Ever wondered what it’s like to be on the frontlines of healthcare, without the white coat and stethoscope? Meet the allied health professionals – the heroes who form the backbone of our healthcare system. From diagnosing diseases to helping patients recover, they’re the folks who make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives.
And the best part? There’s a huge demand for them. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, allied health jobs are expected to grow by 13% between 2021 and 2031 – much faster than the average for all occupations. That’s a lot of opportunities!
Why the surge? Well, picture this: an aging population, more chronic diseases, and advancements in medical technology. It’s a perfect storm for a growing need for allied health professionals.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Allied health careers offer a unique blend of job satisfaction, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career growth. You’ll get to work with patients one-on-one, make a real impact, and be part of a team that’s dedicated to improving people’s lives.
So, whether you’re a people person, a problem-solver, or simply looking for a meaningful career, allied health might just be the perfect fit. Let’s dive into the most in-demand roles and see what it takes to land your dream job.
Allied Health Professionals and Their Role in Healthcare
Allied health careers encompass a wide range of healthcare practitioners who support the work of physicians and nurses. They provide essential services such as diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of disease. Their roles are crucial in ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and effective care.
The Growing Demand for Allied Health Careers
The demand for allied health careers is on the rise due to several factors. The aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, advancements in medical technology, and a growing emphasis on preventive care have all contributed to the increased need for allied health professionals.
Benefits of Pursuing an Allied Health Career
Pursuing allied health careers offers numerous benefits. Allied health professionals enjoy job satisfaction, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career advancement. They also have the privilege of making a positive impact on the lives of patients and their communities.
15 Best Allied Health Careers to Aim For in 2024
1. Physician Assistant
The first one on our list of allied health careers is the physician assistant. They are advanced practice healthcare providers who work under the supervision of physicians to deliver a wide range of medical services. They are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, perform minor surgical procedures, and order and interpret laboratory and imaging tests.
Key responsibilities of a physician assistant include:
- Conducting physical examinations
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries
- Prescribing medications
- Performing minor surgical procedures
- Ordering and interpreting laboratory and imaging tests
- Providing patient education and counseling
PAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Doctors’ offices
- Urgent care centers
- Prisons
- The military
The demand for physician assistants is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases
- The growing emphasis on preventive care
- The shortage of physicians
To become a physician assistant, you must:
- Earn a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program
- Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
- Obtain a state license
The average annual salary for a physician assistant in the United States is $123,240.
Allied health careers such as the Physician assistants have opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a physician assistant faculty member or a physician assistant program director.
2. Occupational Therapist Assistant
Occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) are allied health professionals who work under the supervision of occupational therapists to help individuals with disabilities improve their daily living skills. They are trained to assist patients with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, and eating, as well as to develop and implement treatment plans.
Key responsibilities of an occupational therapist assistant include:
- Assisting patients with activities of daily living
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Providing adaptive equipment and assistive technology
- Educating patients and their families about self-care strategies
- Working with individuals of all ages, including children, adults, and the elderly
OTAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools
- Home health agencies
- Community-based organizations
The demand for occupational therapist assistants is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases
- The growing emphasis on rehabilitation and community-based care
To become an occupational therapist assistant, you must:
- Earn an associate degree in occupational therapy assisting from an accredited program
- Pass the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) examination
- Obtain a state license
The average annual salary for an occupational therapist assistant in the United States is $65,370.
Allied health careers like occupational therapist assistants enjoy a high level of job satisfaction and work-life balance. They also have opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a certified occupational therapy specialist or a supervisor.
3. Physical Therapist
Physical therapists (PTs) are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat conditions that affect movement, function, and quality of life. They work with individuals of all ages, from infants to adults, to help them improve their physical function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.
