Unlike other medicine and nursing professions, allied health workers deliver services pertinent to the identification, evaluation, and prevention of acute and chronic illnesses. Moreover, their scope of services also includes dietary and nutrition, rehabilitation, and health system management. Fourteen distinct professions are regulated under this sector and managed by Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC).
Some of the most important allied health professions include technologists, drama therapists, music therapists, dieticians, orthoptists, osteopaths, physiotherapists, radiographers, and diagnostics. However, all these professions vary from state to state, depending entirely on their demand.
A study suggests that in America, almost 60% of the health workers belonged to the 80 different allied health professions, and the percentage is continuously rising. As a matter of fact, in the past nine years, the services sector has been flooded with 19.8 million allied health professional jobs. However, earlier, the figure resided at 15.6 million, to be exact.
WHY DO WE USE AHPs IN HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY?
There are different treatment styles, and Allied Health Professions (AHPs) make them effective by employing practices that have been tested scientifically. They are committed to promoting prevention techniques so that optimum health can be built. Thus, the scope of the field keeps growing, and the industry continually requires both fresh and experienced graduates.
WHAT MAKES AHPs THE BEST CAREER OPTION?
AHPs are the third largest part of the healthcare sector, which is why this sector is believed to offer job security. A recent study shows that the medical industry alone constitutes 18% of the United States economy. Additionally, Georgetown University assesses that in 2020, due to biological and environmental hazards, the demand is likely to increase and get doubled. However, only AHPs seem to have the capacity and capability to fulfill this ever-increasing demand. This sector is wide enough to cater to a variety of healthcare subunits, no matter to which department they belong – radiography or dentistry.
Also, in this hectic lifestyle, people prefer quick home services, and with AHPs, you can easily manage to get the patients and attend them in their homeplaces. That eventually cuts costs for opening a clinic and all the other expenses attached to it.
WHAT ARE THE BASIC TYPES OF AHPs?
There are two types of Allied Health Workers, as some are bound to get the assistance of other health providers such as assistants, physicians, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists. The other allied health workers attend the patient independently in the capacity of nutritionists, physiotherapists, educators, and speakers.
This sector is further divided into two broad categories, including technicians and therapists. Technologists or therapists are the independent allied health workers, and besides managing comprehensive patient-centered care, they are responsible for overseeing technicians or therapists as well.
HOW TO CHOOSE ALLIED HEALTH DEGREE PROGRAM?
How can you choose a degree program that fits perfectly with your requirements? Let us tell you that an undergraduate degree in Allied Health can help you secure a job; however, the options are very limited. On the other hand, getting a master’s degree is equivalent to doctoral and dentistry, not only due to the great career options, but the job designation is also somewhat similar.
Whether you want to attend the patient directly or interested in handling the office work, this degree can get you anywhere. Allied health degree is perfect for the ones who are passionate about working in the healthcare industry yet find the doctor job a little too much.
The curriculum is rather engaging as it involves the most modern theories and principles to devise relevant and up to date techniques and methods. Furthermore, the degree includes courses like human biology, genetics, mathematics, physiology, anatomy, chemistry, and psychology. Though at some institutions, the spiritual and old greek practices are also being taught to heal the patient. Because being holistic practitioners, AHPs are required to use a variety of techniques at the same time and cure the patients according to their preferences.
With a variety of courses and several career options, students can get more exposure and become fully learned in the field of medicine. Due to this, Allied Health Studies is casting way more long-lasting impressions than any other medical field.
WHY ARE B.A. AND B.S. ALLIED HEALTH DEGREES DIFFERENT?
Both these bachelor degrees are equivalent in terms of qualification but are different when it comes to theory and practice. Bachelor in Arts (B.A.) in Allied Health is for the ones who want to work directly in labs or attend the patients. This degree is for technologists, medical technicians, occupational therapists, physical therapy assistants, dietetics, orthotics, and cytotechnologists to be precise.
On the other hand, Bachelor in Science (B.S.) in Allied Health is a perfect option for the people who enjoy being trainers and are good at handling administrative tasks. They can also find a place in biotechnology companies and pharmacies. Also, there is an option for additional courses as well. Moreover, both the public and private sectors can consume these degrees and provide promising job opportunities.
Apart from this, if you are planning to join this field as a pharmacy technician then we would suggest you to go for it as pharmacy technicians make $35k/year on average.
WHAT ARE THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND PERKS?
In Allied Health Profession, the career options are paramount and promise several growth opportunities. With specialization and an advanced degree in Allied Health programs, you become eligible for positions including medical consultants, podiatrists, radiographers, paramedics, and physiotherapists. Interestingly, many of these roles are inherently designed for doctors and nurses with advanced degrees and specialization.
Just like other medical professions, AHPs have access to many perks. Not only in terms of degree specialization and career options but also due to the competitive salary packages and remote working options. No wonder they are the most significant part of the medical staff, and without them, patients cannot recover fully.
WHAT ARE THE MOST HIGHLY PAID ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS?
Due to the number of options, anyone can find the career of his or her choice. However, if you are confused about the job prospects, then take into consideration the list below. These are the Allied Health areas that promise higher salary packages
- Physician Assistant: $85k per year
- Dental Hygienist: $69k per year
- Nutritionist/Dietician: $58k per year
- Occupational therapist: $81k per year
- Technologists: $57k per year
- Audiologist: $66k per year
- Language Pathologist: $67k per year
FINAL SUGGESTIONS:
You need to understand that besides nurses and doctors, the healthcare industry holds several other professional options. And without any of them, the industry cannot run efficiently. Because clinical care needs an extensive and well-developed service sector too, which assures the timely delivery of services and its accessibility to patients and medical staff. Therefore, to achieve excellence, AHPs play a vital role in this whole medical care procedure.