The allied health assistant field has more job openings than almost any other occupation today, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. These positions are expected to grow by more than 25% over the next ten years.
You can bet that many of those new jobs will be hard to fill because there just aren’t enough people with the education and training to fill them right now. If you want to find a career with security, stability, and incredible growth opportunities, then an allied health assistant degree may be the wave of the future for you! Here are 10 reasons why.
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1) As healthcare costs continue to rise, more schools are offering degrees in allied health fields
America’s healthcare industry has seen its share of changes over the last few decades, and it’s been hard to keep up with everything that’s happened. But one thing is clear: healthcare will continue to be a dominant topic in our society for decades to come. Medical research and developments have left us with more options than ever before.
One field that has seen substantial growth in recent years is that of allied health careers. To stand out amongst a rapidly growing population, we think it’s important for students to pursue career paths that not only interest them but are likely to grow as well.
2) The aging population will drive demand for healthcare jobs
The aging population will drive demand for healthcare jobs. A lack of nurses could drive up wait times and affect the quality of care that elderly patients receive.
On top of this, the number of nurses reaching retirement age will soon outweigh those who are graduating from school. The baby boomer generation will begin turning 65 over the next two decades and we’ll need approximately 900,000 new RNs to meet their health needs.
3) Online and hybrid programs are making it easier than ever to access education
More and more people are realizing that a healthcare career can be pretty lucrative. As a result, allied health professionals such as occupational therapy assistants, dental hygienists, speech therapists, etc. are in high demand. As a result, many colleges are offering online programs to make it easier for students to get their degrees from home or various providers around the country.
4) Many careers can be found in a variety of healthcare settings
Doctors, nurses, therapists, and other allied health professionals are invaluable members of any team. They not only provide patient care, but they also connect patients with services and resources that help them get better and live more productive lives.
To do their jobs well, these professionals need to stay up-to-date on recent developments in their field by completing continuing education courses. Meanwhile, other healthcare workers play an essential role in managing day-to-day activities. One such profession is that of Allied Health Assistants.
5) Allied health assistant jobs have flexible schedules
And with the unemployment rate only improving slightly, you need to pick a career that can offer flexible hours or work-from-home options. Allied health assistant jobs have both options, which give you a higher chance of finding employment.
Plus, many allied health assistants are paid on a case basis, so if you’re only getting part-time hours or need to stay at home one day a week because your kids need some attention, then this position will work for you.
6) Healthcare companies are looking for people with degrees in allied health fields
At a time when there are over 20 million job openings and only four million people to fill them, it’s not hard to see why industries like healthcare are eager to grow their workforces. If you want to be part of this shift, consider enrolling in an allied health degree program!
All allied health programs require prerequisite coursework such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, nutrition, and statistics. Courses can be completed online from anywhere and then later transferred to a college or university.
7) The demand for healthcare workers will be constant regardless of economic conditions
The demand for healthcare workers will be constant regardless of economic conditions. Many more people will seek healthcare services as a result of aging demographics and advances in medicine and technology. According to Occupational Outlook Quarterly, The number of healthcare workers employed in hospitals alone is projected to grow by 19 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations.
One reason why there will be such a big demand for these jobs is that they’re high-paying positions that offer plenty in terms of job security as well as room for career advancement. Occupations such as nursing, lab technician, physician assistant, and x-ray technician are among those ranked highly on this list.
8) Education reduces the risk associated with layoffs in the field
Employers have reported difficulties with hiring for allied health assistant positions due to a shortage of qualified candidates. Additionally, employers have noted there are typically 10 applicants for every position and that many don’t meet the minimum requirements or have the relevant experience.
What does this mean? It means there’s a great opportunity for anyone looking to get their foot in the door in this dynamic industry by investing in an online AA degree as Allied Health Assistant.
9) Demand continues to increase despite oversupply due to retirements
Allied health assistant careers do not require previous experience. As the population continues to grow and more individuals are living longer, there will be a greater need for these professionals to serve as home health aides and clinic managers, who offer their services on a professional basis.
With a high projected growth rate over the next decade, this career path has strong earning potential and low job competition rates. Additionally, as older professionals exit these occupations due to retirement or transition into new professions, allied health assistants can fill these gaps in many settings.
10) Allied health assistant careers do not require previous experience
The health field has experienced some recent growth in employment opportunities. For example, there was a nationwide shortage of dental hygienists which means that not everyone interested in this field can find work. For those who are currently employed, there may be increased demand on the job and they may have to work longer hours than before.
Allied health assistant careers do not require previous experience which means that it can be a great way for someone to start a career in a different profession and build their skills for advancement.
Conclusion
Many people are becoming more and more aware of health disparities and access to care in our communities. To be a force for good in your community, take advantage of a two-year, tuition-free Allied Health Assistant degree that offers training in preventive and wellness care as well as health equity.