Online Allied Health Degrees
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The allied health field offers diverse careers for those keen on a profession in the healthcare industry. Some of the professions included in the allied health category include anesthesia technology, athletics training, cardiovascular technology, diagnostic medical sonography, exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiotherapy, medical assisting, personal fitness training, recreational therapy and surgical technology. In most cases, allied health professionals manage medical information and are responsible for the operations of various types of medical equipment used in diagnosing and treating patients. Allied health professionals play a crucial role in facilitating thorough patient care and promoting positive outcomes for patients.
The healthcare industry is one of the largest in the nation and employs over 14 million people. Many of the fastest growing occupations in the
Accredited Schools Offering Online Allied Health Degrees
Azusa Pacific University
Programs:- A.S. in Health Sciences
Learn more about Azusa Pacific University
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
Fitness Training: Athletics trainers, exercise physiologists, personal fitness trainers and other exercise science professionals fall within this group. These professionals work with various clients in the health and fitness industry. They evaluate health behaviors, conduct fitness assessments, and design and manage fitness programs to support individuals in their goal to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Health Technology: Health technologists and technicians manage health information and maintain medical records. They also operate various types of medical equipment used in diagnosis and treatment procedures. In most cases, healthcare technologists and technicians are required to complete 1 or 2 years of postsecondary training. Professions in this category include anesthesia, cardiovascular and surgical technologists as well as dialysis, EKG and EMG technicians.
Service Occupations: Some of the occupations included in this category include anesthesiologists as well as dental, medical, physician and surgical assistants. Aides in home health, nursing and personal care also fall within the scope of Allied Health service occupations. Those wishing to enter service occupations in the allied health field are not always required to complete entire degree programs. However, specialized training for certification is often preferred and might be required in some cases, so be sure to carefully research the particular field you're interested in.
What degree levels are available?
- Certificate Program: typically requires 1 year to complete
- Associate Degree: requires 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: requires 4 years
- Master's Degree: 2 to 3 years
- Doctoral Degree: at least 3 years
What are the educational and certification requirements?
Educational requirements for allied health careers vary by occupation. Although many jobs require less than 4 years of college education, some occupations require job candidates to be earn graduate-level degrees and pursue additional training. Many of the health technology professions require 1 or 2 years of postsecondary training. Some healthcare service professions require little specialized education.
Service care workers who pursue further education and training greatly improve their chances of advancing to higher-level positions. Some healthcare facilities, especially hospitals, provide on-the-job training and continuing education for healthcare service assistants and aides. Attendants, EKG technicians, home health aides, nursing aides, orderlies, physical therapist aides and psychiatric aides fall in this group.
Certification requirements vary by occupation. Some fields also have state licensure requirements. The Health Care Careers Directory published by the American Medical Association provides details on certification for the various allied health careers. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) also provides information on certification for the various allied health occupations. Calling the professional society for the field of your interest is also a good way to obtain precise certification and licensure information.
What kind of classes will I be expected to take?
The courses you take are largely determined by the requirements of your specific field. Educational programs in the allied health field usually involve traditional coursework and clinical practice. This contributes to a comprehensive learning experience, which allows students to develop the basic competencies for transitioning into their careers. However, major courses within the allied health field include:
Clinical Studies: This coursework includes clinical examination and diagnosis as well as acute care of illnesses. Students have the opportunity to develop an understanding of various general medical conditions and disabilities as well as medical terminology.
Communication: Courses in communication allow students to develop strong oral and written communication skills. Communication courses also give students the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills. It is vital that professionals in the allied health field know how to communicate effectively to patients, colleagues, and other members of the healthcare industry. This helps to promote positive outcomes for patients.
General/Applied Sciences: In foundational courses such as biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics, students develop their understanding of human anatomy and physiology, which enhances a student's knowledge base.
Medical Ethics and Legal Issues: Students learn about various regulations and policies that help shape the framework for professional practice in the field. Understanding the ethical and legal issues that govern practice helps to ensure high integrity during practice. It also helps to safeguard patients and promotes commitment to specific professions within the allied health field.
Medical Instrumentation: The focus here is on allowing students to develop a basic understanding of the various equipment and technology utilized in patient care.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
In most cases, educational programs in the allied health educational field are offered on campus. However, some programs are offered online. If you're planning to take any kind of formal certification or licensing exam, be sure to research the accreditation status of the school or program you're interested in.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
- Healthcare Information Systems: This degree helps students develop the skills and competencies that ensure efficient maintenance of patient healthcare records. Many graduates of healthcare information systems work as technicians upon graduation.
- Healthcare Management: This is an excellent program choice for those who wish to become leaders in the healthcare sector. Students pursuing this field take courses in health law, healthcare policy, health technology as well as various management courses.
- Medical Billing and Coding: This program teaches students how to maintain accurate patient records and billing codes. Students also learn about medical terminology, to enable efficient communication with physicians, nurses and other members of the healthcare team.
- Medical Transcription: Students learn how to transcribe recordings into vital medical records. The records produced by medical transcriptionists form important reference documents for physicians and health insurance firms.
- Public Health: A degree in public health allows you to work with individuals, to promote a positive lifestyle. Students develop the skills and competencies that allow them to play a vital role in improving health for individuals and communities.
FAQS - Real Questions From Real Students
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Absolutely! Many careers in allied health require students to take classes in general sciences. If you already have experience with topics in biology and chemistry, you will make an easy transition to a career in allied health.
For others who do not have previous experience in the sciences, do not worry! There are plenty of online opportunities to start a career in allied health with no background in the sciences.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for a cardiovascular technician was $47,010 in may of 2008. Wages will vary, depending on your experience and education.
To learn more about a career as a cardiovascular technician, the BLS website has plenty of useful information!
Great question! If you start a career in allied health, there would be plenty of job opportunities in hospital settings. However, there would also be plenty of job opportunities outside hospitals. Depending on your career track, you could work in a small clinical setting, such as a private family health practice or a dental office.
If a hospital is not the setting where you would like to work, there are plenty of opportunities to start a healthcare career in other settings. Please visit specific occupation links on our website to learn more.
Yes! Many careers in allied health require a great deal of organization, and experience working in an office can often be a plus! Office administration is incredibly important in medical settings. The efficient and precise maintenance of health information and medical records is extremely important, and experience with office administration would be an asset in these settings.
