{"id":5796,"date":"2024-02-20T22:02:48","date_gmt":"2024-02-20T22:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/?p=5796"},"modified":"2026-03-04T16:31:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T16:31:14","slug":"allied-health-care-professions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Lesser-Known Allied Health Care Professions Making a Big Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re thinking of joining the allied health field, here is the good news: such professionals are increasingly in demand. But with so many different career options to choose from, it may be challenging to narrow them down. To help you, here are five of the lesser-known types of allied health care professionals that are making a big impact.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#Occupational_Therapy_Assistants_OTAs\" title=\"Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs)\">Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#Respiratory_Therapists_RTs\" title=\"Respiratory Therapists (RTs)\">Respiratory Therapists (RTs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#Medical_Laboratory_Technicians_MLTs\" title=\"Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs)\">Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#Speech-Language_Pathology_Assistants_SLPAs\" title=\"Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs)\">Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#Radiologic_Technologists_RTs\" title=\"Radiologic Technologists (RTs)\">Radiologic Technologists (RTs)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#Select_the_Best_Allied_Health_Care_Profession\" title=\"Select the Best Allied Health Care Profession\">Select the Best Allied Health Care Profession<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#What_kind_of_education_and_training_do_occupational_therapist_assistants_OTAs_need\" title=\"What kind of education and training do occupational therapist assistants, OTAs, need?\">What kind of education and training do occupational therapist assistants, OTAs, need?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#What_is_the_future_of_respiratory_therapy\" title=\"What is the future of respiratory therapy?\">What is the future of respiratory therapy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/allied-health-care-professions\/#What_is_the_difference_between_SLPAs_and_SLPs\" title=\"What is the difference between SLPAs and SLPs?\">What is the difference between SLPAs and SLPs?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Occupational_Therapy_Assistants_OTAs\"><\/span><strong>Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Occupational therapy assistants figure prominently among the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/jobs\/allied\">allied health care professions<\/a>. These types of allied health professionals work with occupational therapists to implement treatment plans. In so doing, they help patients manage everyday activities that may be challenging due to disability, illness, or injury. OTAs work in hospitals, OT offices, rehabilitation centers, residences, and skilled nursing homes, playing a major role in ensuring optimal outcomes for the individuals you see.<\/p>\n<p>Basically, as an occupational therapist assistant, you\u2019ll help patients recover from injuries, as well as develop, improve, and maintain the skills necessary for day-to-day living. Additional OTA tasks include assisting patients with therapeutic activities and encouraging them, as well as leading children with developmental issues in play activities.<\/p>\n<p>You also may be tasked with setting up equipment and transporting patients, in addition to cleaning equipment and treatment areas. Assisting patients with billing and insurance forms, teaching them how to use therapeutic equipment, and recording their progress are additional aspects of the job. For example, you might help a child develop social and motor skills by teaching them to play with other children or ride a bike.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Respiratory_Therapists_RTs\"><\/span><strong>Respiratory Therapists (RTs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Highly valued among the allied health care professions, respiratory therapists care for individuals who have difficulty in breathing. Patients range from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to older people who have diseased lungs. The role is essential in that it promotes faster recovery and lowers the need for hospitalization.<\/p>\n<p>These types of allied health professionals administer lung treatments, manage ventilators, and give patients oxygen\u2014under the direction of physicians. As a respiratory therapist, you might interview and examine patients, consult with doctors, and perform diagnostic tests. You\u2019ll also treat, monitor, and record a patient\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medical_Laboratory_Technicians_MLTs\"><\/span><strong>Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you like working behind the scenes and making a real impact, you may want to look into the field of medical lab techs. Supporting physicians and other healthcare professionals, you\u2019ll play a central role in patient diagnosis and treatment. Collecting patient samples and performing tests to detect possible disorders number among MLT activities.<\/p>\n<p>These types of allied health care professionals also analyze test results, operate lab equipment, and log data into patients\u2019 medical records. In many ways, the MLTs are investigators, searching for clues and uncovering information that can help develop treatments. They are also essential to the development and improvement of new medical therapies and technologies.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Speech-Language_Pathology_Assistants_SLPAs\"><\/span><strong>Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Allied health care professionals such as SLPAs play key roles in helping adults and children improve their language and communication skills. As an SPLA, you\u2019ll work in schools, clinics, hospitals, private residences, and skilled nursing facilities.