With the complexity and sophistication of medical treatment today, it takes more than one physician to provide patient care. Instead, a whole team of allied health professionals work together in the chain of patient diagnosis, treatment, and care. Allied health professionals perform a number of clinical and administrative tasks, which aid in the patient's overall care experience.

Some allied health workers, such as ultrasound technicians or EKG technicians, are trained to do diagnostic work. These workers utilize technology to shed light on a patient's internal state, in order to help doctors come up with an accurate diagnosis. Others, such as medical or physician assistants, provide support to physicians in direct patient care. They also work under the direction of doctors to perform clinical tasks.

The training and certifications you'll need to enter an allied health career will depend on the title you want and the level of patient interaction you will have. Many diagnostic careers require an associate's degree, while roles involving more clinical work, such as physician assisting, require a master's degree. In certain careers, it may be necessary to earn a state license or professional certification in order to secure a job.

What are some specializations within this degree program?

• EKG Technician: EKG technicians work to assess the health of the cardiovascular system by performing echocardiogram tests. They may also do stress testing, Holter monitoring, and other heart-related diagnostic testing.
• EMT Technician: EMTs are medical technicians trained to respond to emergency situations such as traumatic accidents or fires. They are trained to stabilize patients, start IVs, administer necessary medications, and transport patients to emergency care centers.
• Fitness Trainer: Fitness trainers may work with groups or individuals, to help them improve their health and wellness. They may lead fitness courses, develop nutrition plans, or create exercise routines.
• Medical Assistant: Medical assistants help physicians and nurses with routine clinical or administrative tasks. For example, they may take medical histories, prepare patients for exams, or schedule appointments.
• Physician Assistant: Physician assistants are trained to help doctors with a more in-depth array of clinical tasks. They may treat minor wounds, make casts, or do diagnostic tests.
• Surgical Technician: These techs assist surgeons with routine tasks in the operating room. They may assemble surgical equipment, transport patients, and cover them with surgical drapes.

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What degree levels are available?

• Certificate: 1 year to complete
• Associate's Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete

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What are the educational and certification requirements?

The training and certification requirements vary by position. Many allied health careers can be entered with a certificate, associate's degree, or the combination of an associate's degree and professional certification. Those who do clinical work generally need a two year degree; these are offered through community colleges, technical schools, hospitals, and allied health organizations. Cardiovascular technologists, medical assistants, surgical technologists, and EMT technicians can all get their training this way. These degree programs contain a mixture of general education, basic science, and clinical practice courses. EKG techs can often get their training on the job. Physician assistants, who are trained in more clinical tasks, generally need a master's degree. Fitness trainers usually enter the field through professional certifications, offered by a number of professional groups.

Many allied health careers have voluntary professional certifications which can be very useful for landing a job. For example, the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting offers certification to surgical techs who pass their exam, after graduating from an accredited program. In certain fields these designations are preferred by employers. Other professionals, such as EMTs, are required to pass state examinations before they can become employed. Professionals with more clinical contact, such as physician assistants, often have to earn a state license before they can practice. (BLS; BLS; BLS)

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What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?

• General Education: Nearly all allied health degrees will expect students to take some basic college-level liberal arts courses. Math, English, and social studies are common requirements.
• Foundational Science: Students are expected to have an understanding of the science behind the healthcare work they are doing. For example, biology and chemistry are often required of allied health workers with clinical contact.
• Technical: Allied health workers that work with complicated medical machines can expect courses in the maintenance and use of these machines. Ultrasound technicians, for example, take a class covering Ultrasound Physics and Instrumentation.
• Clinical Practice: Clinical Practicums are crucial for any healthcare worker that will be interacting with patients. These hands-on assignments allow students to practice the skills they have learned in the classroom under the guidance of a professional.
• Exam Prep: Certain allied health workers, such as EMTs, must pass a state exam in order to begin work. Training programs for these workers often include a course that covers the exam material and test taking tips.

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What are the on-site training requirements?

All allied health workers entering careers with patient interaction will need to complete on-site clinical work in order to graduate. The extent of this clinical training varies by career, from one clinical course to a full year of internship work.

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What are some other degrees that are related to this program?

• Nursing: Registered nurses are crucial links in the diagnosis and treatment chain. They monitor patients and help physicians implement treatment plans.
• Certified Nursing Assistant: CNAs work under RNs to take care of more routine clinical and administrative work. They may take patients' vital signs, provide help with eating and personal hygiene, and record patient progress.
• Physical Therapy Assistant: PTAs work under the direction of physical therapists, to help patients recover from injuries or diseases that affect their range of motion. They may help patients perform exercises and monitor their treatment success.
• Occupational Therapy Assistant: Similar to PTAs, OTAs work with individuals who are regaining skills after suffering from physical, mental, or emotional debilitation. They help patients learn key skills for living a functional life.
• Massage Therapist: Masseuses use different modalities of physical touch to relieve tension or pain in the muscles and tissues. Some masseuses work together with physicians to treat particular physical ailments.

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