U.S. BLS predicts high demand for allied health professionals
Allied Health professionals make up over 60% of all health care professionals. According to www.asahp.org, these professionals are involved with the delivery of health or related services pertaining to the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services, rehabilitation and health systems management, among others.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts high demand for certain allied health professional careers, such as home health aides, medical assistants, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants, and speech language pathologists.
“Allied health professionals (AHPs) comprise roughly half of the 20 fastest professions in our economy, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Through the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) we are trying to meet the tremendous and growing need for AHPs through our 130 universities across the country,” said John Colbert, executive director of the ASHAP.
Home health aides
They help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairment by assisting in their daily living activities. Median wage in 2018 was $24,060, with 36% growth predicted.
Medical assistants
These professionals complete administrative and clerical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other health care facilities. Median wage in 2018 was $33,610, with a predicted growth of 23%.
Occupational therapy assistants
They help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. The median wage in 2018 was $57,620, with 31% growth predicted.
Physical therapist assistants
These professionals set up equipment and help care for patients. The median pay in 2018 was $48,090, with predicted growth of 26%.
Speech language pathologists
They assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Median wage in 2018 was $77,510, with 27% growth predicted.
Collaborative work
Some allied health care providers work collaboratively with other providers, including physicians, nurses, dentists and pharmacists. Their work settings include hospitals, clinics, and private medical offices.
Employment of health care occupations in general is projected to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The aging of the population as well as increasing life expectancies is driving the need for health care jobs.
As of May 2018, the medial annual wage for health care practitioners and technical occupations was $66,664.40, while the median annual wage for health care support occupations was $29,740.
For more information, visit online at www.asahp.org/what-is.
Employment of health care occupations in general is projected to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.