Key responsibilities of a physical therapist include:
- Assessing and diagnosing conditions that affect movement, function, and quality of life
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Providing therapy to improve physical function, reduce pain, and improve quality of life
- Working with individuals with a variety of conditions, such as orthopedic injuries, neurological disorders, and chronic pain
PTs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Clinics
- Home health agencies
- Sports medicine facilities
The demand for physical therapists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases
- The growing emphasis on rehabilitation and community-based care
To become a physical therapist, you must:
- Earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program
- Pass the Physical Therapist Licensure Examination (PTLE)
- Obtain a state license
The average annual salary for a physical therapist in the United States is $99,600.
When it comes to the best allied health careers, physical therapists have opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a certified specialist in a particular area of practice, such as orthopedics or pediatrics.
4. Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat communication disorders, including speech, language, and swallowing impairments. They work with individuals of all ages, from infants to adults.
Key responsibilities of a speech-language pathologist include:
- Assessing and diagnosing communication disorders
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Providing therapy to improve communication skills
- Working with individuals with a variety of communication disorders, such as stuttering, aphasia, and dysphagia
SLPs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Clinics
- Private practices
The demand for speech-language pathologists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of communication disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and stroke
- The growing emphasis on early intervention for children with communication disorders
To become a speech-language pathologist, you must:
- Earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited program
- Pass the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) examination
- Obtain a state license
The average annual salary for a speech-language pathologist in the United States is $85,300.
Allied health careers, including speech-language pathologists, have opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a certified specialist in a particular area of practice, such as autism or swallowing disorders.
5. Medical Assistant
Medical assistants are healthcare professionals who provide administrative and clinical support to physicians and other healthcare providers. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including medical offices, clinics, hospitals, and home health agencies.
Key responsibilities of a medical assistant include:
- Performing administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, and managing medical records
- Preparing patients for examinations
- Assisting with medical procedures, such as taking vital signs, administering injections, and drawing blood
- Handling billing and insurance claims
The demand for medical assistants is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases
- The growing emphasis on preventive care
- The shortage of healthcare professionals
To become a medical assistant, you must:
- Complete a medical assistant training program
- Obtain a certification from a recognized organization, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
The average annual salary for a medical assistant in the United States is $37,290.
When it comes to allied health careers, medical assistants boast opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a medical office manager or a clinical medical assistant.
6. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists (RTs) are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat respiratory disorders, such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and nursing homes.
Key responsibilities of a respiratory therapist include:
- Assessing respiratory function
- Providing oxygen therapy
- Administering medications
- Assisting with mechanical ventilation
- Educating patients about respiratory diseases and their management
The demand for respiratory therapists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD
- The growing emphasis on home health care
To become a respiratory therapist, you must:
- Earn an associate degree or higher in respiratory therapy from an accredited program
- Pass the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) or Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examination
- Obtain a state license
The average annual salary for a respiratory therapist in the United States is $69,290.
Respiratory therapists enjoy a high level of job satisfaction and work-life balance. They also have opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a supervisor or a manager.
7. Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists (OTs) are healthcare professionals who help individuals with disabilities improve their daily living skills. They work with individuals of all ages, from children to adults, to help them develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living.
Key responsibilities of an occupational therapist include:
- Assessing functional abilities
- Developing and implementing treatment plans
- Providing therapy to improve daily living skills
- Working with individuals with a variety of conditions, such as stroke, brain injury, and arthritis
OTs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
- Schools
- Home health agencies
- Community-based organizations
The demand for occupational therapists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases
- The growing emphasis on rehabilitation and community-based care
To become an occupational therapist, you must:
- Earn a master’s degree or doctorate in occupational therapy from an accredited program
- Pass the Occupational Therapist Practice Exam (OTPE)
- Obtain a state license
The average annual salary for an occupational therapist in the United States is $86,390.
Occupational therapists receive opportunities for career advancement, such as becoming a certified specialist in a particular area of practice, such as pediatrics or geriatrics.
8. Audiologist
Audiologists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat hearing and balance disorders. They work with individuals of all ages, from infants to adults, to help them improve their hearing and communication skills.
