If you’re thinking about getting your degree in the health industry, you’ve likely already heard of the well-established medical and nursing programs that offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in their field.
But if you’re looking for a career change or more specialized education, you might also want to consider allied health courses, which can lead to career paths with high demand and great compensation.
There are many reasons why students are choosing health courses over traditional medical training, so here are some of the reasons why.
The field is lucrative
Becoming an allied health provider can be a profitable way to go with their education, with the median annual wage exceeding $50,000. If you’re looking for a career where you’re around people and like helping others, allied health is for you. No matter what aspect of the industry you choose to pursue, being in an allied health profession will be fulfilling on so many levels.
Likely, medical professionals will always be in demand as healthcare advances and we age as a population; it’s also likely that your chosen field will experience lower unemployment rates than other industries since there is a constant demand for qualified workers.
Accessibility
A good example of this is the increasing popularity of allied health courses or degrees that combine disciplines such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and others. They can provide not only a career path with great prospects but also opportunities for specialization in a field that students might find themselves passionately drawn to.
In addition to those practical benefits, many students have noted the number of interesting courses available at colleges and universities specializing in these fields as one reason why they’re choosing to go down this route.
As you can see from some of the reasons provided above there are many benefits to choosing an allied health course from something more standard such as business or education. There is no shortage of interesting choices out there so finding something that suits your interests shouldn’t be too difficult!
The flexibility of study time
One of the most appealing aspects of pursuing a health degree is the flexibility of study time. These fields offer students the chance to study in non-traditional ways, like on weekends or during different hours. By utilizing this type of schedule, students can balance their studies with other commitments like family and a full-time job.
Additionally, many schools have night courses that allow them to earn their degree without sacrificing other commitments that might not be available during daytime hours. Not only do they offer courses outside the traditional day-time sessions, but some schools also allow students to choose from a variety of semesters throughout the year to better suit their schedule as well as provide them with an array of electives and early exposure to various types of healthcare careers.
Supportive Environment
Study subjects such as dental hygiene, veterinary technology, and mental health counseling offer students a safe space to explore these fields while they continue to pursue their undergraduate degrees. These courses allow students to test out topics they already know so that they can focus on new concepts.
In some cases, these courses can provide educational credit toward an associate’s degree in addition to university credit. Finally, many of these programs also offer affordable rates making them affordable for even those with tight budgets!
Practical experience
It’s becoming more and more clear that health care jobs will be increasing in demand. This should come as no surprise, given the rapid growth of this industry over the past decade or so. In fact, from 2008 to 2018 alone, the health care industry is expected to grow by 34 percent which translates into an influx of 10 million new jobs (according to a report put out by employment agency ManpowerGroup).
In today’s world where wage stagnation and increased automation may lead to job losses, choosing a career in allied health is one way to make sure your financial future is sound. But if you’re considering going into this line of work, it can be daunting when faced with all the different allied health courses available for you to take.
Personal fulfillment
The satisfaction of helping patients heal, the ability to turn a hobby into a profitable business, and the promise of making money from the job you love- are just a few reasons that so many people choose to pursue allied health. It’s only natural that students are drawn to this type of training after realizing all the benefits.
The problem is that most students don’t know what allied health degree program is right for them, or even if they should be seeking out an academic certification instead. Future graduates need to know their strengths and weaknesses before enrolling in any program. There are two types of occupational fields in healthcare: medical and non-medical occupations.
New Technology Exploring Opportunities
New technology in the medical field such as computers and advanced health care equipment is opening up lots of opportunities for people who graduate with an allied health degree. Many new developments in technology mean that there is more of a need for these workers than ever before, especially when it comes to being able to do things like running simulations and manning high-tech diagnostic machines.
The World Wide Web and emerging communications technology have resulted in greater access to medical information, meaning that there will be a greater need for allied health professionals to help educate patients on the latest research findings. Meanwhile, the aging population in our country has resulted in high demand for nurses at nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. Due to this increased demand for personnel, nurses can expect promotions quickly as well as better salary offers from employers.
There Are Many Employment Options Available
Allied health professionals may work in a variety of settings such as private physician offices, public and private hospitals, long-term care facilities, community health centers, and other medical clinics.
Once employed by an organization, allied health professionals may specialize in a certain area such as laboratory work or radiology, or have more generalized responsibilities such as diagnosing illnesses. Allied health professionals can also be self-employed which provides them with the flexibility to choose the days and hours they want to work each week. Additionally, choosing a locum tenens agency allows allied health professionals to accept temporary positions, enabling them to gain experience across various environments while maintaining a desirable work-life balance.
Conclusion
With the rise in popularity of allied health courses and a need for increased staffing across the nation, such programs can offer a clear pathway into careers in healthcare. Learning about the range of allied health jobs can be intimidating and when entering college it can be difficult to discern which courses will make up your major.
