WHAT IS ALLIED HEALTH?
The occupation titles doctors and nurses usually come to mind when we think of the health care industry. Although lists differ, allied health represents at least 40 different professions. Generally speaking, allied health encompasses the broad range of support services associated with providing health care.
Over the next week we will take an in-depth look at some of the different allied health professions. But first -
What exactly is allied health?
Allied Health 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. Allied health professionals, to name a few, include dental hygienists, diagnostic medical sonographers, dietitians, medical technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiographers, respiratory therapists, and speech language pathologists.
Allied health workers are found in virtually every sector of the health care industry. Metropolitan areas, which service larger populations, usually offer many different health service jobs due to the presence of larger hospitals, more clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing and long-term care facilities.
Rural areas are also experiencing a critical shortage of allied health professionals for their operations. These settings include: community health centers, walk-in clinics, and private medical, dental, and mental health practices.
“The allied health professions represent about 60 percent of the health care workforce and about 6 millions jobs” Source: http://www.healthpronet.org/
Article adopted from; http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEN/ten2010/ten10-10a1.pdf
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