As much as 60% of the U.S. healthcare workforce may be classified as allied health.
Allied health care providers work in collaboration with physicians, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists in a support role to evaluate patient needsÌýand toÌýkeep patients, doctors, and other key personnel informed about patient progress.
If you are interested in a career in health care without the time and expense of medical or nursing school, an allied health certification isÌýa fantastic wayÌýto get started in health care in a variety of fields and positions.
°Õ³ó±ðÌýÌýis one of the largest allied health certification agencies in the United States and has awarded over 1 million nationally recognized certifications.
Key entry-level allied health certificates include:
Medical Administrative Assistant:Ìýresponsible for communicating with patients and coworkers, billing, medical coding, filing insurance claims, scheduling appointments, and supportingÌýphysicians, dentists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals with the day-to-day of running a medical office.
: responsible for taking blood samples from patients, preparing and operating key equipment, preparing the patient for blood draw, labeling and shipping blood samples for testing, and properly disposing of equipment.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist:Ìýresponsible for health insurance claims at hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and other health care offices. They ensure claims are coded and recorded correctly in the patients’ files.
Electronic Health Record Specialist:Ìýresponsible for keeping patient recordsÌýup-to-dateÌýwithin the electronic systems used by the healthcare provider.
ÌýCCMAs may work in a variety of care settings, ranging from the private practice of a local physician to the most innovative hospitals. Job responsibilities vary from setting to setting but include recording vital signs, preparing patients and rooms for exams, explaining treatment and procedures to patients, and taking medical histories.
Pharmacy Technician:Ìýresponsibilities include operating equipment used in the preparation of prescription medicines, processing prescription requests from patients and doctors’ offices,ÌýestablishingÌýand maintaining patient prescription records, receiving payment for prescriptions, processing insurance claims, and packaging and labeling prescriptions.
Due to the wide variety ofÌýcareer options offered with anÌýallied health certification, allied health professionals work in a myriad ofÌýsettings, including:
An allied health certification offers a myriad of benefits to anyone interested in a health care career, including:
Increased Appeal as a Job Candidate:Ìýobtaining an allied health certification puts you ahead of others competing for a health care position. ItÌýdemonstratesÌýto prospective employers that you are hard-working, motivated, and dedicated to your health care career.
Increased Earning Potential:ÌýEven for positions thatÌýdo notÌýrequire an allied health certification, obtaining a certification can still increase your earning potential, as employers know you are ahead of the curve in terms of training andÌýeducation.
Improved Career Trajectory:ÌýAn allied health certification is a terrific way to not only enter a meaningful health care career but also to advance your current career.
Job Security:Ìý°Õ³ó±ðÌýÌýprojects that healthcare occupations will grow 16% between now and 2030, much higher than the national average for other industries. Healthcare workers are in high demand and those with an allied health certification bring even more value toÌýemployers.
CareerÌýFlexibility:ÌýDue to the wide variety of careers available to allied health professionals, becoming certified opens a myriad of career opportunities nationwide.
One of the best aspectsÌýofÌýobtaining an allied health certificate is all you need is a high school diploma or equivalent. No prior experience in the health care field isÌýrequired. Certification can be obtained in as little asÌý28 weeks.
Training beforeÌýsitting forÌýan allied health exam is highly recommended. With training, you receive the knowledge, information, and tools you need. Plus, you make important connections and gain hands-on experience that is invaluable as you transition to your new health care career.
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