Healthcare & Human Services

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We make sure no one faces life’s challenges alone.

We are rooted in one essential purpose: helping people stay connected. We are often the bridge between someone in need and the resources that can change their life—whether that’s medical care, mental health support, housing, guidance, or daily assistance. Our work exists at every stage of life and touches every part of a community, making it one of the most foundational needs we all share. Choosing this path means strengthening the connections that help individuals, families, and entire communities move forward.

Behind every moment of healing, stability, and progress is someone who helped along the way.

  • In life’s earliest moments, we are the healthcare professionals who support new life and guide families through care, growth, and development.

  • As people move through childhood and adolescence, we are the providers, counselors, and caregivers who help them stay healthy, feel supported, and navigate challenges with confidence.

  • When individuals face physical or mental health challenges, we are the nurses, therapists, and behavioral health professionals who step in to provide care and treatment.

  • Sometimes life requires a new direction. In those moments, we are the professionals connecting people to critical resources (housing, food, financial support, and guidance) to regain stability.

  • As people age or need ongoing support, we are the support specialists who ensure dignity, independence, and quality of life.

We are the people who make sure no one has to navigate life alone.

County-level map of Ohio with a large orange location pin over Hancock County. 
We Care for Our Communities

The Career Options

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Behavioral & Mental Health

Help people improve their mental and emotional health.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

  • Counselor

  • Marriage and Family Therapist

  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker

  • Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor

  • Social and Human Service Assistant

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Biotechnology Research & Development

Create new medicines, devices, and technologies to improve health.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Bioengineer and Biomedical Engineer

  • Medical Scientist

  • Statistician

  • Biological Scientist

A scientist wearing blue gloves and a white lab coat is holding a piece of laboratory equipment with wires attached in a laboratory setting. There are various scientific instruments, a computer monitor, and a test tube in the background.
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Physical Health

Support health across the entire lifespan—from before birth through end of life.

Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Dietitian and Nutritionist

  • Nurse Practitioners

  • Optometrist

  • Physician Assistant

  • Occupational Therapist

  • Occupational Therapist Assistant

  • Health Technologist and Technician

  • Nurse Anesthetist

  • Registered Nurse

  • Physical Therapist

  • Respiratory Therapist

  • Speech-Language Pathologist

  • Dental Hygienist

  • Ophthalmic Medical Technician

A female healthcare professional addresses two males in a clinical setting.
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Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor

  • Home Health and Personal Care Aide

  • Massage Therapist

  • Speech-Language Pathologist

Personal Care

Help people look and feel their best.

A hair salon table with a mirror, holding hairbrushes, spray bottles, and potted plants, with a white towel in a woven basket in the foreground.
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Ohio’s Growing Careers:

  • Health Information Technologist and Medical Registrar

  • Medical Records Specialist

  • Medical and Health Services Manager

  • Medical Assistant

  • Veterinary Technologists and Technician

Health Data & Administration

Manage and use health data to support care and decision-making.

A person is touching a smartphone screen displaying a medical record or health-related app.
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Infographic showing career outlook data for Hancock County, Ohio. It includes information such as the number of students with aptitude, interest, and ability in health-related clusters, typical wages, top occupations, and projected growth in various healthcare fields.

Meet Some of Our Locals

The opportunities in this career field aren’t somewhere else—they’re already here. From local employers doing meaningful work to education and training programs preparing the next generation, Hancock County (and the greater Northwest Ohio region) offers real ways to explore, learn, and get started.

Choose your direction.

