Allied Health Career Guide
Embarking on a career in allied health is not just a commitment to enhancing the well-being of others; it’s a journey into a diverse and rewarding field, where each role offers a unique way to make a difference. The world of allied health is rich with opportunities, each profession with its own distinct path.
While each allied health role is unique, requiring specialized education, certifications, and skills, the diversity within this field means there’s a place for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to diagnostic technology, hands on care, or support roles, you’ll find a profession that resonates with you.
Choosing an allied health role is an exciting venture, involving considerations such as education, career growth, responsibilities, salary, and work environment. This guide is here to support you in navigating the opportunities in allied health, helping you discover the profession that feels right for you, and offering insights into the unique paths and requirements of each role.
Navigating the World of Allied Health
With so many allied roles to explore, from Sonographer to Physical Therapist to Laboratory Technician and beyond, where does one start? Let’s begin by understanding the essence of allied health professions.
What is Allied Health?
Allied health is a distinct area of healthcare outside of medicine and nursing. Allied health disciplines are an essential part of quality patient care and encompass a wide range of health services. According to the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP), around 60% of the healthcare workforce in the U.S. is classified as allied health.
An allied health professional is someone with a special health degree or certificate. They work in different settings, helping people in areas where specialization on the healthcare team is needed.
These professionals work on the front lines and behind the scenes as an integral part of the treatment team – assisting in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of diseases.
Here’s What You Should Focus On:
In the following resources, we’ll take a look at numerous specialty resources to help you decide which one is the best fit for you. We’ll cover in depth the various components of nursing specialties to keep in mind as you browse your options.
What
Does the patient population, care setting, daily tasks, and diagnoses found within this specialty interest you? Is it something you want to learn more about?
Education Requirements
Do you have the educational requirements necessary to work in a given role? If not, are they attainable for you, and would you be interested in pursuing them?
Care Advancement
Is there opportunity for professional growth? Do you have interest in pursuing additional certifications and experience within the field? Does the experience align with your career goals?
Certifications
Does this role require certifications? Are you committed to completing them and keeping them up to date?
Salary
Does the salary feel fair for the work? Will the salary support your lifestyle or cost of living? Family needs, etc?
Specialty Responsibilities
Are you interested in the procedures, types of patient interactions, makeup of the interdisciplinary team you'd be a part of, and the tools and technologies you'd be using (or lack thereof)?
Common Diagnoses
Are you interested in seeing, discussing, and treating patients with the most common diagnoses seen in this role?
Care Setting
Where you’re working can be just as important as what you’re doing! Do you think you would thrive in a role where you see many patients in a day? Or would you rather build relationships with the same patients in the inpatient setting?
Explore Allied Health Professions
Click on the cards below to dive into comprehensive guides for each allied health profession, offering in-depth insights to help you find your ideal role.
