Allied health professions in high demand
Jobs in the health care industry are exceptionally varied, especially when it comes those connected to allied health positions.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that employment in health care occupations is projected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.4 million new jobs.
The Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions stated allied health professionals are involved with the delivery of health or related services pertaining to a wide range of issues.
Included in their list of possible professions in this field are dental hygienists, diagnostic medical sonographers, dietitians, medical technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiographers, respiratory therapists, and speech language pathologists.
How to start a career in the industry
San Jacinto College’s various degrees can help students start a career in the allied health industry.
These degrees range from advanced imaging modalities to cancer data management, diagnostic medical sonography, emergency medical services, eye care technology, health information management, medical assisting, medical billing, medical coding, medical laboratory technology, medical radiography, mental health services, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, personal trainer, pharmacy technician, physical therapist assistant, respiratory care, and surgical technology.
Dr. Teddy Farias, dean, Health and Natural Sceinces at San Jacinto College, said the demand has increased, especially with elective surgeries returning
after the pandemic restrictions.
Local needs
In Houston, Farias said that some of those allied health jobs that are especially in high demand are nurses, medical assistants, and surgical technicians.
“All of our programs have very high placement rates. They are getting jobs in hospitals and clinics. Non- critical surgeries went away, but now they are coming back. We are seeing a rebound right now. Enrollment is pretty steady,” said Farias.
San Jacinto College is offering cutting-edge equipment and software to accommodate the online virtual environment.
“We have real current examples to back the curriculum that helps the students be engaged. We’ve had to be vigilant and creative to meet criteria. They are prepared for the front lines. They’ve been training, and we’re seeing good test results,” Farias said.
Top positions
The Center for Health Affairs’ January 2019 report stated there are shortages in the allied health professional workforce as identified in a
2018 survey of Ohio hospitals and allied health higher education programs.
One of the top positions in demand as shared in this report is a medical assistant, but included in their listing are medical lab technicians, medical lab scientists, respiratory therapists, surgical technicians, pharmacy technicians, sterile processing technicians, social workers (LISWs and LPCCs), general sonographers, and vascular sonographers.
The center shared that hospitals are reporting their demand for allied health professionals is likely to grow even stronger as current allied health professionals head to retirement.