Allied health professionals are the backbone of healthcare delivery, providing essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and administrative support. These careers span laboratories, clinics, hospitals, and administrative settings, offering diverse opportunities without requiring medical or nursing degrees.
Allied health roles combine technical skills with patient interaction, from drawing blood and conducting lab tests to managing medical records and providing respiratory treatments. Many positions require only certificate programs or associate degrees, making them accessible entry points to healthcare careers.
With competitive salaries ranging from $35,000 for entry-level positions to over $70,000 for experienced specialists, allied health careers provide stability and growth opportunities. The field encompasses over 80 different professions, each playing a vital role in patient care and healthcare operations.
Major Career Paths featured here
15
Total Specialties in the field
80+
Average median salary across roles
$50,000
Job growth across most positions
8-15%
Medical laboratory technicians and scientists analyze blood, tissue, and bodily fluids to diagnose diseases and monitor treatments. Work is primarily lab-based with minimal direct patient contact. Entry-level positions require associate degrees (2 years) while senior positions require bachelor’s degrees. Lab professionals earn $45,000-$60,000 median salaries and work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, or research facilities. The field values precision, attention to detail, and scientific knowledge.
Respiratory therapists treat patients with breathing disorders, operating ventilators and administering treatments. They work primarily in hospitals and earn median salaries around $65,000. Most positions require associate degrees (2 years) and state licensure. Growing demand is driven by aging population and chronic respiratory conditions.
Medical assistants and phlebotomists provide direct patient support including taking vital signs, drawing blood, and assisting with examinations. These entry-level roles require short certificate programs (9-12 months) and earn $35,000-$42,000. They work in clinics, hospitals, and laboratories, offering excellent entry points to healthcare careers.
This category includes radiologic technologists, ultrasound technicians, and cardiovascular specialists who use imaging technology to help diagnose conditions. Training typically requires 2-year associate degrees followed by certification. Imaging professionals earn $55,000-$75,000 and work in hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics. The field combines technical expertise with patient interaction.
Medical coders, health information technicians, and healthcare administrators manage patient records, insurance coding, and healthcare data. These roles are primarily desk-based with regular business hours. Many positions allow remote work. Education requirements range from certificate programs to bachelor’s degrees, with median salaries of $40,000-$55,000. The field values accuracy, organization, and understanding of medical terminology and healthcare regulations.
Allied health careers often provide regular schedules, less physical demand than nursing, and opportunities for specialization. Many professionals start in entry-level roles and advance through additional certifications and experience.
From patient support to specialized diagnostics, discover the allied health career that matches your interests and education goals.
Sort by:
Education
9-12 month certificate or diploma
Salary
$37,000-$42,000
Job Growth
16% (much faster than average)
Work Setting
Clinics, physician offices, urgent care
Perform clinical and administrative duties including taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, assisting physicians, and managing medical records. Excellent entry-level healthcare position.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Associate (MLT) or Bachelor's (MLS)
Salary
$54,000-$60,000
Job Growth
5% (average)
Work Setting
Hospital labs, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Analyze blood, tissue, and bodily fluids using sophisticated equipment. Detect diseases, monitor treatments, and ensure quality control. Primarily lab-based with minimal patient interaction.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Certificate or Associate Degree
Salary
$44,000-$50,000
Job Growth
8% (faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, remote
Manage patient health records, assign diagnostic and procedure codes for insurance billing, and ensure data accuracy and security. Many remote work opportunities are available.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
4-8 week certificate program
Salary
$35,000-$38,000
Job Growth
8% (faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, labs, blood donation centers, clinics
Draw blood from patients for tests, transfusions, donations, or research. Requires excellent technique, patient interaction skills, and attention to safety protocols. Quick entry into healthcare.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Associate degree (2 years)
Salary
$65,000-$70,000
Job Growth
13% (much faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, nursing homes, sleep centers
Treat patients with breathing disorders. Operate ventilators, administer oxygen therapy, and perform diagnostic tests. Work with all age groups from premature infants to the elderly.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Master's degree (2-3 years post-bachelor's)
Salary
$110,000-$130,000
Job Growth
