There are many careers in the Allied Health professions that are rewarding and in demand.
In fact, right now alliedhealthprograms.com has over two dozen different allied health careers and programs listed on their website.
They range from research careers to medical/clinical careers to administrative careers.
Allied Health professionals work with a team of other healthcare professionals to help people prevent, diagnose, and manage illnesses and injuries. They are also involved in promoting and protecting the public’s health.
There are dozens of allied health careers available, each with its own set of skills, knowledge, and responsibilities.
In this article, we will share 6 allied health careers that are in demand and offer a rewarding profession.
Physical therapy – DPTs and PTAs
We reached out to www.physical-therapy-assistant.org to learn about the growing demand in physical therapy professions such as physical therapy assisting.
Here is what they had to say,
“With an aging population and an increase in obesity rates, the demand for physical therapists is expected to grow by 33% between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary for physical therapists was $86,850 in 2017 and by 2023 has already increased substantially. We are seeing more and more PT and PTA job postings listed on sites like Indeed every day. So, yes, PT careers are in very high demand right now.”
Most physical therapists have a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, although some have a master’s degree. PTs must complete a clinical fellowship after graduation and must be licensed in the state where they practice.
Physical therapists typically work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. Working alongside physical therapists are physical therapist assistants, who have an associate’s degree. PTA salaries averaged $57,430 in 2017.
The demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to grow by 31% from 2016 to 2026. PTAs must be licensed or certified in most states. Some states allow PTAs to work under the supervision of a physical therapist, while others require direct supervision.
Medical Assistants
Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing occupations, with a projected growth rate of 29% from 2019 to 2029.
Medical assistants perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks to keep medical offices running smoothly. They may schedule appointments, take patient histories, and measure vital signs.
Most medical assistants have completed a postsecondary medical assisting program. The median annual salary for medical assistants was $34,800 in 2019.
Medical assistants are extremely versatile and employable as they can work in dozens of settings including but not limited to general practices, hospitals, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, nursing homes, and more.
Phlebotomists
Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood for various laboratory tests, transfusions, or donations. Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood safely and efficiently. They work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics, as well as blood donation centers. Phlebotomists must complete a postsecondary phlebotomy training program and obtain certification. The median annual salary for phlebotomists was $35,510 in 2019.
EKG Technicians
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. EKG technicians, also known as cardiac monitors, operate EKG machines. They may also monitor patients with other heart conditions. EKG technicians typically complete a short-term certificate program or on-the-job training. The median annual salary for EKG technicians was $33,730 in 2019.
Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations such as x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. They prepare patients for procedures, position them correctly, and operate the equipment. Radiologic technologists typically complete an associate’s degree in radiography. The median annual salary for radiologic technologists was $60,070 in 2019.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat medical conditions. They administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients and then use special cameras to create images of the area being treated. Nuclear medicine technologists typically complete a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology. The median annual salary for nuclear medicine technologists was $77,950 in 2019.
Medical Billing and Coding
Medical billing and coding is a career that helps doctors and other healthcare providers accurately and quickly bill for services provided to patients. Medical billing and coding professionals use a variety of computer programs to generate and submit insurance claims, track patient care, and keep track of finances.
Nutritionist
A career as a nutritionist can involve helping people to maintain a healthy diet by providing advice and information on food choices, diet planning, and weight management. Nutritionists may also work with patients to identify and address underlying health issues that may be impacting their diets and weight. They may also conduct research on the effects of diet on health.
Healthcare Administration
A career in healthcare administration can provide opportunities for a variety of different positions, including hospital administrators, assistant administrators, and medical directors.
Healthcare administrators are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility, including hiring and firing staff, setting budgets, and overseeing the health and safety of patients.
Assistant administrators are responsible for helping the hospital administrator oversee day-to-day operations, and medical directors are responsible for overseeing the overall health and safety of patients within a specific hospital or healthcare facility.
Healthcare Information
A career in healthcare administration includes working in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. Healthcare administrators typically oversee and manage patient care, financial resources, and information systems. They may also develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure efficient and quality care for patients.
Conclusion
Allied healthcare careers are rewarding because they offer the opportunity to directly help patients and improve their quality of life. These six careers are all in high demand, with projected growth rates that exceed the national average. If you’re interested in a career in allied healthcare, research these programs and see if one is a good fit for you.
Physical therapy, medical assisting, phlebotomy, EKG technology, radiologic technology, and nuclear medicine technology are all great allied healthcare careers that are both rewarding and in high demand.
What allied healthcare career are you interested in? Let us know in the comments below!
