PORTSMOUTH — Southern Ohio Medical Center has once again been recognized as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE Magazine, ranking 44th on the magazine’s prestigious list.

SOMC was selected among hundreds of companies vying for a place on the list, now in its 18th year. SOMC was the highest-ranking organization in Ohio, and one of only four companies located in Ohio, Kentucky or West Virginia.

“Our culture at SOMC is built around mutual trust and empowerment in our employees,” Vicki Noel, vice president of SOMC Human Resources, said. “Our commitment to upholding these values, encouraging our employees to feel comfortable sharing their opinions, and creating a fun place to work establishes the foundation for our best-company work culture.”

To determine what companies make the list, FORTUNE partners with the Great Place to Work Institute to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America.

Applicant companies opt to participate in the selection process, which includes an employee survey and an in-depth questionnaire about their programs and company practices. Great Place to Work then evaluates each application using its unique methodology based on five dimensions: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.

“To be included on a list like this is an incredible accomplishment,” SOMC President and CEO Randy Arnett said. “As a hospital, we’re known for the outstanding care that we provide to our patients, but we also care deeply about our employees. We work hard to be a good employer for our community, and this achievement is the culmination of those efforts.”

SOMC has now been featured on FORTUNE’s list eight years in a row, adding to one of many honors that have been bestowed upon the hospital. SOMC has also been recognized as one of the best healthcare facilities to work for by Modern Healthcare Magazine, as an OSHA VPP Star organization, and as an ANCC Magnet facility, which is one of the country’s highest nursing honors.