We’ve all seen the numbers. The healthcare industry is facing a shortage of workers in countless professions. Yet, some jobs are even more in need than others. Under the broad field of allied health, these disparities in demand are definitely apparent. What allied health careers are in demand? “All of them” is the simple answer. However, nine allied health professions are in high demand and stand out above the others! Find out more about these allied health careers and why you should consider them below.
What Allied Health Careers are in Demand? Consider These Nine!
1. Medical Technician
Medical technicians are responsible for performing medical laboratory tests in order to support physicians in diagnoses. However, beyond simply being a career where you get to help people, this field also has great job opportunities! The medical technician profession is expected to grow by 14 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is twice the national average for all other jobs. Plus, the 2018 median pay for all med techs was $52,330.
2. MRI Technician
Similar to medical technicians, MRI technicians play an integral role in the healthcare process. By operating MRI machines, MRI techs provide physicians with the images that they need to make informed decisions and diagnoses regarding patient health. Of course, there is a lot to love about the MRI technician profession. Yet, one thing worth mentioning is the 13 percent growth rate anticipated between 2016 and 2026. Between that and the median salary of $71,670 per year, there is no reason to not explore this career option!
3. Physical Therapist
Most people in the United States have interacted with a physical therapist in one capacity or another. This will only become more common as physical therapist jobs grow by an estimated 28 percent from 2016 to 2026! This job growth is obviously a lot faster than the national average and the pay is better too. The median annual salary for physical therapists in 2018 was$87,930. So, while physical therapy may require further education than most other allied health professions, it will definitely be worth it! After all, it is one of the highest paying allied health careers.
4. Radiation Therapist
First and foremost, radiation therapists make a profound impact on the lives of patients fighting cancer. Radiation therapists explain the treatment plan and protecting patients from improper exposure to radiation. Essentially, radiation therapists help in every part of the process for oncology teams. Radiation therapist jobs are expected to grow by 13 percent between 2016 and 2026, meaning that there are still countless reasons to get involved in this important profession! Not to mention the median 2018 salary was $82,330. Want to make a difference and make a salary well above average? This may be the job for you!
5. Speech Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathology is yet another high-growth, high-paying allied health profession. Between 2016 and 2026, the profession is expected to grow much faster than average at 18 percent. So, if you’re interested in helping to prevent and treat communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults, this is the job for you! Beyond the countless job opportunities available, speech-language pathologists earn a median annual salary of $77,510. Much like the other jobs on this list, the reasons to become a speech-language pathologist are endless!
6. Pharmacy Technician
Maybe, you’re still asking, “What allied health careers are in demand?” though. Easy. Pharmacy techs are always in demand. Pharmacy technicians are those that help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication to their customers or other health professionals. This job requires you to have knowledge of areas such as pharmaceutical technology, drug administrations and classifications, and pharmacy management. As well, the expected growth rate for this career was estimated at 12 percent from 2016 to 2026 and the average salary is $33,060.
7. Medical Assistant
Perhaps you are looking for something that combines administrative tasks with clinical ones. Well, medical assistant careers are high demand allied healthcare career that fits this description. Having one of the busiest jobs in allied healthcare, medical assistants interact directly with the patient and their treatment and are also involved with keeping medical records and data management. These duties, though, will depend heavily on the location, employer, specialty, and size of the practice that you work at. This career also has an average salary similar to that of the pharmacy tech at $33,580. The medical assistant career also has one of the highest expected growths from 2016 to 2026 with a 29 percent increase.
8. Phlebotomists
As one of our more specific jobs on this list, a phlebotomist’s primary duty is to draw blood and prepare it for lab testing. Of course, all jobs have multiple duties. Other responsibilities of a phlebotomists include managing transfusions, blood donations, and research. These allied health professionals will also be working directly with patients as they must collect a blood sample. Coming in at a close second to medical assistants, phlebotomist careers are expected to increase by 25 percent from 2016 to 2026. The average salary for this career is $34,714.
9. Dental Assistants
Finally, the question of “What allied health careers are in high demand?” is answered by one final job. Dental assistants! Yes, those lovely workers that help your dentist take care of you are working in one of the high demand careers within allied healthcare. Dental assistants help prepare patients for treatment from the dentist and sterilize equipment. They also take X-rays, schedule appointments, and provide direct patient care. Dental assistant careers are expected to increase 19 percent from 2016 to 2026 and earn an average salary of $38,690.
While this list doesn’t include every high demand allied health career, these nine career choices have a lot of potential for you. With that said, you really can’t go wrong by picking any allied health profession. What allied health careers are in high demand? The answer is simple! There are a ton of amazing opportunities available within the allied health industry. Plus, you even have the opportunity to take on a travel assignment with any of these specialties.
In your experience, have you noticed what allied health careers are in demand? Did we miss any of them on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
July 13, 2018
Thanks a lot for this wonderful article, i was looking for this similar information because, i wanted to do something in Healthcare industry and now a days healthcare industry has lots of career opportunities and scope. So your article will be helpful for students like us.