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Allied health professionals are indispensable to the healthcare system, providing a vast scope of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and direct patient care services that support patient care and improve health outcomes. Distinct from nurses, doctors, physicians, and pharmacists, they work collaboratively to support other health professionals and deliver comprehensive care.
What is an allied health professional, exactly? Delve into all things allied healthcare below—examining the roles, educational pathways, technological impacts, challenges, and future trends within the field.
What Is Allied Health? Understanding the Scope
According to the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions, allied health “encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence-based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of acute and chronic diseases; promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health; and apply administration and management skills to support health care systems in a variety of settings.”
Brief History of Allied Health Professions
The concept of allied health professions began taking shape in the mid-20th century, as medical advancements highlighted the need for specialized skills and knowledge beyond the traditional roles of doctors and nurses. The post-World War II era saw a significant increase in the complexity of medical care, leading to the establishment of formal education and certification programs for allied health professions. The Allied Health Professions Personnel Training Act of 1966 gave legal recognition to the profession. Over the decades, the field has continued to evolve, with new specialties emerging in response to technological advancements and changing healthcare needs.
Importance of Allied Health Professionals in Healthcare
Estimated to constitute at least half of the American healthcare workforce, allied health professionals play a vital role in the healthcare system. They are responsible for a multitude of services that support patient health and wellness, from diagnostic testing and therapeutic interventions to health education and disease prevention. Without these professionals, the healthcare system would struggle to function efficiently, as they provide essential services that allow physicians and nurses to focus on patient management and treatment.
What Is an Allied Health Professional? Major Categories of Professions
Different types of allied health professions may be grouped into several overarching categories:
Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Known as medical technologists or technicians, clinical laboratory scientists are integral to assisting the diagnostic process. They perform tests on blood, tissues, and other body fluids to detect diseases, monitor patient health, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Their work is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases. Medical laboratory scientists use sophisticated equipment and techniques to analyze samples, ensuring accurate and timely results that guide medical decisions.
Diagnostic Imaging and Radiologic Services
Imaging and radiology professionals like sonographers, radiologic technologists, and MRI technologists use advanced imaging technologies to visualize the inside of the human body. These images are key to diagnosing and treating a range of medical conditions. Radiologic technologists operate X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI machines, while sonographers use ultrasound equipment. Their expertise in producing high-quality images helps physicians make accurate diagnoses and develop effective treatment plans.
Rehabilitative Therapy Services
Helping patients recover after injuries, illnesses, or mental ailments, rehabilitation professionals work in various capacities throughout series of regular appointments. (We discuss several of these core professions more in depth below.)
Spotlight on Key Allied Health Roles
By no means is this a comprehensive picture of available careers in the allied health realm, here are just a few of the most in-demand jobs:
Physical Therapists: Enhancing Mobility and Quality of Life
Physical therapists (PTs) are dedicated to improving patients' mobility, function, and quality of life through personalized treatment plans. They assess and diagnose movement disorders, develop rehabilitation programs, and provide hands-on therapy to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent disability. PTs work with patients of all ages, from infants with developmental delays to elderly individuals recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions. Their goal is to help patients achieve optimal physical function and independence.
Occupational Therapists: Supporting Everyday Independence
An occupational therapist (OT) focuses on helping individuals perform daily activities and achieve independence despite physical, mental, or cognitive limitations. They work with patients to develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. OTs create customized intervention plans that may include exercises, adaptive equipment, and modifications to the environment. These professionals work across settings including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare—addressing a wide range of conditions from stroke recovery to autism.
Speech-Language Pathologists: Facilitating Communication Skills
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are experts in communication and swallowing disorders. They assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders as well as swallowing difficulties. SLPs work with patients of all ages, from children with speech delays to adults recovering from strokes or brain injuries. They develop individualized therapy plans to improve communication skills, enhance social interaction, and ensure safe swallowing. SLPs play a central role in helping individuals communicate effectively and lead fulfilling lives.
