Rep. Thomas Announces Cincinnati State Has Received $325K to Purchase Medical Lab Equipment

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) today announced that the Ohio Controlling Board has approved the release of $ $325,000  for the purchase of essential WBTE (Work-Based Training Equipment) for Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. This funding includes $303,403 for awarded bids and an additional $21,597 for additional lab equipment.

“This investment in Cincinnati State’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program is crucial for the continued development of skilled healthcare professionals in Southwest Ohio. By equipping students with the latest ultrasound technology, we are helping them gain hands-on experience that will prepare them for rewarding careers in in-demand healthcare fields,” said Rep. Thomas.

Cincinnati State will use the funds to purchase four ultrasound machines and supplementary sonography lab equipment. This state-of-the-art equipment will enable students to receive hands-on training, preparing them for careers as diagnostic medical sonographers and registered nurses—both of which are considered Ohio in-demand jobs. There is a significant need for these healthcare professionals in the Southwest Ohio region, and this initiative aims to address that demand.

Students at Cincinnati State will utilize the new equipment almost every day to develop practical scanning skills using live volunteers. Instructors will review students’ scans, offering valuable feedback to help improve precision and technique. According to a survey of program graduates, hands-on experience is one of the most important aspects of the program, allowing students to gain the practical skills needed in the field.

This funding is part of a larger effort to ensure that Ohio’s workforce remains equipped with the skills needed to meet the healthcare sector's growing demands.