Allied health is the term given to a group of medical jobs, excluding physicians and nurses. There are over 100 types of allied heath jobs. Many allied health professionals work together as a team to diagnose and treat patents with all types of illnesses, injuries and physical and emotional conditions. Allied healthcare workers are employed by various facilities including hospitals, clinics. laboratories, doctors' offices and dental offices.
The training and education required varies greatly among allied health care jobs. For example, emergency medical technicians and medical assistant programs usually take one college semester or less to complete, while other types of allied health jobs, such as nuclear medical technologists, require a bachelors degree. There are also several types of medical jobs which require one to two years of training.
Many allied healthcare jobs involve direct patient care. Various types of therapists help treat a patient’s condition or improve his quality of life. For example, occupational and physical therapists work directly with patients to improve physical functioning, such as walking and fine motor skills. Speech pathologists evalute and treat individuals who have communication problems.
Healthcare jobs which involve performing diagnostic tests are another option for those considering a career in healthcare. Radiography technicians perform various types of x-rays to help a physician make a diagnosis. Ultrasound techs and nuclear medicine technologists also perform various types of diagnostic tests and procedures.
Other option to consider for allied health jobs are those in the dental field. Along with cleaning a patient’s teeth, dental hygienists educate patients on proper oral hygiene to prevent disease. Dental assistants are also considered allied heath workers. Their duties may vary depending on place of employment. However, responsibilities often include assisting the dentist with procedures, taking x-rays and preparing the exam area.
Not all allied health jobs involve direct treatment of patients. Certain medical jobs exist which provide indirect patient care. Lab technicians may analyze blood, urine, and other body fluids to help a physician make a diagnosis. Back office medical assistants schedule appointments, bill insurance companies, and organize medical records. Medical transcriptions document a doctor’s notes which will become part of a patient’s medical record.
Along with differing responsibilities, there is a wide range in salary for various allied health jobs. Generally the medical jobs which require a bachelor's degree will pay higher than allied health jobs which only require a certificate or one year of training. Salaries also vary by level of experience and geographic location.