Get Trained
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Phlebotomy Technician program at Northwest State Community College prepares trainees to learn to collect blood specimens for testing, which aids medical professionals in the proper diagnosis and treatment of illness. Image of a person preparing to dr
Dental Hygiene program at Owens Community College can admit only 30 students each year because Dental Hygiene is a “Selective Health” program. Students learn to teach patients about caring for teeth and the connection between oral health and the whol
Medical Coding program at Owens Community College turns vital patient information into precise medical codes. Students gain knowledge and skills to accurately assign medical codes, support proper reimbursement and contribute to patient care outcomes—
Radiographic Imaging program at Rhodes State College is a six-semester program equipping students with skills and knowledge on patient care, radiographic procedures, the science and technology behind the imaging process, and radiobiology. Image of a
Respiratory Care program at Rhodes State College. Prepares graduates to provide respiratory therapy and manage life-support equipment for patients with breathing disorders. Image shows a student practicing patient assessment skills in a clinical simu
Physical Therapy Assistant program at Terra State Community College equips students to administer patient treatment and interventions, collect measures and other patient-related data, and document treatment appropriately. Image of therapist working o
Exercise Science program at Bluffton University leads to careers such as personal training, strength and conditioning, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation, athletic training, physical therapy, coaching, sport psychology, chiropractic medicine
Social Work program at Bowling Green State University focuses on a systems approach that requires examining issues from all angles. Learn how to motivate others to make positive change, and to promote social justice and human dignity for all. Image o
Speech-Language Pathology program at Bowling Green State University is a masters-level program preparing graduates to evaluate, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. Image of a speech pathologist working with
Molecular Biology program at Defiance College is a pre-professional program geared for students interested in careers in medicine, research, veterinary science, pharmacy or similar professional careers. Image of a researcher in a lab working on pipet
Health Sciences program at Heidelberg University allows students to study the use of technology in health care, behavioral and organizational interventions, and use that knowledge to improve health and patient centered care and quality of life. Image
Mammography and Bone Densitometry program at Mercy College of Ohio is a four (4) course certificate program teaching medical imaging, safety, and quality for mammography and bone densitometry. Image shows physician and other medical professionals loo
Medical Imaging program at Mercy College of Ohio blends advanced imaging techniques, healthcare management principles, and specialized coursework to prepare graduates for careers in imaging administration, quality and safety, education, and more. Ima
Surgical Technology program at Mercy College of Ohio is an associate degree to provide students with skills in surgical procedures, aseptic technique, and patient care. Image of medical professionals conducting surgery in an operating room.
Medical Laboratory Science program at Ohio Northern University prepares graduates to become medical investigators who analyze blood, fluid, tissue and more to help diagnose and treat disease. Image shows a researcher looking at specimen under microsc
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Science program at Ohio Northern University is a growing field that’s the future of science and medicine. Students intern for an entire semester with a pharmaceutical or biomedical company. Image of medicine capsules pac
Neuroscience program at Tiffin University helps students develop an understanding of the structure and function of the brain and nervous system at a molecular, cellular and systems level. Curriculum is based in the National Neuroscience Curriculum In
Health Informatics program at the University of Findlay is an option for individuals looking to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry but are not necessarily interested in clinical care. Learn to process data to improve healthcare outcom
Physician Assistant program at the University of Findlay prepares graduates to function as health professionals who, when licensed, can practice medicine with physician supervision to respond to the needs of their patients in ways that will improve t
Medical Office Management program at the University of Northwestern Ohio is an associate degree for individuals who can organize, schedule and communicate effectively to keep medical offices operating efficiently. Image of medical office entry way an
Bioengineering program at the University of Toledo applies engineering techniques to improve the human condition and solve problems in biology, medicine, health care and other fields. Gain proficiency in biomechanical, bioelectrical, and biochemical
Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the University of Toledo is a graduate-level program preparing practitioners for therapeutic programs involving the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental and emotional disorders. Image of two
Family Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Toledo offers nationally ranked M.S.N. and D.N.P. programs preparing practitioners who lead and develop innovative healthcare for families (infants to seniors) in primary care health settings. Im
Exterior of Blanchard Valley Hospital, part of Blanchard Valley Health System.

Blanchard Valley Health System

Along with Blanchard Valley Hospital and Bluffton Hospital, the network of care includes primary care and specialty offices as well as home health, hospice, long-term care, imaging, laboratory, rehabilitation, and expedient ambulance services. BVHS is one of the largest employers in the area and serves an eight-county region.

Learn More

Main Address: 1900 South Main Street, Findlay, Ohio

Additional Locations: Bluffton, Ohio; Carey, Ohio; Fostoria, Ohio; Kenton, Ohio; Leipsic, Ohio; Lima, Ohio; McComb, Ohio; North Baltimore, Ohio; Ottawa, Ohio

Additional Resources

  • Local Career Opportunities

    Raise the Bar offers this one-page resource for K-12 students and adult career seekers. Resource suggests local, state, and regional programs that prepare individuals for careers in healthcare and human services.

    Download Resource

  • Industry Snapshot Report

    Lightcast data portray the realities of this industry for the 17-county Northwest Ohio region. Insights include trends, demographics, and skills needed.

    View Report

  • Industry Profile

    Advance CTE provides a national perspective on the healthcare and human services career cluster. This resource includes labor market information, emerging careers, and training requirements.

    View Profile

  • Ohio H.S. Industry-Recognized Credentials

    The Ohio Department of Education & Workforce lists the approved credentials students can earn while completing the health and human services career tech pathways.

    Find Credentials

  • Health Science Career Pathway

    OhioMeansJobs offers an interactive career pathway for individuals considering careers in the health sciences. Careers extend from entry level to expert.

    View Path

  • Human Services Career Pathway

    OhioMeansJobs offers an interactive career pathway for individuals considering careers in the human services. Careers extend from entry level to expert.

    View Path

  • CareerOneStop Videos

    Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop offers videos to learn more about careers in the healthcare and human services cluster.

    Watch Videos

  • Ohio Healthcare Virtual Career Fair

    Annual statewide event held in February designed to inspire middle and high school students to explore careers in healthcare. Past videos available for viewing.

    View Videos