Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States – and with this growth comes a greater demand for allied health professionals. These are vitally needed members of the patient care team who provide a wide range of diagnostic, therapeutic, and support services. Allied professionals work side by side with physicians and other providers to ensure continued quality and effectiveness of care.

Growing Demand

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that demand for allied health professionals will increase 13 percent during the current decade starting in 2021. Factors contributing to this growth include:

• Expanded access to healthcare: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has broadened access to healthcare for millions of Americans, accelerating the need for qualified, specialized professionals.
• An aging population: As the population ages, there is a growing demand for specialized therapies and other health services.
• More complexity: Factors including increasing costs to provide care, a rise in chronic diseases, and broader diversity among the general population have contributed to the need for allied professionals who can help provide, manage, and coordinate evolving care requirements.
• Technological advances: More allied professionals are needed to help test, implement and manage new healthcare technologies; for example, advanced electronic medical records, as well as ventilators and other life-support equipment.

A Broad Range of Career Opportunities

There are myriad job opportunities for individuals interested in pursing or advancing careers in allied healthcare. All are projected to grow in demand in future years. Here are a few:

• Nurse practitioner: These advanced practice RNs (APRNs) provide a wide range of specialized services.
• Physician assistant: These APRNs perform many of the same duties as physicians including examining patients, managing diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications.
• Medical assistant: These professionals perform a variety of administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of a physician or other provider.
• Physical therapist: PTs help patients recover from injuries or illnesses by providing therapy that improves their range of motion, strength, and flexibility.
• Occupational therapist: OTs help patients improve their ability to perform everyday tasks by addressing their physical, cognitive, and emotional needs.
• Respiratory therapist: RTs assess, diagnose, and treat respiratory disorders.
• Pharmacy technician: These professionals work under the supervision of a pharmacies to dispense medications. They prepare prescriptions, ensuring that patients receive the right medications in the correct dosages.
• CT technologist: CT techs operate computerized tomography (CT) scanners, enabling the diagnosis of a variety of medical issues.
• Telehealth specialist: This role involves providing healthcare remotely, leveraging technology such as videoconferencing and telemedicine platforms. Telehealth specialists may be nurses, or primary care or other providers.
• Data analyst: A critical role in today’s healthcare industry. This role encompasses gathering, interpreting, and reporting on data to improve patient care outcomes and system efficiency.

Covelo Group has a team of experienced recruiters! We can connect you to the right allied health opportunity at a top facility in your preferred area, nationwide. Check out our current openings and contact us today to learn more.