Allied Health careers are a vital part of the healthcare industry—a vast and intricate network of professionals, each playing a crucial role in patient care and wellness. While doctors and nurses are often in the spotlight, a significant portion of healthcare relies on this dynamic and growing sector. These professionals, including you, are the lifeblood of modern care—supporting diagnosis, recovery, rehabilitation, and prevention.
At EmpowerCare, we believe in elevating everyone who contributes to patient wellness. Allied Health might be your calling if you seek a meaningful, in-demand career that offers flexibility, growth, and purpose.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- What allied health means
- The top allied health careers available today
- Why allied health is in such high demand
- How EmpowerCare can help you start or grow your career in this rewarding field
Let’s dive into the world of Allied Health Careers because the future of healthcare isn’t just about who’s in the operating room. It’s also about the radiologic tech, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, and countless others who support the healing process at every step.
What Is Allied Health?
Allied health encompasses diverse healthcare professions supporting care delivery outside traditional medicine and nursing. These professionals often work behind the scenes or with physicians to assess, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients in various settings, from hospitals and clinics to schools and patients’ homes.
Unlike medical doctors or registered nurses, allied health professionals typically specialize in one area of care, using technical expertise and hands-on skills to help patients achieve better outcomes.
Some common examples include:
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Radiologic technologists
- Respiratory therapists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Medical laboratory scientists
- Dietitians and nutritionists
- Certified medical assistants
- Sonographers
- Health information technicians
Each role is specialized, but allied health professionals collectively comprise more than 60% of the U.S. healthcare workforce. That’s no small feat.
Why Choose a Career in Allied Health?
If you want to make a difference in healthcare but don’t necessarily want to pursue the long and expensive path of becoming a doctor or nurse, allied health offers smart, impactful alternatives.
Here are some reasons why allied health careers are a great choice:
High Demand
The demand for allied health professionals is skyrocketing with an ageing population, increased focus on preventative care, and expanded access to healthcare services. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, several allied health careers are projected to grow faster than the national average through 2032, providing a secure and promising future for those in this field.
Flexible Career Options
You can find an allied health career that suits your personality, skills, and lifestyle, from clinical to administrative roles. Some roles allow for remote work, flexible hours, or travel assignments, giving you the power to shape your professional life according to your preferences.
Shorter Educational Pathways
Many allied health roles require only associate degrees or certifications, making them more accessible and faster to enter than traditional medical paths.
Competitive Salaries
While pay varies by specialization, location, and experience, many allied health careers offer attractive salaries and opportunities for advancement without massive student loan debt.
Career Stability
Healthcare is recession-proof. If people need care—and they always will—there will be a need for qualified allied health professionals.
Where Can Allied Health Professionals Work?
Allied health professionals are highly versatile. Depending on your specialization and career goals, you can work in:
- Hospitals and emergency rooms
- Rehabilitation centers
- Outpatient clinics
- Diagnostic labs
- Nursing homes
- Telehealth platforms
- Schools and universities
- Government and military settings
- Private practices
The flexibility in location and setting means you can build a lifestyle that fits you, not vice versa.
Top Allied Health Careers to Consider
Not all heroes wear white coats—some carry therapy balls, X-ray machines, or stethoscopes. Here are some of the most in-demand and rewarding allied health careers you can explore through EmpowerCare:
Radiologic Technologist
They Operate imaging equipment like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to help diagnose injuries and illnesses.
Why it’s hot: Diagnostic imaging is essential for modern medicine. Hospitals and urgent care centers are always looking for qualified techs.
Training required: Associate degree and certification
Median salary: ~$65,000/year
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
What they do: Help patients recover from injury or surgery under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Why it’s hot: Demand is growing, especially with an ageing population. Plus, it’s a fulfilling role for anyone who enjoys movement and mobility.
Training required: Associate degree + state licensure
Median salary: ~$60,000/year
Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA)
What they do: Support patients in gaining or regaining the skills they need for daily living and work.
Why it’s hot: Great for individuals passionate about adaptive tools, special education, or elder care.
Training required: Associate degree + national certification
Median salary: ~$63,000/year
Respiratory Therapist
What they do: Treat patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders.
Why it’s hot: COVID-19 showed the world just how vital this role is.
Training required: Associate degree + licensure
Median salary: ~$70,000/year
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
What they do: Diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
Why it’s hot: In-demand in schools, hospitals, and telehealth.
Training required: Master’s degree + licensure
Median salary: ~$85,000/year
Medical Laboratory Scientist
What they do: Analyze bodily fluids and tissues to detect diseases.
Why it’s hot: Lab diagnostics are key to patient treatment plans.
Training required: Bachelor’s degree + certification
Median salary: ~$57,000/year
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
What they do: Perform both clinical and administrative tasks in physician offices.
Why it’s hot: A significant entry-level role with a fast track to the healthcare field.
Training required: Certification programs (as little as 9 months)
Median salary: ~$38,000/year
How EmpowerCare Supports Allied Health Professionals
At EmpowerCare, we do more than connect you with job listings. We’re committed to guiding and growing your entire career journey in allied health—from your very first interview to long-term professional development.
Here’s what you can expect as part of the EmpowerCare family:
Personalized Career Placement
We work with hospitals, private practices, rehab centers, and schools nationwide. Whether you’re seeking a travel contract, permanent placement, or telehealth position, we’ll help match your unique skills to the right opportunity.
Allied Health Specialization
Unlike general staffing agencies, we focus solely on healthcare. We understand allied health’s needs, certifications, and nuances better than anyone else in the industry.
Licensing and Credentialing Support
Healthcare can be paperwork heavy. We streamline the credentialing process and help you stay compliant—so you can focus on care, not red tape.
Competitive Pay and Benefits
Our packages, which include competitive salaries, housing stipends, and continuing education reimbursements, are designed to reward your expertise and effort.
Mentorship and Career Coaching
Whether you’re switching specializations or exploring leadership roles, we provide career coaching and training support to help you advance.
Final Thought
Allied health isn’t just a category of jobs—it’s a movement powered by skilled, passionate professionals who make healthcare whole. As demand rises and opportunities diversify, there’s never been a better time to explore an allied health career.
At EmpowerCare, we’re here to connect you to that future—one that values your skills, fuels your growth and supports your purpose. If you’re inspired by the idea of joining the frontline of healthcare through an allied health career, EmpowerCare is your trusted partner. Whether you’re a newly certified medical assistant looking for your first role or a seasoned speech-language pathologist seeking travel assignments, we’ve got your back.
Here’s how to begin:
- Explore our available allied health positions
- Visit our job board and filter by location, specialty, and setting.
- Apply or connect with a recruiter
- Our expert recruiters will match you with roles that fit your passion and skills.
- Get credentialed and placed
- We handle the admin so you can focus on getting to work.
- Start your journey with confidence
Enjoy mentorship, support, and the professional empowerment you deserve.