your current financial and time situation.
Path A: The “Earn While You Learn” (Novice) Route
- Best for: People who want to start working immediately and avoid tuition costs.
- How it works: You get hired by a major hospital system as a “Patient Care Assistant (PCA)” or “Novice,” and they train you on the job.
- Pros: No tuition fees; you get paid during training; benefits (health insurance/tuition reimbursement) often start quickly.
- Cons: These jobs are competitive; the work environment (hospitals) is faster-paced than home care.
Path B: The “Certified” Route (STNA/HHA)
- Best for: People who want flexibility to work for private agencies, nursing homes, or travel.
- How it works: You pay for a 2-week to 1-semester class to become a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA).
- Pros: Higher starting pay at some agencies; credentials follow you if you switch employers; STNA is required for most nursing home jobs.
- Cons: Upfront cost ($500–$1,400).
🏥 Path A: The Hospital “Novice” Programs
If you want to skip the tuition, look specifically for these job titles on Cincinnati hospital career sites:
- UC Health: Look for the “Patient Care Assistant Novice Program.” This program is designed specifically for those without an STNA license.
- The Christ Hospital: Look for “Patient Care Assistant” roles. They have a career ladder (Level I, II, III) that allows you to advance as you gain skills.
- Mercy Health: Often hires “Care Companions” or entry-level PCAs who can be trained on the job.
Insider Tip: Many of these hospitals offer tuition reimbursement. You could start as a PCA, and they might help pay for your nursing degree at the University of Cincinnati or Xavier later.
🎓 Path B: Top Local Training Schools (STNA)
If you prefer to get certified first, here are three top local options for STNA training, including costs and transit info.
1. Alia Healthcare Services (Fastest)
- Location: Near Springdale/Tri-County.
- Cost: ~$675–$800 (Payment plans often available).
- Duration: Accelerated 2-week classes (Day) or 4-week classes (Evening/Weekend).
- Good for: Getting it done fast.
2. Cincinnati State (Most Comprehensive)
- Location: Clifton Campus.
- Cost: ~$1,350 (Financial aid (FAFSA) may cover this).
- Duration: 1 Semester (part of the Nurse Aide Training Certificate).
- Transit: Accessible via Metro Routes 17, 19, 20, 24, 51.
- Good for: People who want college credit or plan to continue into the RN program.
3. Good Samaritan College of Nursing
- Location: Clifton (Dixmyth Ave).
- Cost: ~$900 program fee.
- Transit: Accessible via Metro Route 17.
- Good for: Small class sizes and direct connection to the TriHealth system.
📝 The “Must-Haves” (Paperwork)
Before anyone will hire you, you will need to clear a few hurdles. Here is where to go in Cincinnati to get them done.
1. Background Checks (BCI & FBI)
You cannot work in caregiving without a clean background check.
- Cheapest/Fastest Option:Hamilton County Justice Center (1000 Sycamore St, Downtown).
- Note: It is often cash-only or requires exact change; go early in the morning (7 AM – 3 PM).
- Suburban Options:
- Blue Ash Police Dept: (Cooper Rd) – Offers fingerprinting.
- Montgomery BMV: (Montgomery Rd) – fast but slightly higher fees.
2. TB Test (Tuberculosis)
Most employers require a “2-Step TB Test.” You can get this at:
- The Little Clinic (inside many Cincinnati Krogers).
- Hamilton County Public Health clinics.
- CVS MinuteClinics.
💼 Where to Find Jobs
Once you are ready, here is where to look:
- Hospital Systems: (Search “PCA” or “Nursing Assistant”)
- Private Duty Agencies: (Flexible hours, usually home-based)
- Visiting Angels (West & East Cincy)
- Home Instead
- Comfort Keepers
- Assisting Hands Home Care
Salary Expectations:
- Entry-Level/Companion: $14 – $16/hour
- Experienced/STNA: $17 – $22/hour
- Note: Hospitals often offer lower hourly rates initially but provide significantly better benefits (health, dental, retirement) than private agencies.
🤝 Not Sure Yet? Try Volunteering
If you want to “test drive” the career, try volunteering with seniors