Technicians (Assistants) Therapists/Technologists

ALLIED HEALTH The term Allied Health (or health-related professions) is used to identify a cluster of health professions, encompassing as many as 200 health careers. When you work in allied health, you are involved (directly or indirectly) with patient health, and you are regarded as an expert in your field. Some allied health professionals practice independently; others work as part of a health care team, providing continual evaluation and assessment of patient needs. They also play a role in informing the attending clinician of the progress and response to treatment. The allied health professions fall into two broad categories: technicians (assistants) and therapists/technologists.

TECHNICIANS (ASSISTANTS) Technicians are trained to perform procedures and their education is usually less than two years. They are required to work under the supervision of therapists/technologists.

THERAPISTS/TECHNOLOGISTS The educational process for therapists or technologists is more intensive (two or more years) and includes acquiring procedural skills. In addition, the students of therapy/technology learn to evaluate patients, diagnose conditions, develop treatment plans, and understand the rationale behind various treatments in order to judge their appropriateness and potential side effects. Educational courses teach students to evaluate patients’ responses to therapy and make appropriate decisions about continued treatment or modification of treatment plans.

Examples of Allied Health Areas Cardiovascular Perfusion Athletic Training Cytotechnology Technology Diagnostic Medical Sonography Dental Hygiene Dietetics Health Administration Emergency Medical Sciences Health Information Management Nuclear Medicine Technology Medical Technology Nursing Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Physician Assistant Radiography Radiation Therapy Technology Rehabilitation Counseling Respiratory Therapy Technology Respiratory Therapy Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

RESOURCES The Association of Schools of Allied Health Professionals (ASAHP) www.asahp.org The American Medical Association (AMA) www.ama-assn.org/ama Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs www.caahep.org American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) www.aacc.nche.edu Explore Health Careers www.explorehealthcareers.org

• This information is not comprehensive and serves as a guideline. Students are STRONGLY encouraged to research various institutions for up to date information and school specific pre-requisites/admission requirements.