Top Allied Health Careers in 2018

The growing need for Allied Health professionals continues to increase with each passing year here in the United States. The ever-improving advances in medical technology, improvements in nutrition, and the constant pushes for healthy living mean that people are living longer than ever before. But, even though people are living longer, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t faced with a wide variety of illnesses, injuries and conditions that need medical care and attention.

That’s where the Allied Health Professions come in. This long list of careers in the medical field provides services involving the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services; and rehabilitation and health systems management.

Where Do Allied Health Professionals Work?

Today, there are more than 5 million people employed in more than 80 different Allied Health Professions. They work in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, nursing homes and other facilities. These are the front-line workers who provide additional care in partnership with the doctors and physicians other independent specialists who can practice with autonomy.

When you look for a list of the top Allied Health Professions, what you’ll find will vary depending on the list. Some questions that determine which professions fall on the list of growing health careers include:

• Which allied health fields offer the greatest growth potential?
• Which allied health fields pay the most money?
• Which health careers offer the greatest job security?
• Which allied health professions offer the greatest personal fulfillment?

Popular Professions on the List of Top Allied Health Fields

No matter which lists of allied health professions you look at, there are several careers that you’ll find common among all of them. These fields include Paramedic Science, Health Information Administration, Clinical Lab Science, Dental Hygiene and various therapy specialties like Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.

These professions all offer employment in a range of facilities and are in great demand across the country. Many of these top allied health fields include professions that involve advanced educational study. However, there are several occupations on the list that are surprisingly simple to pursue and will require four years of training or less for gainful employment.

Medical Assistants

This career path is growing across the nation because it is such a flexible choice with diverse employment opportunities. Responsible for both clinical and administrative duties, Medical Assistants fulfill a wide range of tasks that essential in nearly every medical setting. Medical Assisting is among the nation’s fastest growing careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On average, they earn around $31,000 a year and require between 1-2 years of educational training for employment.

Nursing

Nursing continues to be among the nation’s top allied health professions year after year. In fact, because of the ever-growing need, there is actually a nursing shortage in various regions across the country. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) and Registered Nurses (RN’s) are in constant need in hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, social service agencies and other health care providers. Depending on level of education and certification,

LPN’s may earn around $40,000 per year and RN’s may earn, on average, $68,000 annually. Many LPN programs can be completed in as little as one year, and most individuals can go back to become a Registered Nurse in an additional year. Nursing is an extremely important allied health profession that offers tremendous opportunities for anyone looking to pursue a career in the field.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is a popular, entry-level career choice among allied health professions. It is a career path that is expected to grow by 25% over the next 10 years. Phlebotomists are often the first providers that a patient sees, and their work is instrumental in the further treatment provided by doctors and physicians. Working as a phlebotomist can be a fulfilling career choice, but it also serves as a foundational stepping stone for a variety of other allied health professions.

Educational training may last four-to-eight months and can be completed as long as an individual has completed high school. On average, Phlebotomists earn around $32,000 a year. Phlebotomy is one allied health field that can offer great possibilities for the future.

Great Career Opportunities 

If you are interested in pursing a future in the allied health professions, you’ve made a wise choice. With more than 80 different career opportunities available, you’re likely to find a the career path that’s right for you; one that offers you financial and job security you want and the personal fulfillment you need.

At Athena Career Academy, our educators and professionals provide students with the training they need to be successful in a variety of Allied Health Careers. We are committed to helping you get started on the right career path now. Contact us today to learn how.