While many people associate healthcare careers with doctors and nurses, there is a broad group of professionals working behind the scenes to provide critical support and care. These professionals are part of allied health, a field that encompasses a wide range of roles dedicated to improving patient outcomes. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in healthcare but prefer a hands-on role without becoming a doctor or nurse, allied health jobs might be a good fit for you.
What Are Allied Health Jobs?
Allied health jobs refer to a category of healthcare professions that support physicians and nurses in delivering care to patients. These professionals play a role in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating patients, ensuring they receive effective care. Allied health workers typically work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, private practices, and other healthcare settings.
Some common allied health jobs include:
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Physical Therapists (PTs):
PTs help patients recover mobility and strength after injuries, surgeries, or illnesses by designing treatment plans.
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Occupational Therapists (OTs):
OTs assist patients in recovering the skills needed for daily living activities, such as dressing, cooking, or using a computer, after an injury or illness.
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Radiologic Technologists:
These professionals operate imaging equipment such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to help physicians diagnose medical conditions.
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Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs):
SLPs evaluate and treat patients with speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
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Respiratory Therapists:
These specialists provide care for patients with breathing problems, including those with asthma, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs):
MLTs perform laboratory tests on patient samples to help physicians diagnose conditions and monitor treatments.
These are just a few examples—there are many more allied health careers that focus on different aspects of patient care, such as dietetics, cardiovascular technology, and more.
Why Choose an Allied Health Career?
There are several reasons to consider pursuing a career in allied health. One of the biggest advantages is the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Allied health professionals often work closely with patients, helping them recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, or improve their overall quality of life. Many allied health careers also offer opportunities for specialization, allowing professionals to focus on a specific area of care that interests them.
Additionally, allied health jobs are often in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many allied health professions are projected to experience strong job growth in the coming years. This growth is driven by an aging population, increasing healthcare needs, and a greater emphasis on preventative care. Whether you’re interested in working in a hospital, a private practice, or even remotely in telemedicine, allied health roles offer a wide range of job settings and opportunities.
What Are the Educational Requirements?
The educational requirements for allied health jobs can vary depending on the specific profession. However, most allied health careers require some form of formal education, ranging from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Here are some general pathways to becoming an allied health professional:
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Certificate Programs:
Many allied health careers, such as medical assistants, phlebotomists, or radiologic technologists, require completion of a certificate program that typically takes 6 months to 2 years.
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Associate’s Degree:
Professions like physical therapy assistants, respiratory therapists, and medical laboratory technicians often require an associate degree, which typically takes about two years to complete.
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Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree:
Professions such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and dietitians generally require a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree for entry into the field.
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Licensing and Certification:
In addition to formal education, many allied health jobs require licensure or certification, which typically involves passing a national exam and meeting continuing education requirements to maintain credentials.
Career Opportunities and Job Outlook
One of the most attractive aspects of allied health jobs is the variety of career options and the job outlook. Many allied health professions are expected to grow significantly in the coming years. For instance, the demand for physical therapists is expected to increase by 22% from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—much faster than the average for other occupations.
Allied health jobs can be found across many sectors of healthcare, from hospitals to outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools, and nursing homes. Some professionals even choose to work in research, education, or telemedicine, offering additional flexibility and career growth potential.
How KPG Healthcare Can Help
For those looking to start a career in allied health, KPG Healthcare offers a range of job opportunities across various allied health professions. With a commitment to matching healthcare professionals with top employers, KPG is a trusted resource for those seeking to find their next role in the field.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for new opportunities, we can help connect you with the right job that fits your skills and career goals. Explore the many allied health jobs available and take the next step toward a fulfilling career.
The Benefits of Pursuing a Career in Allied Health
Allied health jobs offer an exciting career path for individuals passionate about healthcare but not necessarily interested in becoming a doctor or nurse. With a range of professions to choose from and strong job growth projected for many fields, pursuing an allied health career provides the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care and the healthcare industry. Whether you’re interested in rehabilitation, diagnostics, or patient support, there is a position that can bring personal satisfaction and professional growth.