Key responsibilities of an audiologist include:
- Assessing hearing and balance function
- Diagnosing hearing and balance disorders
- Prescribing and fitting hearing aids and other assistive listening devices
- Providing rehabilitation services to help individuals with hearing loss communicate effectively
Audiologists work in a variety of healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Private practices
- Schools
- Universities
The demand for audiologists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of hearing loss
- The growing emphasis on early intervention for children with hearing loss
To become an audiologist, you must:
- Earn a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from an accredited program
- Pass the Audiology Board Exam (ABE)
- Obtain a state license
The average annual salary for an audiologist in the United States is $87,500.
Audiologists can advance their careers by becoming certified specialists in particular areas of practice, such as pediatrics or cochlear implants.
9. Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists are allied health professionals who specialize in performing diagnostic tests on the heart and blood vessels. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers.
Key responsibilities of a cardiovascular technologist include:
- Performing electrocardiograms (EKGs)
- Performing echocardiograms
- Performing stress tests
- Performing vascular ultrasounds
- Assisting cardiologists with procedures
The demand for cardiovascular technologists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of heart disease
- The growing emphasis on preventive care
To become a cardiovascular technologist, you must:
- Complete a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program in cardiovascular technology
- Pass the Registered Cardiovascular Technologist (RCVT) examination
- Obtain a state license (in some states)
The average annual salary for a cardiovascular technologist in the United States is $75,000.
Cardiovascular technologists can advance to roles such as supervisor or manager.
10. Registered Ultrasound Technologist
Registered ultrasound technologists (RUTs) are allied health professionals who use ultrasound equipment to create images of internal organs and structures. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers.
Key responsibilities of a registered ultrasound technologist include:
- Operating ultrasound equipment
- Preparing patients for exams
- Creating and interpreting ultrasound images
- Assisting physicians with diagnoses
- Documenting procedures and findings
The demand for registered ultrasound technologists is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to:
- The aging population
- The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases
- The growing emphasis on non-invasive diagnostic procedures
To become a registered ultrasound technologist, you must:
- Earn an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited program
- Pass the Registered Ultrasound Technologist (RUT) examination
- Obtain a state license (in some states)
The average annual salary for a registered ultrasound technologist in the United States is $75,000.
Tips for Securing an Allied Health Career
Landing a job in allied health requires a combination of education, experience, and networking. Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of success:
1. Education and Training:
- Choose a reputable program: Research accredited programs that offer the allied health career you are interested in.
- Gain practical experience: Look for opportunities for internships, clinical rotations, or volunteer work to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field.
- Network with professionals: Connect with people working in your desired field to learn about job opportunities and gain insights into the profession.
2. Build a Strong Resume and Cover Letter:
- Highlight relevant skills and experience: Tailor your resume to highlight your qualifications and how they align with the specific job requirements.
- Create a compelling cover letter: Craft a personalized cover letter that explains your interest in the position and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the field.
3. Prepare for Interviews:
- Research the employer and position: Learn as much as you can about the organization and the specific role you are applying for.
- Practice common interview questions: Prepare answers to common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Why are you interested in this position?”
- Dress professionally: Make a positive impression by dressing appropriately for the interview.
4. Network Effectively:
- Attend industry events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet professionals in your field.
- Utilize online platforms: Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and other social media platforms.
- Join professional organizations: Membership in professional organizations can provide valuable networking opportunities and resources.
5. Be Persistent:
- Don’t get discouraged: The job search can be competitive, so don’t give up if you don’t hear back right away.
- Follow up: Send a thank-you note after each interview and follow up with the employer if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of securing a fulfilling and rewarding career in allied health.
Final Words
Allied health careers play a vital role in the delivery of quality healthcare. They provide essential services that complement the work of physicians and nurses, and they are in high demand due to the aging population, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the growing emphasis on preventive care.
If you are considering a career in allied health, there are many opportunities available.
To land a job in allied health, it is important to have the necessary education and training, gain experience through internships or volunteer work, and build a strong network of professionals in the field. With hard work and dedication, you can have a fulfilling and rewarding career in allied health.
Ready to take the next step? Start your journey towards a fulfilling career in allied health today. Get in touch with Origin Travel Nurse and let us help you land your dream allied health career job. Click here to apply.
