5 Allied Health Degrees

Introduction to Allied Health Degrees

Allied health degrees are a vital part of the healthcare system, providing a wide range of career opportunities for individuals who are passionate about helping others. These degrees are designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare that are outside of the traditional roles of doctors and nurses. In this article, we will explore five allied health degrees that are in high demand and offer a promising future for those who pursue them.

1. Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Degree

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) degree is a two-year associate’s degree that prepares students to work under the supervision of an occupational therapist. OTAs help patients develop the skills they need to perform daily tasks and activities, such as dressing, bathing, and cooking. They work with patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, and use a variety of techniques, including exercises, adaptive equipment, and cognitive training, to help them achieve their goals. The demand for OTAs is expected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030, making it a highly sought-after career.

2. Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Degree

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) degree is a two-year associate’s degree that prepares students to work under the supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs help patients recover from injuries or illnesses, and work to prevent future injuries or disabilities. They use a variety of techniques, including exercises, stretches, and modalities, such as heat, cold, and electricity, to help patients achieve their goals. The demand for PTAs is expected to grow 32% from 2020 to 2030, making it a highly sought-after career.

3. Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) Degree

A Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) degree is a two-year associate’s degree that prepares students to use specialized equipment to create images of the body’s internal structures. DMS professionals, also known as ultrasound technicians, use high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs, tissues, and blood vessels, which are used to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. The demand for DMS professionals is expected to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, making it a promising career for those who are interested in diagnostic imaging.

4. Respiratory Therapy (RT) Degree

A Respiratory Therapy (RT) degree is a two-year associate’s degree that prepares students to work with patients who have breathing disorders, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. RT professionals use a variety of techniques, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and pulmonary rehabilitation, to help patients breathe more easily and manage their symptoms. The demand for RT professionals is expected to grow 21% from 2020 to 2030, making it a highly sought-after career.

5. Dental Hygiene (DH) Degree

A Dental Hygiene (DH) degree is a two-year associate’s degree that prepares students to work with patients to prevent and treat oral health problems. DH professionals, also known as dental hygienists, use a variety of techniques, including cleanings, exams, and X-rays, to help patients maintain good oral health and prevent diseases, such as tooth decay and gum disease. The demand for DH professionals is expected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, making it a promising career for those who are interested in oral health.

💡 Note: These allied health degrees are in high demand and offer a promising future for those who pursue them. However, it's essential to research and chooses a program that is accredited and aligns with your career goals.

The following table highlights the key points of each allied health degree:

Degree	Length	Job Description	Growth Rate
OTA	2 years	Help patients develop daily skills	32%
PTA	2 years	Help patients recover from injuries	32%
DMS	2 years	Use ultrasound to diagnose medical conditions	19%
RT	2 years	Help patients with breathing disorders	21%
DH	2 years	Prevent and treat oral health problems	11%

In summary, these five allied health degrees offer a promising future for those who pursue them. They are in high demand, and the job outlook is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. Whether you’re interested in helping patients recover from injuries, preventing oral health problems, or using diagnostic imaging to diagnose medical conditions, there’s an allied health degree that’s right for you.