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Allied Health Services Degrees

Essentially, "allied health" refers to those who deliver health care and related services that pertain to identifying, evaluating, and preventing diseases and disorders. This includes nutrition services, rehabilitation, and health systems management. The list of allied health professionals is long, but some of the professions on it are:

  • Cardiovascular technicians
  • Clinical laboratory technicians
  • Dental hygienists
  • Medical and health services managers
  • Opticians
  • Pharmacists
  • Physical therapists
  • Radiographers
  • Respiratory therapists

A wide range of degrees can lead to these careers. For instance, dental hygienists, cardiovascular technicians, and radiographic technicians must have at least a 2-year associate's degree in their field. Some may earn a 4-year associate's degree or bachelor's degree if they choose. Therapists, on the other hand, usually have at least a bachelor's degree. And pharmacists earn what's called a Pharm.D. degree, which has replaced the former bachelor's of pharmacy degree. To even enter that degree program the applicant must have two years of post secondary education.

Job Opportunities

Health care is increasing faster than any other industry by a significant amount. The field should add 3 million more jobs from 2006 to 2016, which is 20% of all jobs across all industries that will be added during that decade. That's a huge amount. What that means for you is that job opportunities should continue to be abundant. Some of the fastest growing segments include home health aides, expected to increase by 49%, medical assistants at 35%, physical therapists at 32% and physician assistants at 27%.

Online Schools Offering Allied Health Services Degrees


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