Allied health professionals support many aspects of patient care. Allied clinicians aren’t doctors or nurses, but they help patients recover from injuries, deal with chronic conditions, and so much more. Some focus on diagnostics, while others provide assistance to physicians or administer therapies.
The field of allied healthcare is growing exponentially, presenting opportunities for those searching for a rewarding career. Read on to discover more about some of the most in-demand allied healthcare specialties in the current job market.
Physician Assistant
A physician assistant works under a physician’s supervision to examine, diagnose, and treat patients. They can also perform diagnostic tests and interpret those tests, offer patient education, and prescribe medications.
Physician assistants work in many settings, including doctor’s offices, hospitals, and clinics. To become a PA, you need to get a master’s degree and you need to be licensed in the state in which you plan on working.
The median annual salary is $126,010, and there are about 12,200 PA job openings a year, with a projected job growth of 27% until at least 2032.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Also known as speech therapists, speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat communication disorders while also being able to address issues with swallowing, language, speech, and fluency, including issues like stuttering across all age groups. Speech therapists can also select alternative communication systems for their patients.
Speech-language pathologists often work in schools as well as in private practices or hospitals. Some also work in residential care facilities. To become a speech therapist, you need a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. You also need a license, which usually means passing an exam and having clinical experience.
The median annual pay for speech-language pathologists is $84,140. The job has an expected growth rate of 19%.
Occupational Therapist Assistant
Though occupational therapist assistants work with patients of all ages, they mainly work with seniors, helping them regain essential life skills and improve their overall well-being. They help patients do all manner of therapeutic activities. They also use play activities and developmental exercises to help children with disabilities improve functional skills.
An occupational therapist assistant can also help patients learn to use special equipment, like tools that assist patients with Parkinson’s disease with eating. These kinds of assistants work in occupational therapists’ offices, in nursing care facilities, and in hospitals.
Occupational therapist assistants need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program. The median annual salary for occupational therapist assistants is $63,450, and there’s a projected job growth of 23%.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help ill or injured people manage pain and improve movement. They care for people of all ages using specialized equipment and a variety of techniques, including physical exercises and targeted movement of muscles, joints, and other soft tissues.
A physical therapist has to review notes and medical records from physicians and diagnose patient function by observing them move or stand. Physical therapists usually work in private clinics and offices, hospitals, nursing homes, and even in patients’ homes. The position requires you to get a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
With a median annual salary of $97,720 and an expected job growth of 15%, this is a prime option for those searching for allied healthcare specialties.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists offer care for patients who struggle with breathing issues stemming from all manner of conditions, including asthma and COPD. Patients can range from infants to the elderly. A respiratory therapist has to interview patients and consult with physicians to develop treatment plans.
They work closely with registered nurses, medical assistants, and physicians to perform treatments to improve patients’ breathing. Most respiratory therapists work in hospitals, especially in emergency settings.
To become a respiratory therapist, you need an associate’s degree, and—except in Alaska—you have to be licensed. The median salary for respiratory therapists is $70,540, and there’s a job growth expectation of 13% by 2032.
Cardiovascular Technologist
Cardiovascular technologists create images and perform tests involving the heart and lungs. They provide patient education before procedures, properly position patients for the best testing outcomes, and operate equipment to conduct tests or get diagnostic images. They must also examine the results for abnormalities and provide a summary for physicians.
Typically, cardiovascular technologists work in physicians’ offices and hospitals. To become one, you need an associate’s degree, and some employers will require that you have certification. The median salary for cardiovascular technologists is $63,020, and there’s an expected job growth of 10% until 2032.
Find your next allied health job with Prolink
Allied healthcare puts you in a position to help patients who need it. Roles within the field also pay well and offer the kind of challenges you may be looking for. At Prolink, we can help you find the right position for you within allied health, nursing, and much more.
Our team of recruiters is here to answer any questions you may have about allied health positions, so don’t hesitate to take the next step on your career journey with us. Contact Prolink today or click Get Started below to register.