<\/p>\n<p>Speech-language pathology assistants perform tasks prescribed, directed, and overseen by speech-language pathologists certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Such roles call for treating individuals with communication disorders such as stuttering, aphasia, or hearing impairment. They may also perform speech, hearing, language, and swallowing screening on new patients, make evaluations, share information with families, and track and document patient performance of treatment exercises. Moreover, they are required to identify clients\u2019 treatment goals and implement pathologist\u2019s plans.<\/p>\n<p>Teaching patients to make sounds, maintain fluency, and improve their voices are also aspects of the SLPA job. These types of allied health professionals ease the potentially overwhelming responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist, which frees them to focus more on providing top-shelf care.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Radiologic_Technologists_RTs\"><\/span><strong>Radiologic Technologists (RTs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Also known as radiographers, radiologic technologists in medical imaging comprise the third-largest group of healthcare professionals\u2013surpassed in number only by doctors and nurses. A primary responsibility of this allied health care profession is operating X-ray, MRI, fluoroscopy, CT, or sonography equipment. It can require you to prepare and inject radiopharmaceutical agents into patients.<\/p>\n<p>As RTs, you may also be called upon to help doctors with non-surgical procedures such as stent insertion or angioplasty. Administering radiation treatments for cancer. There have been innovations in the field, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced visualization, and the adoption of off-cloud storage.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Select_the_Best_Allied_Health_Care_Profession\"><\/span><strong>Select the Best Allied Health Care Profession<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While these types of allied health professionals may not be as commonly known as others, they are in high demand. Further, they are making a significant impact in healthcare and in the lives of patients. Perhaps one of these will make for a rewarding fit for you.<\/p>\n<p>As you embark upon your professional career, Wanderly helps you secure the best allied health care professions assignments available. Applying the latest technologies, such as big data and machine learning, we bring travel healthcare professionals and agencies together. We aim to elevate the healthcare staffing industry with our transparent marketplace.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_kind_of_education_and_training_do_occupational_therapist_assistants_OTAs_need\"><\/span><strong>What kind of education and training do occupational therapist assistants, OTAs, need?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Occupational therapy assistants must gain a two-year associate degree from a school accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_future_of_respiratory_therapy\"><\/span><strong>What is the future of respiratory therapy?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>It looks bright. In fact, the number of such therapists is projected to grow 23% by 2030, markedly faster than the average for all occupations.<\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_SLPAs_and_SLPs\"><\/span><strong>What is the difference between SLPAs and SLPs?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>SLPAs are not trained for independent practice. Rather, they support and supplement the services of a licensed SLP.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re thinking of joining the allied health field, here is the good news: such professionals are increasingly in demand. But with so many different career options to choose from, it may be challenging to narrow them down. To help you, here are five of the lesser-known types of allied health care professionals that are [&hellip;]<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":{"author_name":"adlyd","author_description":"","author_user_level":10,"author_avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/86bf0574a8efbaf50009a8aba5aa3c47?s=96&r=g"},"featured_media":5797,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[469,49,54],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-20-1-1.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Adlyd","author_link":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/author\/adlyd\/"},"featured_image":{"size_thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-20-1-1-150x150.png","size_medium":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-20-1-1-300x169.png","size_large":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-20-1-1-1024x577.png","size_full":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-20-1-1.png"},"loftocean-view-count":null,"category":[{"id":469,"slug":"travel-allied-healthcare","name":"Allied Healthcare"},{"id":49,"slug":"travel-nurse-career","name":"Career Resources"},{"id":54,"slug":"nurse-life","name":"Nurse Life"}],"post_tag":null,"views":4965,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Untitled-design-20-1-1.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p92mSz-1vu","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5796"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/42"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5796"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5796\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5872,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5796\/revisions\/5872"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5796"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5796"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wanderly.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5796"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}