Are you interested in a rewarding career in healthcare but want to explore options beyond traditional roles like doctor or nurse? The allied health field might be the right fit. Allied health professions are integral to patient care, diagnostics, and rehabilitation. With the U.S. healthcare system evolving to meet the needs of an aging population and increasing technological demands, the demand for allied health professionals is growing.
This guide explores a range of allied health professions, offering insights into the most in-demand roles, salary expectations, and practical tips to help you choose the allied health career path that best suits your goals and interests.
What Is an Allied Health Profession?
An allied health profession is a specialized area within healthcare that focuses on supporting diagnosis, recovery, and quality of life through evidence-based practices. These professions operate independently or alongside medical and nursing teams, contributing to holistic patient care.
Why Choose a Career in Allied Health?
Strong Job Growth: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that healthcare support occupations will grow by 15% from 2022 to 2032, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
Diverse Career Paths: Whether you're interested in direct patient care, diagnostics, therapy, or administrative roles, the allied health profession offers a wide range of opportunities.
Flexibility and Stability: Many allied health careers offer flexible work schedules and various health settings, including hospitals, private practices, and clinics. These roles also come with competitive salaries and strong job security.
Make a Difference: Allied health professionals have the rewarding opportunity to directly improve patients' health outcomes, promoting independence and quality of life.
Exploring Different Allied Health Careers
Allied health careers involve a variety of roles, each with distinct responsibilities. Here’s an overview of some key allied health professions in the U.S.:
Diagnostic Professions
These professions use advanced technology to diagnose medical conditions in settings like hospitals and clinics.
- Radiologic Technologists: Perform imaging procedures (X-rays, MRIs) to diagnose illnesses and injuries.
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: Use ultrasound to produce internal images for diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Phlebotomists: Draw blood for medical tests, transfusions, and donations.
- Echocardiographers: Use ultrasound to assess heart function and detect cardiovascular issues.
Therapeutic Professions
Therapeutic professions in allied health programs provide direct patient care, helping patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries.
- Physical Therapists: Assist patients in regaining movement and managing pain post-injury or surgery.
- Occupational Therapists: Help patients develop or recover skills needed for daily living activities.
- Speech-Language Pathologists: Treat speech, language, and communication disorders.
- Respiratory Therapists: Assist patients with respiratory conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or COPD.
Health Information & Administrative Professions
These professions involve managing patient information, billing, and the operational aspects of healthcare facilities.
- Health Information Technicians: Ensure accurate, up-to-date patient records and manage health data.
- Medical Coders: Assign codes to diagnoses and procedures for accurate billing and insurance claims.
- Healthcare Administrators: Oversee facility operations, ensuring efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Most In-Demand Allied Health Careers in the U.S.
As the U.S. healthcare sector expands, several allied health professions are seeing significant growth. Here's a look at some of the top roles:
- Radiologic Technologist
- Job Outlook: 6% growth by 2032
- Median Salary: $67,180/year
- Education: Associate’s degree + ARRT certification
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- Job Outlook: 10% growth by 2032
- Median Salary: $84,410/year
- Education: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree + ARDMS certification
- Respiratory Therapist
- Job Outlook: 13% growth by 2032
- Median Salary: $70,540/year
- Education: Associate’s degree + state licensure
- Physical Therapist (PT)
- Job Outlook: 19% growth by 2032
- Median Salary: $62,770/year
- Education: Associate’s degree + licensure
- Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Job Outlook: 19% growth by 2032
- Median Salary: $84,140/year
- Education: Master’s degree + licensure
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Job Outlook: 23% growth by 2032
- Median Salary: $64,250/year
- Education: Associate’s degree + licensure
Tips to Consider When Choosing the Right Allied Health Career for You
- Know Your Interests and Strengths
Do you enjoy patient care, diagnostic work, or administrative tasks? Understanding your strengths, such as empathy, problem-solving, or attention to detail, can help you choose a career that aligns with your skills. - Consider Education and Training Requirements
Some allied health careers require advanced degrees (e.g., speech-language pathology), while others can be started in less than two years (e.g., radiologic technology, phlebotomy). - Review Job Outlook and Salary
Research job trends locally and nationally. Professions like physical therapy and respiratory therapy are experiencing rapid growth and offer job security. - Explore Specialization Opportunities
Many allied health professionals can specialize in specific areas, including medical technology and dietitian roles. For example, sonographers may specialize in cardiovascular or obstetric sonography.
How to Get Started in an Allied Health Career
- Research Accredited Programs
Ensure the program you choose is accredited by relevant agencies like the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). - Complete Education and Certification
Complete the necessary educational requirements and obtain the required certifications or licenses for your chosen field. - Gain Practical Experience
Many programs offer hands-on clinical experience. Volunteering or shadowing professionals can also give you real-world exposure. - Network and Explore Job Opportunities
Join professional associations like AAHP, NAHP, NSAH, and ASAHP; also attend industry events, and consider working with a Verovian AHPs Recruitment Agency, specialized in getting allied health professionals to access top roles.
Final Thoughts
Allied health careers are diverse, rewarding, and essential to the healthcare industry. Whether you're drawn to diagnostics, patient care, or administrative roles, there’s a place for you in this growing field. With a strong job outlook and high demand for skilled professionals, pursuing a career in allied health is an excellent choice for long-term job stability and making a positive impact on healthcare outcomes.
Ready to Begin Your Allied Health Journey?
At Verovian Allied Health Professionals Recruitment Agency, we connect you with top allied health opportunities across the U.S. Whether you’re just starting your career in a health program or looking to make a change, we’ll help you find the perfect fit. Register with us today — your future in healthcare starts here.
