What Are Allied Health Professions?
Allied health professionals make up approximately 60% of all U.S. healthcare workers. They include a broad spectrum of roles outside of nursing and medicine — from physical therapists to radiologic technologists, medical assistants to pharmacy technicians.
Top Allied Health Careers in 2025
Physical Therapist (PT)
- Median salary: $99,710/year
- Job outlook: +17% growth (much faster than average)
- Education: Doctoral degree (DPT), 3 years post-bachelor's
- Settings: Outpatient clinics, hospitals, home health, schools
- Great for: People who enjoy hands-on rehabilitation and long-term patient relationships
Radiologic Technologist
- Median salary: $67,180/year ($32.30/hr)
- Job outlook: +6% growth
- Education: Associate's or bachelor's degree + ARRT certification
- Settings: Hospitals, imaging centers, physician offices
- Great for: Detail-oriented professionals who enjoy technology
Medical Assistant (MA)
- Median salary: $42,000/year ($20.19/hr)
- Job outlook: +14% growth
- Education: Certificate or associate's degree (1–2 years)
- Settings: Physician offices, clinics, urgent care
- Great for: Career changers who want to enter healthcare quickly
Pharmacy Technician
- Median salary: $40,300/year ($19.38/hr)
- Job outlook: +5% growth
- Education: High school diploma + PTCB certification
- Settings: Retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, mail-order
- Great for: Detail-oriented individuals interested in medications
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
- Median salary: $60,780/year
- Job outlook: +11% growth
- Education: Bachelor's degree + ASCP certification
- Settings: Hospital labs, reference labs, public health
- Great for: Science-oriented professionals who prefer minimal direct patient contact
Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Median salary: $93,180/year
- Job outlook: +12% growth
- Education: Master's degree (MOT/OTD)
- Settings: Hospitals, rehab centers, schools, home health
- Great for: Professionals who want to help patients regain independence in daily activities
How to Choose an Allied Health Career
Ask yourself:
- How much education can I commit to? (1 year → MA; 6 years → PT)
- Do I want direct patient contact? (High: PT, OT | Low: Lab, Pharmacy)
- What setting do I prefer? (Hospital, clinic, outpatient, travel)
- What's my salary target? Compare median wages to cost of living in your market
Getting Into Allied Health
- Shorter paths (1–2 years): Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Tech, Phlebotomy
- Mid-length (2–3 years): Radiology Tech, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Tech
- Advanced (4–7 years): Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant
Most fields require a national certification exam after completing your program. Check the relevant certifying body (ARRT, ASCP, PTCB, NBCOT) for requirements.