An allied health degree is a gateway to a diverse range of specialized professions that function as the backbone of modern healthcare delivery. These roles operate distinctly from physicians and nurses, yet they are fully integrated into the patient care model. The degree provides a foundational understanding of human biology, disease processes, and the structure of healthcare systems. This multidisciplinary background prepares individuals for high-demand, specialized positions across clinical, technical, and administrative domains.
What Exactly Is Allied Health?
Allied health represents a broad category of healthcare disciplines that provide a comprehensive array of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services. Professionals in this sector are essential members of the patient care team, collaborating with doctors and nurses to prevent, diagnose, and treat various conditions. The field encompasses dozens of professions that contribute to the identification, evaluation, and prevention of diseases, rehabilitation, and health systems management.
This sector is characterized by specialized, science-based training focused on specific aspects of patient well-being, such as mobility, nutrition, or diagnostic imaging. Allied health professionals often execute treatment plans developed by physicians or gather data that informs diagnostic decisions. These roles comprise a significant portion of the total healthcare workforce, delivering specialized expertise across hospitals, clinics, and public health agencies.
Direct Patient Care Roles Requiring Advanced Certification or Licensure
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists (PTs) specialize in diagnosing and managing movement dysfunction while enhancing physical and functional abilities. The entry-level degree required is the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), a post-baccalaureate program typically lasting three years. Graduates must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) to obtain mandatory state licensure. PTs create individualized treatment plans using exercise, manual therapy, and other modalities to restore mobility, reduce pain, and prevent loss of function.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working, emphasizing independence. The standard entry-level education is a Master’s degree or a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). OTs adapt environments and tasks to promote engagement in meaningful occupations, such as dressing, cooking, or returning to work. State licensure is required and contingent upon passing the certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work with the full spectrum of human communication and swallowing disorders. They assess, diagnose, and treat issues related to speech sounds, fluency, language comprehension, and cognitive-communication. A Master’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for entry into the profession. SLPs must also complete a supervised clinical fellowship and pass the Praxis Examination to earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who applies the science of nutrition to health and disease management. RDNs provide medical nutrition therapy for conditions like diabetes and renal disease, and they educate the public on healthy eating habits. As of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a Master’s degree to be eligible for the national registration examination. Candidates must also complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice in a dietetic internship before taking the CDR exam to earn the RDN credential.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists (RTs) evaluate, treat, and manage patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, such as COPD or conditions affecting premature infants. An Associate’s degree from an accredited program is the minimum educational requirement, though a Bachelor’s degree is common. Graduates first pass the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam to earn the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Achieving a higher score on the TMC exam allows the candidate to sit for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to earn the advanced Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers (DMS) use high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs, tissues, and blood flow, assisting physicians in diagnosis. This role requires precision in operating specialized ultrasound equipment and interpreting the resulting sonograms. While educational paths vary, many sonographers hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree and seek certification from the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). To earn the Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) credential, candidates must pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam and a specialty examination.
Clinical Support and Technical Roles
Health Information Manager
Health information managers (HIMs) focus on the quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security of patient data. They are responsible for implementing and maintaining electronic health record (EHR) systems and ensuring compliance with federal regulations like HIPAA. A Bachelor’s degree is typically the entry point for a management role, with many professionals pursuing the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification. HIMs connect clinical, operational, and administrative functions, leveraging data for quality improvement and strategic planning.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Medical laboratory scientists (MLS) perform complex analytical tests on biological specimens, providing objective data used for diagnosis and treatment decisions. These professionals work in the clinical laboratory, specializing in areas like hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood banking. A Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science is the standard educational path. Graduates must pass the national certification examination to earn the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) credential from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Their expertise includes rigorous quality control and the technical ability to troubleshoot complex laboratory instrumentation.
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists specialize in diagnostic imaging procedures, operating equipment to generate X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. They are responsible for patient positioning, determining exposure factors, and maintaining radiation safety standards. The educational path typically involves completing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. Technologists must pass an examination to receive certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the primary credentialing body for this field.
Surgical Technologist
Surgical technologists are involved in all phases of an operative procedure, working under the supervision of a surgeon and a registered nurse. Their primary function is to maintain the sterile field, prepare the operating room, and pass instruments to the surgeon. Educational programs are typically certificate or Associate’s degree pathways. Most employers require the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, obtained by passing an examination administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Non-Clinical and Administrative Career Paths
Healthcare Administration and Management
Graduates can pursue careers in healthcare administration and management, overseeing the operations of hospitals, clinics, or specific departments. This work involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and personnel management, focusing on efficiency and quality of care delivery. An allied health background provides an advantage by offering an understanding of clinical workflow and professional practice standards. Entry-level professionals often seek certifications like the Certified Medical Manager (CMM) to demonstrate competency in practice administration, billing, and human resources.
Public Health and Health Education
The health science foundation of the degree is highly transferable to public health, shifting the focus from individual treatment to community-level prevention and wellness. Health educators design, implement, and evaluate programs that promote healthy behaviors and environments. Professionals often pursue the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential, which validates expertise in planning and evaluating health education programs. This path allows graduates to leverage their knowledge of epidemiology and disease processes to develop effective community outreach and policy initiatives.
Pharmaceutical or Medical Device Sales
An allied health degree provides a strong foundation for a career in pharmaceutical or medical device sales, which requires a deep understanding of anatomy, pathology, and clinical procedures. Sales representatives act as liaisons, educating physicians and surgical teams on the proper use and scientific advantages of their products. The ability to speak the clinical language of a doctor or therapist makes a candidate with a health science degree competitive. While a Bachelor’s degree is standard, some professionals seek certifications like the Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) to formalize their sales training.
Health Insurance and Policy Analysis
A degree focused on healthcare delivery is valuable in the insurance and policy sectors, particularly for roles involving claims analysis, utilization review, and policy development. These positions require a detailed understanding of medical terminology, diagnostic codes, and treatment protocols to ensure appropriate reimbursement and regulatory compliance. Graduates may work as insurance analysts or policy specialists, translating clinical practice into financial and regulatory language for government agencies or private payers. This career path uses a health background to influence the systemic and financial aspects of patient care.
Essential Next Steps After Graduation
The transition from student to practicing professional requires a sequence of specific, actionable steps. For nearly all regulated patient-facing roles, a graduate must first successfully complete an accredited degree program, which is the academic prerequisite. This is followed by passing a rigorous, standardized national board examination specific to the profession.
Successful completion of the national examination and any required post-graduate clinical training is a prerequisite for state licensure. Licensure is the legal requirement that grants an individual the right to practice a regulated profession within a specific jurisdiction. Graduates must apply directly to the state board where they intend to work. Maintaining professional status requires ongoing participation in Continuing Education (CE) activities to renew their license or certification.
Career Outlook and Earning Potential
The allied health field benefits from a positive career outlook, driven largely by the aging population and the resulting increase in demand for specialized health services. Demographic shifts create a sustained need for professionals specializing in chronic disease management, rehabilitation, and diagnostic services. Technological advancements also contribute to job growth by creating new technical roles.
Earning potential across allied health roles is strong, particularly for positions requiring advanced degrees and specialized certification. While salaries vary based on profession, location, and experience, many roles offer compensation above the national average. The specialized nature of the work, coupled with high demand, positions an allied health degree as a stable and economically rewarding foundation for a long-term career.