As one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, healthcare offers many careers with maximum job security and great growth opportunity. This is due to people not only living longer but also requiring medical care from age-related health problems.

In fact, there are a number of top allied health careers in demand. Let’s take a look at what these are.

1. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) have a predicted growth of 31% by 2028.

COTAs work with patients recovering from an injury or disease, as well as disabled patients, who need help with developing skills to function in daily life.

They work hand-in-hand with their supervising Occupational Therapist and are most often responsible for monitoring and sometimes executing treatment plans that have been created by the OT.

2. Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA)

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are predicted to see a job growth of 26% by 2028.

Working with patients who are recovering from an injury, Physical Therapy Assistants work directly with a Physical Therapist to help patients learn how to use functional aides and perform exercises, as well as providing education about aftercare.

These professionals can work in a wide variety of environments, anywhere from hospitals to home health care services and everywhere in between.

3. Speech Language Pathologists

The Speech Language Pathology field is projected to grow by 27% in the next decade. With a wide variety of professional paths, SLPs can work everywhere from private healthcare offices to the public school system.

Speech Language Pathologists work closely with patients who have communication and swallowing disorders. They evaluate, diagnose and treat such patients, and many of these patients tend to be kids.

4. EMTs and Paramedics

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics are first responders who are responsible for providing emergency care to sick and injured people.

These two careers are highly mobile—working in ambulances or helicopter teams—and usually, have to operate under extremely stressful circumstances.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for EMTs and Paramedics will increase by 7% over the next ten years. As the population grows, so do our towns and cities.

5. Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

These professionals are responsible for recording and managing health data about patients both for the healthcare facility and for insurance purposes.

With the increased use of wearable technology in treatment, there will be an enormous increase in the amount of data available about each patient that will need to be stored and managed.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job growth of 11 percent by 2028.

6. Medical Assistants

Medical Assistants work in hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, and other healthcare facilities where they perform clinical and administrative tasks.

Some of their duties include recording a patient’s personal information and medical histories, taking vital signs, drawing blood for blood tests, administering vaccinations, and assisting physicians with medical procedures.

Due to the increasing demand for preventative healthcare, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a job growth of 23 percent by 2028.

7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers operate medical imaging equipment to create images of parts of patients’ bodies or to conduct medical tests that are used by physicians, surgeons, and physiotherapists to diagnose conditions and determine treatment plans.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth for this profession is 14 percent by 2028.

8. Radiation Therapists

Radiation Therapists are responsible for treating cancer and other diseases by administering radiation therapy locally to patients’ bodies in hospitals or clinics.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a job growth of 9 percent for Radiation Therapists over the next ten years.

9. Audiologists

Audiologists aid patients suffering from the following ear problems:

• hearing issues
• balance problems
• and other conditions in the area of the ear.

With a focus on diagnosing and treating patients with ear problems, their duties include prescribing treatment plans, counseling patients in need of assistive technology, and prescribing hearing aids.

They often work in personal care stores, specialists offices, and even hospitals.

Potential Allied Health Careers For You

If you’re looking to work in some of the most prestigious facilities in the country while spending time in new and exciting destinations, one of these top allied health careers may be for you.

And if you’re uncertain, you can always get in touch with us about helping you find the perfect medical career!