Beyond the Bedside: Exciting Opportunities in Allied Health Professions

Are you interested in a healthcare career, but unsure of which avenue to pursue? You may be surprised to learn about the exciting world of allied healthcare. Allied healthcare positions are non-clinical medical jobs that allow providers to work directly in the medical arena while making a life-changing impact on patients.  As staffing shortages continue to affect facilities and doctors’ offices across the U.S., allied healthcare professionals have become even more crucial in the ongoing care and treatment of patients. Here are three examples of in-demand allied healthcare professions.

Radiology

There is a major span of positions in radiology and imaging, all of which offer rewarding experiences and competitive benefits. Some of the various roles in radiology include radiologist assistants; radiologic technicians; and radiology administrators. Many people are surprised to learn that you can pursue certain radiology positions with just an associate’s degree. Depending on your intended specialization, there may be specific certification requirements and advanced training. Radiology professionals have many options when it comes to work settings, with opportunities available at physicians’ offices, outpatient care centers, imaging facilities, and hospitals, among many others.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapists (PTs) play a vital role in the treatment of many medical ailments and muscular-skeletal issues. Working alongside a variety of healthcare professionals, physical therapists work with patients to improve mobility and reduce pain. From stretching exercises to hands-on techniques, there are a multitude of ways in which PTs improve the quality of life for their patients. What attracts many people to the physical therapy field is the opportunity to work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, small clinics, and nursing homes. As demand for PT continues to increase, there are numerous full-time and contract job openings across the U.S.

Respiratory Therapists

Helping patients with breathing problems, respiratory therapists play a vital role in evaluating and treating many types of breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. These roles tend to be very fast-paced and involve working with many other providers to provide comprehensive care. An associate’s degree in respiratory care is a baseline educational requirement; however, there are many advanced credentialing opportunities that can increase earning potential. From elderly patients to newborn babies, respiratory therapists are an integral part of many healthcare teams, especially in hospitals and rehab facilities.

While allied positions are less traditional healthcare roles, they have proven to be incredibly rewarding for millions of healthcare professionals across the country.

Whether you’re a newly aspiring allied healthcare professional or considering new opportunities in the field, be sure to check out some of the many allied healthcare roles Alerion has to offer!