Allied health professionals play a crucial role in the healthcare industry, supporting patients and medical teams across various specialties. As the allied health careeers in demand continues to evolve, certain allied health careers are experiencing a surge in demand. From advanced imaging technologies to specialized therapeutic interventions, here are some allied health careers with job opportunities.
High-demand allied health careers in the USA
Anesthesia technician
Anesthesia technicians are integral surgical team members and are one of the allied health careers with job opportunities. They are responsible for preparing and maintaining anesthesia equipment and assisting anesthesiologists during procedures. With the increasing demand for allied health careers, especially for surgical services, particularly in fields like orthopedics and cardiology, the need for skilled anesthesia technicians is on the rise.
- Job outlook: Expected to grow 16 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average.
- Salary: Median annual wage of $60,750 in May 2023.
- Educational requirements: Associate’s degree or certificate program.
Therapist
Therapists encompass a diverse range of professionals and are one of the popular allied health professions, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. As the population ages and awareness of the importance of rehabilitation grows, the demand for therapists is increasing, especially in settings such as hospitals, clinics, and schools.
Below are the diverse types of therapists associated with allied health careers, including the job opportunities that are currently available
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Occupational therapists enable any person to effectively carry out everyday, school, or work-related activities. Occupational therapists work through clients, helping them develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed to perform daily living and work.
Physical Therapist (PT)
Physical therapists work with patients to optimize and develop their physical mobility and functions. They are experts at applying exercise, stretches, manual therapy, and other techniques that can help individuals achieve maximum recovery from injuries, surgery, or illnesses that have affected movement.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists are specialized practitioners who specifically treat patients suffering from breathing sickness or any other cardiopulmonary condition. They help manage conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)and administer treatments like oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation.
Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists are professional health workers working under the branch of oncology. The work of these professionals is to provide irradiation treatment for patients with cancer. Radiations are delivered in specific amounts through different machines targeting a particular region of the body after a prescription by a radiation oncologist.
Speech Therapist (Speech-Language Pathologist – SLP)
Speech therapists assess and treat people with disorders in communication and swallowing. They work with all ages on issues of articulation of speech sounds, development of language, fluency of speech, quality of voice, and oral motor skills
| Therapist type | Job outlook (growth) | Median salary | Top 10% salary | Education requirements |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | 19% | $91,940 | $126,300+ | Master’s in Occupational Therapy |
| Physical Therapist (PT) | 18% | $97,570 | $134,130+ | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) |
| Respiratory Therapist (RT) | 11% | $76,690 | $105,530+ | Associate’s in Respiratory Therapy |
| Radiation Therapist | 8% | $87,620 | $120,490+ | Bachelor’s in Radiation Therapy + Internship |
| Speech Therapist (ST) | 18% | $83,300 | $114,840+ | Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology |
Clinical Psychologist
Among the most in-demand allied health jobs, the job of clinical psychologists is the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. With the increasing importance of mental health as one of the fundamental aspects of well-being, the demand for clinical psychologists increases mainly in fields such as trauma therapy, substance abuse treatment, and geriatric mental health services.
- Job outlook: 14 percent employment growth from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average.
- Salary: Median annual salary of $99,190 in May 2023.
- Education: PsyD or PhD.
Dietitian/Nutritionist
Dietitians and nutritionists form the foundation of healthy eating and disease management through diet. With growing chronic diseases of diabetes and obesity, there is a growing demand for more trained professionals who can provide individualized nutrition counseling and education in all kinds of healthcare delivery settings and many In-Demand allied health jobs.
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists assist surgeons and other surgical team members before, during, and after surgical procedures. With advancements in surgical techniques that continue to advance and push the demand for less invasive methods and other complex surgeries, skilled surgical technologists are needed in the conventional operating rooms as well as ambulatory surgical centers.
- Job outlook: Projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than average
- Salary: Median annual salary of $55,570 in May 2023.
- Educational requirements: Associate’s degree or certificate program.
Pharmacists
The need for pharmacists is a critical requirement towards the appropriate and safe use of medication. The growth of healthcare systems and innovations in treatments based on pharmaceuticals also have an increased demand for pharmacists. Greater demand for pharmacists still occurs within hospitals, retail pharmacies, and specialty clinics. This makes them the highest-paying allied health professionals.
- Job outlook: Projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, slower than average
- Pay: May 2023 median annual salary was $131,570.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
Imaging Technologist
The radiologic technologists have knowledge in the use of advanced diagnostic imaging equipment, such as CT scanning, MRI machines, ultrasound equipment, mammography equipment, and PET scanners. Diagnostic imaging has risen in importance in health care, thus increasing the demand for qualified radiologic technologists to be utilized in such fields as oncology, cardiology, or neurology.
- Employment outlook: Projected 11 percent growth from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average.
- Median annual salary in May 2023: $73,970
- Educational requirements: Associate’s degree or certificate program.
Radiographer
Radiographers perform diagnostic imaging examinations, including X-rays and fluoroscopy, to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions, it is one of the most In-Demand Allied Health Jobs. With advancements in imaging technology and an aging population driving the need for diagnostic services, radiographers are in high demand across a wide range of healthcare settings.
- Job outlook: Expected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than average.
- Salary: Median annual salary of $77,540 in May 2023.
- Educational requirements: Associate’s degree or certificate program.
Echo Technologist
An echo technologist, also commonly referred to as an echocardiographer, performs specialized heart tests, commonly called echocardiograms, to investigate the structure and function of the heart. It is these increased needs that will be answered by trained professionals like qualified echo technologists working at cardiac care units and specialty clinics where a greater number of people are now being diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases.
- Job growth: Projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 through 2031, much faster than the average.
- Salary: The median annual salary is $77,540 in May 2023.
- Education requirement: Associate’s degree or certificate program
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists are popular allied health professionals that specialize in performing various imaging procedures, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. As medical imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring medical conditions, radiologic technologists are in high demand. Top allied health jobs are continually in demand across hospitals, imaging centers, and outpatient facilities.
- Job outlook: Expected to grow 22 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than average.
- Salary: Median annual salary of $90,470 in May 2023.
- Educational requirements: Associate’s degree or certificate program
Conclusion
Allied health careers are such an excellent opportunity for people who want to make a difference in healthcare. Advancements in the use of technology, the aged population, and an awareness of the preventive care approach necessitate skilled allied health careers, with allied health careers in demand continually rising. Whether you are interested in patient care, diagnostic imaging, or therapeutic interventions, pursuing a career in allied health can lead to a fulfilling and impactful profession. These are the most popular allied health professions in the USA.
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