Exploring the Best Allied Health Careers in 2024
Have you ever thought about expanding your skills in the healthcare field? The best allied health careers offer many opportunities, combining science, patient care, and technical know-how. If you’re curious about jobs that let you make a real impact on people’s health, you’re in the right place.
In 2024, the demand for skilled allied health professionals is expected to grow significantly, opening up many rewarding career paths. Whether you want to work with patients directly or in healthcare administration, you have many options. Let’s explore some of the best allied health careers and the highest paid allied health jobs you can pursue this year.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are among the most sought-after allied health careers. They use ultrasound technology to help diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Role and Responsibilities:
● Create body images using ultrasound equipment.
● Assist doctors with diagnosing and treating conditions.
● Ensure patient comfort and explain procedures.
Job Demand and Growth:
● Projected growth of 14% by 2030.
● Driven by an increased need for diagnostic imaging.
Average Salary:
● Around $75,000 per year.
● Varies based on experience, location, and healthcare facility type.
Educational and Certification Requirements:
● Complete an accredited program (about 2 years).
● Pass a certification exam.
● Engage in continuing education to maintain certification.
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistants (PAs) are essential healthcare providers who support doctors in delivering medical care.
Role and Responsibilities:
● Conduct physical exams and diagnose illnesses.
● Order and interpret medical tests.
● Assist in surgeries and provide patient care.
Job Demand and Growth:
● High demand with 31% growth expected by 2030.
● Increased need for healthcare services.
Average Salary:
● Approximately $112,000 per year.
● Depends on experience, location, and specialty.
Educational and Certification Requirements:
● Obtain a master’s degree from an accredited PA program (about 2 years after a bachelor’s degree).
● Pass a national certification exam.
● Complete continuing education for recertification every 10 years.
Physical Therapist
Physical Therapists assist patients to regain mobility and manage pain through personalized treatment plans and therapeutic exercises.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement treatment plans.
- Guide patients through exercises and recovery techniques.
- Monitor patient progress and adjust treatments as needed.
Job Demand and Growth:
- Growing need due to an aging population.
- Increased focus on physical fitness and injury prevention.
Average Salary:
- Around $89,000 per year.
- Salary varies by region and experience.
Educational and Licensure Requirements:
- Earn a DPT degree (typically 3 years).
- Pass a state licensure exam.
- Engage in continuing education to maintain licensure.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapy is one of the best allied health careers. It improves patients’ ability to perform daily activities, enhancing their quality of life through customized interventions.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Assess patient needs and develop treatment plans.
- Provide interventions to improve daily living skills.
- Work with patients of all ages to enhance independence.
Job Demand and Growth:
- High demand with ongoing industry growth.
- Better awareness of occupational therapy benefits.
Average Salary:
- Approximately $85,000 per year.
- Earnings can increase with specialization and experience.
Educational and Certification Requirements:
- Get a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy.
- Pass a national certification exam.
- Obtain state licensure and pursue continuing education.
Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory Therapists are critical in treating patients with breathing difficulties and managing chronic respiratory conditions.
Role and Importance:
● Treat patients with breathing difficulties.
● Manage conditions like asthma and COPD.
● Provide life-saving interventions in emergencies.
Job Growth and Demand:
● Projected growth of 23% by 2030.
● Increasing demand due to rising respiratory conditions.
Average Salary:
● Around $62,000 per year.
● Potential for higher earnings with experience and specialized skills.
Educational and Certification Requirements:
● Earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in respiratory therapy.
● Pass the national certification exam.
● Obtain state licensure and pursue continuing education.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help individuals with speech, language, and swallowing disorders, improving their communication skills and quality of life.
Role and Typical Work Settings:
● Treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders.
● Work in schools, hospitals, and private practices.
● Help patients improve communication skills.
Job Demand and Outlook:
● High demand with steady job growth expected.
● Increasing awareness and diagnosis of speech and language disorders.
Average Salary:
● Approximately $80,000 per year.
● Pay varies based on setting, location, and experience.
Educational and Certification Requirements:
● Earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.
● Complete a supervised clinical fellowship.
● Pass a certification exam and get state licensure.
Start Your Best Allied Health Career
For those ready to take the next step in their best allied health career, Wanderly offers a comprehensive list of job opportunities. Whether you’re looking for the best allied health careers or the highest paid allied health roles, Wanderly has you covered.
You get to:
- Access a wide range of highest paid allied health jobs.
- Look for options that suit your skills and interests.
- Explore career options in various healthcare settings.
Check your options and begin your journey today by visiting Wanderly. With the correct resources, you can find the best allied health career.
FAQs
- Which of the best allied health careers offer the highest salaries in 2024?
Medical sonographers and physician assistants often top the salary charts.
- Are there rapid growth opportunities in allied health fields?
Yes, roles like occupational therapy assistants are experiencing rapid growth.
- Do the best allied health careers require advanced degrees?
Some do, like speech-language pathologists, but many require only associate degrees.
- How does location influence the best allied health career prospects?
Urban areas offer more jobs and higher salaries due to more healthcare facilities and larger populations.
- What highest paid allied health roles are most in demand in 2024?
Respiratory therapists and diagnostic medical sonographers are well-compensated due to their critical roles in managing respiratory health and conducting diagnostic tests.