Allied Health Professions

Did you ever notice how many people work in a hospital, clinic or even the office of your family doctor? The fact is it takes many trained people working together to deliver health care in the United States, and only a fraction of them have ever set foot inside a nursing or medical school. If you have an interest in the medical field, but don’t see yourself becoming a doctor or nurse, there’s a job waiting in the allied health field that’s got your name on it.

WHAT DOES AN ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL DO?

Allied health is a broad category of careers within the health care field. The number, variety and range of these jobs is vast — some estimates say up to 60% of all jobs in the health care field are classified as allied health professions. Many of these positions do not require a four-year degree, which allows people to start a career quickly.

Allied health professionals are the support staff at the doctor's or dentist’s right hand; they work in the pharmacy, the medical lab or the rehabilitation room, and they are the personnel trained to operate diagnostic medical equipment.

WHY SUCH HIGH DEMAND? • People are living longer, thanks to advancements in medicine, technology and healthy habits. • The increase of certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity, which have more complications and require more care. • Gerontology (senior citizen care) is exploding with the aging of the baby boomers.

WHAT ARE A FEW ALLIED HEALTH JOBS?

The website careerprofiles.info compiled a list of the fastest-growing allied health care jobs in the United States.

Medical Assistants perform clinical and administrative duties for doctors, surgeons, chiropractors and other medical specialists. • Typical job duties: Answering phones, greeting patients, maintaining medical records, scheduling patient appointments and handling patient billing. • Education: Generally includes a certification or associate degree than takes 1-2 years to complete. • Growth: There were 3,810 medical assistant jobs in the state in 2018 and jobs are expected to grow 26% by 2028. • Pay: In Arkansas, the annual pay range for medical assistants is between $23,000 and $40,960.

Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians help doctors diagnose and treat heart and vascular problems. • Typical job duties: Prepare patients for heart procedures, such as balloon angioplasties, cardiac catheterizations and even open-heart surgery. They monitor heart rate and blood pressure and notify doctors after detecting abnormalities. • Education: Most earn at least an associate degree at a community college; others complete a fouryear degree. • Growth: There were 580 cardiovascular technologists and technicians jobs in the state in 2018 and jobs are expected to grow 9% by 2028. • Pay: In Arkansas, the annual pay range for cardiovascular technologists and technicians is between $27,400 and $78,980.

Respiratory Therapists assess, treat and assist patients with cardiopulmonary and other breathing problems. • Typical job duties: Assess, treat and assist patients; oversee respiratory therapy, administer diagnostic tests and provide therapy. • Education: Respiratory therapists generally hold an associate degree. • Growth: There were 1,140 respiratory therapists jobs in the state in 2018 and jobs are expected to grow 23% by 2028. • Pay: In Arkansas, the annual pay range for respiratory therapists is between $41,420 and $74,780.

WHERE DO ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS WORK?

Most allied health professionals work in a medical setting, such as a doctor’s office, dental practice, clinic or hospital. Some may be mobile, bringing therapies to homebound patients or performing other duties.

Many allied health jobs are an extension of the physician and frequently have close contact with patients.

Not all allied health professionals act as front-line support for medical procedures, however. These professionals maintain patient records and coordinate with insurance carriers for payment, among other tasks. Except for the fact they work at a clinic or doctor’s office, their work isn’t much different than clerical tasks in any other office.

For more information on these and other allied health professional jobs and to find training programs, visit www.careeronestop.org.