In the Allied Health field, professionals apply scientific principles and evidence-based practice to diagnose, evaluate, and treat acute and chronic diseases. In addition, the profession seeks to prevent disease and promote health in a variety of settings. Positions considered to be Allied Health roles include non-nurses or non-physician healthcare providers. These roles make up at least 60% of the healthcare workforce in the United States creating many opportunities for you to care for patients and enhance their wellbeing and health.
Read on to discover the Top 10 Allied Health positions that we staff for, including education requirements and demand levels.
Medical LabTech/Med Tech, Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS).
In this role you will analyze bodily fluids, examine blood samples, calibrate and sterilize medical lab equipment, and enter patient medical history. Education requirements for this position are specific to each state and employer. Some employers require technicians to be licensed per state and depending on the position will require an associate or bachelor’s degree. These positions are in high demand and are great for new travelers.
Pharmacy Tech.
A Pharmacy Technician position is primarily responsible for dispensing prescription medications to customers and/or other health professionals. Education requirements for this position are regulated by each state. Pharmacy technicians must complete formal education or complete a pharmacy tech certificate program.
Dental Assistant.
This role is responsible for preparing patients for treatments, ensuring instruments are sterilized, x-rays are taken as necessary, and providing patient care. Demand in this role will inevitably increase as the demand for preventive dental services also increases. Education requirements for this position are state specific. Some states do not have a formal Education requirement; however, other states do require assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass a state exam. This position is typically high paying and has daytime hours.
X-ray Tech or Rad Tech.
X-ray Technologist & RAD (radiologic) Technologist positions are difficult to get into. Not only does this particular role require some training due to equipment varying by hospital, but also that an individual state license is required to practice. In the role of Radiologic Technologist, you are responsible for the use of medical imaging, overseeing the production of images of organs, bones, and vessels for the purpose of radiation therapy. You are also responsible for overseeing the production of images of limbs or chest x-rays. Radiologic Technologists are required to complete a two-year hospital-based program with fieldwork hours and can then perform any diagnostic imaging procedure. X-ray Technologists are required to earn an associate’s degree and certification but can choose to get a bachelor’s degree in this field of study also.
CT Tech.
A CT (computed tomography) Technologist is responsible for operating CT equipment, which takes images of bones and organs and tissue of patients to help diagnose medical conditions. Education requirements for this position include the completion of an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology and then also obtain state licensure as a radiologic technologist. Individuals can then take a CT technology certificate program. This position is typically high paying as well as offers job security because it is the most commonly used type of scanning system.
Ultrasound Tech.
An Ultrasound Tech is responsible for working with equipment that produces images of muscles, organs, and tissues through high frequency sound waves. They are required to identify and diagnose disease as well as use ultrasounds in the treatment of injuries. Ultrasound Technologists can also be involved with the health and development monitoring of a fetus. Education requirements for this position include a minimum of an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography. Typically, individuals in this position have an associate’s degree in applied science with a focus in diagnostic medical sonography. For those who want to advance in this area, bachelor degrees are available offering management or specialization opportunities. Some states have mandatory licensing laws; however, ultrasound certification is not legally required. Many employers do prefer or require a license or credential. The ARDMS certification is accepted nationwide. This position is typically high paying and regularly offers daytime hours.
Respiratory Therapist.
The Respiratory Therapist position is a high demand role that requires therapists to develop treatment plans for patients that specifically have conditions or disorders related to breathing. This role is responsible for diagnostic tests, procedures such as chest physiotherapy, and monitoring patient progress. Education requirements for a Respiratory Therapist include a bachelor’s degree and an individual state license.
Sterile Processing Tech.
The Sterile Processing Technician position offers career progression to becoming a Surgical Tech and is also considered to be a flexible role. In this role, you are responsible for packaging and transporting equipment that is sterilized. In addition, you would be responsible for cleaning tools and checking equipment for damage. You may also be required to keep track through a recording process of any apparatus deliveries made. Education requirements for this role include a high school diploma or GED. While the role does not require more than this it is highly suggested additional courses such as medical terminology and sterilization techniques and equipment management are completed. A written exam must be passed in order to become a Certified Sterile Processing Technician.
Surgical Tech.
The Surgical Tech position is one that can offer career advancement to become a 1st assist. This role is also considered to be in high demand for travelers. This position is responsible for passing tools to surgeons or nurses during surgeries or procedures, position patients as needed on the operating table, and hold body parts in place. Education requirements for this position include a surgical technician certification program or an associate’s degree.
Echo Tech.
This role is responsible for creating 2-D and 3-D images of patients’ hearts. Education requirements for this position include a 2-year degree in medical sonography or a similar field. Certification is not required; however, preferred by employers. The Echo Tech position is in high demand, is considered to be high paying, and offers good hours.
There are many choices when choosing a position in the Allied Health field. At AB Staffing travel nurses, we have 4 dedicated Allied Health recruiters that can help guide you to find the positions that best fit your needs. If you are looking for a new position or would like more information about traveling, please visit our Job Board or give us a call at 888.515.3900.