Ohio State University Medical Center: Local Jobs Engine

The Ohio State University Medical Center (OSU) is one of the largest and most diverse academic medical centers in the country and the only one in central Ohio. The 3,700 new jobs added at the medical center over the past six years represent the largest number added during this period by any employer in the region. The economic impact of the medical center on Central Ohio is estimated at about $1.75 billion, according to the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

Business Journal reported in December 2009 that OSU Medical has added more jobs in the past several years than any other major Central Ohio employer, with that growth expected to increase as the health system launches a $1 billion expansion, according to a new analysis from the Chamber. The analysis found that the center employed 12,510 people as of early 2009—the third-highest total in the state—not including jobs at the rest of the university.

Business Journal reports that “OSU Medical Center employment is up by 4,902 since 2001, making for the largest raw gain in jobs of any Central Ohio employer.”

With its focus on clinical research, the medical center’s ability to attract research grants brings an influx of money from outside the region. OSU Medical reports that for each $100 spent on research endeavors, another $222.05 is generated in the local economy. The chamber estimated research activity generated about $470 million in early 2009.

OSU Medical Center has six signature programs (Cancer, Critical Care, Heart, Imaging, Neurosciences and Transplantation) and educates a large number of the region’s physicians.