Allied health professions & career guides

Learn more about the diverse careers and discover specific job responsibilities, certification requirements, and salary information.

Explore allied health professions

664c9ce9cc323e56a4943ef5_Certified-Behavior-Analyst-p-500

Behavior Analyst

Certified behavior analysts work with patients in both group & individual settings to assess & u...
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Cath Lab Tech

Explore a rewarding career in radiology as a Cath Lab Tech, and learn about the related roles of...
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Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are allied health professionals who care for patients experiencing a rang...
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Cytotechnologist

As specialists in the science of human cells, Cytotechnologists are medical professionals who pl...
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Dietitian

The demand for dietitians & dietetic techs is expected to grow faster than average! Trusted Heal...
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Dosimetrist

Members of the radiation oncology team, Dosimetrists are responsible for ensuring accurate radia...
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EKG Technician

These professionals, also known as monitoring techs or EKG techs, recognize normal & abnormal he...
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Histotechnologist

Histotechnologists & histotechnicians are specialized lab professionals who prepare bloodwork & ...
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Licenced Therapist / Counselor

Both counselors & therapists use treatments that help people find relief from stress, loss, as w...
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Medical Lab Scientist

Medical laboratory scientists are allied health professionals who process biological specimens t...
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Medical Lab Technician

Laboratory technicians, also known as clinical or medical laboratory technicians, study & test s...
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Mental Health Technician

Discover the vital role of mental health technicians in providing compassionate care to individu...
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Neurodiagnostic Tech

Neurodiagnostic Techs utilize various diagnostic tests to record electrical patterns & help iden...
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Occupational Therapist (OT)

Both OTs and Occupational Therapist Assitants work with patients in mental health settings, help...
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Pharmacist

While doctors prescribe medications, pharmacists are the ones who prepare and dispense them. Lea...
66564307f96c1b613730917a_Pharmacy Tech Career Guide-p-500

Pharmacy Tech

Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists to ensure that prescribed medications are dispen...
665643410cd03b5cc6718d1b_Phlebotomist Career Guide-p-500

Phlebotomist

A Phlebotomist, sometimes referred to as a phlebotomy tech, is an allied health professional and...
664caede2cd6b3cdfaf74344_Physical Therapist (PT)-p-500

Physical Therapist (PT)

PTs and PTAs focus on helping patients regain mobility through strength, stretching, and manual ...
65292a62ede77d73d75c2b4e_radiology-p-500

Radiologic Tech

A radiologic tech, sometimes referred to as an X-ray tech, is a health professional who's respon...
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Respiratory Therapist (RT)

RTs work under the supervision of a doctor to assist with examining, diagnosing, monitoring, and...
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Social Worker

Social workers are professionals dedicated to supporting patients to cope with challenges in the...
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Sonographer

Diagnostic ultrasound is also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography. An individual ...
6537c788c9d2839834e34fb9_speech-language-pathologist-p-500

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Speech-language pathologists work with patients, from babies to adults, to treat many different ...
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Sterile Processing Technician

SPTs are tasked with cleaning, inspecting, sterilizing, storing, testing, and delivering medical...
65292a0651b24004f7dd867d_surgical-technician-p-500

Surgical Assistant

Learn how to become a surgical first assistant, how you can advance your surgical assistant care...
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Surgical Technician

A surgical technician is part of an operating room medical team and will often support the docto...
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Explore allied health professions

Behavior Analyst

Certified behavior analysts work with patients in both group & individual settings to assess & u...

Cath Lab Tech

Explore a rewarding career in radiology as a Cath Lab Tech, and learn about the related roles of...

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists are allied health professionals who care for patients experiencing a rang...

Cytotechnologist

As specialists in the science of human cells, Cytotechnologists are medical professionals who pl...

Dietitian

The demand for dietitians & dietetic techs is expected to grow faster than average! Trusted Heal...

Dosimetrist

Members of the radiation oncology team, Dosimetrists are responsible for ensuring accurate radia...

EKG Technician

These professionals, also known as monitoring techs or EKG techs, recognize normal & abnormal he...

Histotechnologist

Histotechnologists & histotechnicians are specialized lab professionals who prepare bloodwork & ...

Licenced Therapist / Counselor

Both counselors & therapists use treatments that help people find relief from stress, loss, as w...

Medical Lab Scientist

Medical laboratory scientists are allied health professionals who process biological specimens t...

Medical Lab Technician

Laboratory technicians, also known as clinical or medical laboratory technicians, study & test s...

Mental Health Technician

Discover the vital role of mental health technicians in providing compassionate care to individu...

Neurodiagnostic Tech

Neurodiagnostic Techs utilize various diagnostic tests to record electrical patterns & help iden...

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Both OTs and Occupational Therapist Assitants work with patients in mental health settings, help...