28% (much faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, surgical centers
Work under anesthesiologist supervision to administer anesthesia during surgeries. Monitor patients, adjust medications, and manage airways. Requires a bachelor's plus specialized graduate program.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Bachelor's degree + certification
Salary
$55,000-$68,000
Job Growth
10% (faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, cardiac rehab centers, clinics
Help cardiac and pulmonary patients recover through supervised exercise programs and lifestyle counseling. Work with patients recovering from heart attacks, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Master's degree
Salary
$80,000-$95,000
Job Growth
16% (much faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, specialized clinics, research
Assess genetic risks, explain test results, and help families make informed healthcare decisions. Requires understanding of genetics, excellent communication skills, and empathy for sensitive situations.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Certification + language fluency
Salary
$45,000-$55,000
Job Growth
20% (much faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, clinics, telehealth
Facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients with limited English proficiency. Requires fluency in medical terminology in multiple languages plus cultural competence.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Certificate or Associate degree
Salary
$40,000-$48,000
Job Growth
-7% (declining due to voice recognition)
Work Setting
Hospitals, clinics, remote
Transcribe physician notes and create medical records from recordings. Increasingly supplemented by voice recognition software. Many work-from-home opportunities are available.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Bachelor's + specialized training/certification
Salary
$110,000-$130,000
Job Growth
5% (average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, cancer treatment centers
Calculate and plan radiation doses for cancer treatment. Work with radiation oncologists and physicists to ensure safe, effective therapy. Highly specialized technical role requiring physics knowledge.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Associate degree or specialized training
Salary
$50,000-$60,000
Job Growth
8% (faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, neurology clinics, sleep centers
Conduct EEG tests, sleep studies, and nerve conduction studies to diagnose neurological conditions. Attach electrodes, monitor recordings, and assist physicians with interpretations.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Master's degree + residency
Salary
$70,000-$85,000
Job Growth
15% (much faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, orthotic/prosthetic clinics
Design, fabricate, and fit artificial limbs and orthopedic braces. Work with patients who have amputations, disabilities, or injuries. Combines technical skills with direct patient care.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Master's degree
Salary
$85,000-$105,000
Job Growth
10% (faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals, medical examiner offices, research labs
Assist pathologists in examining tissues and performing autopsies. Prepare specimens, conduct gross examinations, and manage laboratory operations. Requires a strong stomach and scientific precision.
View Complete Career GuideEducation
Bachelor's + specialized program
Salary
$120,000-$140,000
Job Growth
9% (faster than average)
Work Setting
Hospitals with cardiac surgery programs
Operate heart-lung bypass machines during cardiac surgery. Maintain blood circulation and oxygenation while surgeons operate. Highly technical role with excellent compensation.
View Complete Career GuideSorry No results found as per your Criteria
Explore detailed information about each category
Allied health offers paths for different interests: patient interaction, lab work, technology, or data management. Find which role suits your strengths and preferences.
Get our comprehensive PDF comparing 15 allied health careers:
If allied health interests you, consider:
RNs, LPNs, and CNAs provide direct patient care with clear advancement paths.
Radiologic technologists and sonographers specialize in diagnostic imaging.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapists provide rehabilitation services.
Allied health professionals support healthcare delivery through diagnostic, therapeutic, and administrative roles. Nurses provide direct patient care, administer medications, and coordinate treatment. Allied health often requires less education than nursing.
Yes. Medical assistants, phlebotomists, and some health information technicians need only certificate programs (6-12 months). Higher-level positions require an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Many allied health roles offer regular schedules. Medical coders often work business hours with remote options. Lab techs may work shifts. Medical assistants typically have clinic hours (no nights/weekends).
Perfusionists earn the highest salaries ($120,000-$140,000), followed by anesthesiologist assistants ($110,000+) and medical dosimetrists ($110,000+). All require advanced education.
Yes. Medical assistants, respiratory therapists, and genetic counselors all show 13-20% job growth through 2032. Lab positions grow at average rates but offer steady employment.
Receive tips on education, certifications, job opportunities, and salary trends in allied health.
Join thousands of allied health professionals. No spam.
