Why Your Passion for Health Can Start With Allied Health Schools
If you’re someone with a passion for health and wellness, you may be wondering where to start. There are various career paths available, but have you considered allied health schools? In this article, we explore the reasons why your health passion can find a home in allied health schools.
What Are Allied Health Schools?
Allied health schools provide education and training for healthcare-related careers that are not medical doctors or nurses. These careers include occupational therapy, physical therapy, dental hygiene, radiologic technology, and many more. These professionals work alongside medical doctors and nurses as a part of the healthcare team.
Why Allied Health Schools?
Allied health schools are a great place to start your health career because they offer:
Diverse Career Opportunities
Allied health schools offer a wide variety of career opportunities suitable for individuals with different skills and interests. For instance, if you enjoy working with your hands, dental hygiene might be a perfect fit for you. If you like to work with people and assist them in day-to-day activities, occupational therapy might be a better option.
Competitive Salaries and Job Growth
Allied health professions offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and job growth prospects. For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of occupational therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2029 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Furthermore, the median annual wage for occupational therapy was $86,210 in May 2020.
Flexible Learning Options
Allied health schools offer flexible learning options such as online courses and evening classes, making it easier for students to balance their work and education. Additionally, some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to complete their education in a shorter time frame.
Examples of Successful Allied Health Professionals
There are numerous examples of successful allied health professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of healthcare. Here are a few examples:
Lena Kleine-Kalmer
Lena Kleine-Kalmer is a licensed occupational therapist who created the “Do It Like A Pro” occupational therapy program for children with developmental disabilities. She has trained hundreds of therapists and teachers in the program, which has received worldwide recognition.
Dr. Bryan Raudenbush
Dr. Bryan Raudenbush is a sports medicine physician who has worked with various professional sports teams, including the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors. He has also provided medical care during the Olympic Games.
Anna Nelson
Anna Nelson is a dental hygienist who is passionate about oral health education and has worked in both private and public health settings. She is also a published author, with a book titled “Jaws: The Story of a Hidden Epidemic.”
Conclusion
Allied health schools offer an excellent starting point for individuals who are passionate about health and wellness. With diverse career opportunities, competitive salaries, flexible learning options, and numerous successful professionals, it’s no wonder why allied health schools are a great place to start a career in health. If you’re considering a career in health, it’s definitely worth exploring allied health schools as an option.