Pharmacist

While doctors prescribe medications, pharmacists are the ones who prepare and dispense them. Lea...

Pharmacy Tech

Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists to ensure that prescribed medications are dispen...

Phlebotomist

A Phlebotomist, sometimes referred to as a phlebotomy tech, is an allied health professional and...

Physical Therapist (PT)

PTs and PTAs focus on helping patients regain mobility through strength, stretching, and manual ...

Radiologic Tech

A radiologic tech, sometimes referred to as an X-ray tech, is a health professional who's respon...

Respiratory Therapist (RT)

RTs work under the supervision of a doctor to assist with examining, diagnosing, monitoring, and...

Social Worker

Social workers are professionals dedicated to supporting patients to cope with challenges in the...

Sonographer

Diagnostic ultrasound is also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography. An individual ...

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Speech-language pathologists work with patients, from babies to adults, to treat many different ...

Sterile Processing Technician

SPTs are tasked with cleaning, inspecting, sterilizing, storing, testing, and delivering medical...

Surgical Assistant

Learn how to become a surgical first assistant, how you can advance your surgical assistant care...

Surgical Technician

A surgical technician is part of an operating room medical team and will often support the docto...
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What is allied health?

Allied health professionals encompass a wide range of healthcare roles distinct from nursing and medicine. These skilled individuals provide essential diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services in the healthcare system.

According to the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP), about 60% of the U.S. healthcare workforce is comprised of allied health professionals, who may hold specialized degrees or certifications.

How to determine the best allied health career for you

Research career requirements

Investigate what is needed to succeed in each role, from the length of study to the type of training and exams required.

Talk to a professional in the field

Reach out to working professionals through forums, networking events, or shadowing opportunities.

Consider long-term opportunities

Look into the future, some fields might offer more advancement opportunities or higher demand, affecting job stability and salary potential.

Evaluate your interests

Consider what aspects of healthcare excite you. Do you thrive on direct patient interaction, or do you prefer roles behind the scenes?

Assess your skills

Reflect on your strengths, whether they're technical skills, interpersonal communication, or detailed-oriented tasks.

Explore Allied Health Jobs

Frequently asked questions

Which allied health professionals make the most money?
Among allied health professionals, Pharmacists, Medical Dosimetrists, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists are typically the highest earners. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023, here are the average annual salaries for these roles:
  • Pharmacists: $136,030
  • Medical Dosimetrists: $132,880
  • Physical Therapists: $99,710
  • Occupational Therapists: $96,370

These figures reflect the significant expertise and training required in these fields, contributing to their higher earning potential.

What is the difference between nursing and allied health?
Nursing focuses primarily on patient care, support, and advocacy, often providing direct, continuous care to patients across a variety of settings and specialties. Nurses assess patient health, administer medication, and collaborate closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to manage patient treatment plans.

Allied health, on the other hand, is a broad term that includes a wide range of healthcare professions that provide diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services, as well as direct patient care. Allied health professionals, such as pharmacists, radiologists, physical therapists, and medical dosimetrists, specialize in different areas of healthcare and often perform specific tasks related to their field of expertise.

What are typical job settings for allied health professionals?
Allied health professionals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private clinics, laboratories, and even patient homes. Some specialties, like radiology or surgical technology, are more likely to be based in hospital settings, whereas others may work in outpatient care centers or private practices.
What is the potential income for allied health professionals?
Income varies widely depending on the specific allied health career, level of education, certifications, and geographical location. Generally, specialized roles requiring higher education levels tend to offer higher salaries. We advise that you navigate to the salary guide for a specific allied profession listed above by selecting that role.
Is there a demand for allied health professionals?
Yes, there is a strong demand for allied health professionals. In fact, the demand for allied health professions is expected to grow by 21% in the next 10 years. The growth in the healthcare industry and the expanding need for healthcare services among aging populations contribute to a steady demand for qualified professionals across various allied health fields.
How long does it take to start a career in allied health?
The time it takes to start a career depends on the profession. Certificate programs can take as little as a few months, while associate degree programs typically last two years. Further education needed for more specialized roles, such as those requiring a bachelor's or master's degree, will take longer.
What are the educational requirements for a career in allied health?
The educational requirements can vary greatly depending on the specific career. Most positions require at least an associate degree, but others might need a bachelor's degree or higher, particularly for more advanced roles. Technical and assistant positions may only require a certificate or diploma. Select a specific role from the drop down at the top of this page to learn more.
What kind of certifications will I need?
Certification and licensure requirements vary by field and sometimes by state or even the individual facility. Common certifications are required for clinical laboratory scientists, respiratory therapists, and radiologic technologists, among others. Always check the specific state and professional guidelines for the career you are interested in. You can find certification guides specific to each role by selecting a profession from the list above.
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