Other Types of Allied Health Professionals
Additional examples of healthcare support occupations include:
- Dental assistants and hygienists
- Dietitians and nutritionists
- Emergency medical personnel
- Health information technologists
- Health educators
- Pharmacy technicians and assistants
- Physician assistants
Educational Pathways in Allied Health
Required Qualifications and Certifications
Educational requirements for allied health professions vary widely depending on the specific role. Most positions require at least an associate degree, whereas others (such as physical therapists and occupational therapists) require a doctoral or master's degree.
In addition to formal education, allied health professionals must obtain relevant certifications and licenses to practice. These credentials ensure that practitioners meet the necessary standards of competence and professionalism. Certification and licensing requirements vary by state and specialty but generally involve passing a standardized exam and completing continuing education.
Continuing Education and Specializations
Continuing education is essential for allied health professionals to stay current with advancements in their field and maintain their licensure. Many allied health professionals pursue additional certifications or specializations to enhance their skills and career prospects. For example, a radiologic technologist might specialize in mammography or computed tomography (CT), while a physical therapist might focus on sports rehabilitation or geriatrics. Specializations allow professionals to provide more targeted and effective care, meet the evolving needs of patients, and advance their careers.
The Impact of Technology on Allied Health
Technology has revolutionized the field of allied health, leading to significant improvements in patient care.
Innovations Transforming Patient Care
Innovations such as telehealth, electronic health records (EHRs), and advanced diagnostic tools have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of allied health services. Telehealth allows allied health professionals to provide remote consultations and therapy, increasing access to care for patients in rural or underserved areas. EHRs streamline the documentation process, improve communication among healthcare providers, and facilitate better coordination of care. Advanced diagnostic tools like 3D imaging and molecular testing enable more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.
The Role of Informatics in Allied Health
Leveraging elements of computer science and information technology, health informatics plays a critical role in the allied health field by managing and analyzing health information more efficiently and accurately. Allied health professionals use informatics to collect, store, and interpret data, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and enhancing patient care. Informatics tools support tasks such as tracking patient progress, monitoring treatment efficacy, and conducting research.
Challenges Facing Allied Health Professionals
Workforce Shortages and Solutions
The demand for allied health professionals is growing rapidly due to an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and advancements in medical technology. However, the supply of qualified professionals has not kept pace with this demand, leading to workforce shortages in many allied health fields. Addressing these shortages requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding educational programs, offering incentives for students to enter allied health professions, and implementing policies to retain existing professionals. Efforts to promote allied health careers and support professional development are key to ensuring a sufficient and skilled workforce.
Evolving Patient Care Needs and Professional Adaptation
Allied health professionals must continuously adapt to the ever-evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system. Changes in healthcare delivery, patient demographics, and disease patterns require allied health professionals to stay current with best practices and emerging trends. This adaptability involves ongoing education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to patient-centered care. Allied health professionals must be proactive in developing new skills, embracing technological advancements, and responding to the changing landscape of healthcare.
Future Trends in Allied Health
What is allied health in the context of the modern (and future) healthcare landscape?
Predictions for Emerging Specialties
As healthcare evolves, new specialties within the allied health field are likely to emerge. Advances in genetics, personalized medicine, and digital health are expected to drive the development of new roles and specializations.
For example, genetic counseling and genomic medicine are growing fields that require specialized knowledge in genetics and patient care. Additionally, the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in healthcare will create opportunities for allied health professionals to specialize in data analysis and informatics.
The Increasing Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Interdisciplinary collaboration is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, and allied health professionals are at the forefront of this trend. Collaborative practice models that integrate various healthcare providers are crucial for delivering comprehensive, coordinated, and patient-centered care. Allied health professionals work closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement treatment plans, share information, and improve patient outcomes. The future of healthcare will likely see even greater emphasis on teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, with allied health professionals playing a central role in these efforts.
What Is Allied Health? Find Out at University of the Cumberlands
The roles of allied health professionals are diverse and continually evolving—and as the healthcare landscape transforms further, their contributions will remain essential to ensuring holistic, high-quality care for patients.
Available both on campus and online, University of the Cumberlands is proud to provide a Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health program for students striving to become the greatest possible ally to all types of patients. Get started today by requesting more information about this bachelor’s degree program or beginning your application!
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