Allied health professions & career guides
Learn more about the diverse careers and discover specific job responsibilities, certification requirements, and salary information.
Select Role
Allied Health Career Guide
Select Role
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
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.
Let's start building the life you want.
Join The MovementExplore allied health professions
Role Title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.
Read More
Role Title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.
Read More
Role Title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt.
Read More
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?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What is the difference between nursing and allied health?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What are typical job settings for allied health professionals?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What is the potential income for allied health professionals?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Is there a demand for allied health professionals?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
How long does it take to start a career in allied health?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What are the educational requirements for a career in allied health?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
What kind of certifications will I need?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
Trusted is the absolute best company to work for, which is why I’ve recommended Trusted to so many nurses. I always feel so appreciated and feel like Trusted has my back!
SYDNEY Y.
Trusted is the absolute best company to work for, which is why I’ve recommended Trusted to so many nurses. I always feel so appreciated and feel like Trusted has my back!
SYDNEY Y.
Trusted is the absolute best company to work for, which is why I’ve recommended Trusted to so many nurses. I always feel so appreciated and feel like Trusted has my back!
SYDNEY Y.