Allied Health Profession Overview

Allied health is a broad term that represents distinct healthcare roles essential to patient care. Allied health workers are collaborators who work closely with other healthcare providers and facility staff to deliver holistic care to patients. As an allied healthcare professional, it’s helpful to know that there are opportunities available to increase your pay, accelerate your career, and better support your lifestyle and personal interests.

One of the most common ways allied health professionals diversify their careers is by becoming a traveler. Traveling allied health professionals work on short-term assignments with different healthcare facilities across the country. No matter what stage of your career you’re in, it’s never too late to explore new ways to put your in-demand skills and experience to work. 

Traveling Allied Healthcare Professions

You can travel as an allied health professional in the following specializations:

Diagnostic and Laboratory

Rehabilitation and Therapeutic

  • Occupational Therapist
  • Physical Therapist
  • Speech Language Pathologist

Clinical Support and Assistance

  • Medical Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Surgical Technologist

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Frequently Asked Questions About Allied Health Professions

There are many compelling reasons why allied health is a good career choice, including a growing demand for the profession, job security, and a sense of performing meaningful work.
The most critical role of an allied health professional is the commitment to team collaboration and providing safe, high-quality patient care.
Allied health is not a part of nursing, because allied health is its own profession.
Some examples of common professionals that are considered to be allied health include radiology, cath lab, and surgical tech.

Author profile

Midge Lee, BSN, RN.
Midge is a registered nurse with eight years of clinical experience in ER, ICU, and home health. After travel nursing for a couple of years, she transitioned from the bedside to writing full-time. She’s passionate about diversity and trauma-informed care and will write hospital haikus if you ask nicely. Currently, she’s an SEO content writer at Nomad Health.