What is allied health?
Allied health is a broad group of specialized professionals who work on the front lines to diagnose, treat, and provide care. Often considered the backbone of the healthcare system, these professionals work in collaboration with doctors, nurse practitioners (NPs), dentists, and other primary care providers to diagnose, treat, and provide care for patients.
According to the American Journal of Medicine, allied health professionals account for over 60% of the nation’s 11 million healthcare workers. Although the term is broad, occupations like MRI technologists, physical therapists, and dental hygienists are considered to be a part of this healthcare team.
Common allied health careers include:
- Medical Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Physical Therapist
- Paramedic
- CT Technologist
- Respiratory Therapist
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- MRI Technologist
- Social Worker
- Speech and Language Pathologist
Where do allied health professionals work?
Allied health professionals are present across a variety of settings— from hospitals to business centers overseeing healthcare operations. The most common setting varies by occupation and job requirements. Even if an allied health professional is based in one facility, they may be requested to assist in another. For example, physical therapists are generally employed in clinics, but may be requested to assist a patient in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Examples of work locations:
- Clinics
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic laboratories
- Primary care offices
- Urgent care centers
- Indian Health Service facilities
- Correctional facilities
Why choose an allied health career?
Allied health careers are rewarding for many individuals because of competitive pay, direct impact on patients, and shorter education requirements than primary care providers. As for the nature of the work, allied health professionals are hands-on learners and doers. For those who enjoy staying on their feet all day and trying new things, allied health is for you.
What are the benefits of a travel allied health position?
Obtaining a travel allied health role can be life-changing in many aspects—particularly for those who are experiencing burnout in their current position. Travel allied health roles can unlock new opportunities, work environments, patients, and higher pay rates than their permanent position. By adding your travel experience to your resume, you can have a competitive advantage against many candidates. Ultimately, this can lead to higher pay and access to more opportunity. At Barton Healthcare Staffing, we encourage you to seek this flexibility and explore this work outside of your long-term position.
How long does it take to become an allied health professional?
Becoming an allied health professional can take anywhere from six months to more than five years, depending on the specific role. From online certificates to world-class masters degree programs, the educational route varies significantly. On top of this, continuing education requirements and clinical hours may be required. In some fields, doctoral programs are available, providing opportunities for careers in administration, research, and diagnostics.
Is allied health the same as nursing?
No, allied health is not the same as nursing. Registered nurses (RNs) receive broader training that encompasses tasks such as administering medication, providing wound care, and monitoring patients. In contrast, allied health roles are more specialized because of their required expertise in their specific area of healthcare. For example, CT technologists are experts at utilizing CT scanners, while MRI technologists specialize in operating MRI machines. Neither allied health worker can do another person’s job because of the training they undergo.
It’s important to recognize that allied health professionals frequently work alongside nurses across all spaces of the healthcare sector. Where both occupations share similarities is in their scope of practice. Depending on the regulations in a particular state, nurses and allied health workers may have limitations on the types of care they can provide. As part of this, the relationship between a primary care provider, nurse, and allied health professional are subject to state law.
What is the most common allied health position?
Based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistants are the most common allied health position in the United States. While Barton Healthcare Staffing does not actively recruit medical assistants, 50+ allied health occupations and specialties are available. The allied health positions we are currently hiring for include CT technologists, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists. This translates to a higher demand for these positions and gaps in healthcare teams across the country.
What is the highest paying job in allied health?
Pharmacists are the highest paid allied health role, based on the report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The most recent data shows pharmacist salary to be a median of $136,030 or $65.40 an hour. Pharmacist pay comes from the amount of schooling and liabilities taken on by the individual when practicing medicine.
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