What Are the Allied Medical Professions?
The allied medical professions encompass a variety of careers. Members of its workforce play a vital role in the delivery of health care services. Continue reading for more information regarding allied medical professions.
Allied Medical Professions
Allied medical professions include all healthcare-related careers other than physicians, dentists and nurses. Those who work in these positions often have direct contact with patients and are responsible for delivering a range of medical services. Many of these professions require a high level of technical skill, as is the case with pharmacy technicians or radiologic technologists. Read below for details regarding these and other allied medical professions.
Important Facts About Allied Medical Professions
| Required Education | Associates degree; bachelor's degree |
| Key Skills | Interpersonal communication; adaptability; evaluating skills |
| Work Environment | Clinics; hospitals; laboratories |
| Similar Occupations | Radiation therapists; chemists; veterinary technologists |
| Median Salary (2020) | $35,100 (for pharmacy technicians); $54,180 (for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians); $61,900 (for radiologic technologists) |
| Job Growth (2019-2029) | 4% (for pharmacy technicians); 7% (for medical and clinical laboratory technologists and technicians); 7% (for radiologic technologists) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists and are usually responsible for filling patients' prescriptions. They may compound medication and assist pharmacists with other associated tasks. Most pharmacy technicians must complete vocational or community college degree programs before they can practice. Although it is not required, many pharmacy technicians go on to earn certifications through the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT).
Medical Technologist
Medical technologists are responsible for the analysis of human bodily fluids, such as blood and urine. They use laboratory techniques to test for the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms. Medical technologists must provide physicians with accurate and timely laboratory results. A bachelor's degree in medical technology is usually required for employment. Some states require that medical technologists become certified before working in the field.
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologists capture and develop x-rays of human body parts in order to aid in the diagnosis of medical problems. They are responsible for preparing patients for x-rays and preventing unnecessary exposure to radiation. Most radiologic technologists have associate's or bachelor's degrees in the field. Certification is voluntary and administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Other Allied Medical Profession Career Options
- Occupational Therapist
- Respiratory Therapist
- Surgical Technologist
- Dental Hygienist