What Is an Allied Health Professional?

Every day, millions of patients rely on healthcare professionals they may never think about by name. The radiologic technologist who performs an X-ray, the occupational therapist who helps people regain independence after injury and the clinical laboratory scientist who analyzes blood samples all play an essential role in patient care. These professionals, along with many others, are part of the allied health workforce.

If you're wondering what an allied health professional is, you're not alone. Allied health is one of the largest and most diverse segments of the healthcare industry, encompassing dozens of careers that support diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and disease prevention. Whether you're exploring healthcare careers for the first time or looking to advance in your current role, understanding the scope of allied health is an important first step.

This guide explains what allied health professionals do, explores several common career paths and highlights why these roles continue to be in high demand. You'll also learn how a public health degree can help prepare you for leadership opportunities within this growing field.

What Is an Allied Health Professional? Meaning and Scope

The Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions (ASAHP) defines allied health professionals as healthcare providers who are distinct from medicine and nursing and who apply scientific principles and evidence-based practice to support diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, disease prevention, wellness and health systems administration.¹

In practice, that definition covers a remarkably broad range of careers. Allied health professionals work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians' offices, rehabilitation centers, public health agencies and many other healthcare settings.¹ Although their responsibilities vary by specialty, they share a common goal: helping patients receive timely, effective, high-quality care.

Unlike a physician or registered nurse, an allied health professional typically focuses on a specific area of expertise. Some perform diagnostic testing, others provide rehabilitative therapies, while still others specialize in nutrition, laboratory science or other essential healthcare services. Together, they help healthcare teams deliver comprehensive care throughout every stage of a patient's treatment and recovery.

Because the field encompasses so many specialties, allied health offers career opportunities for professionals with a wide variety of interests and strengths. Whether you enjoy working directly with patients, analyzing laboratory results, using advanced medical technology or promoting healthier communities, there's likely an allied health career aligned with your goals.

Top Careers for a Professional in Allied Health

Diagnostic and Technical Careers

Diagnostic and technical professionals help healthcare teams identify illnesses, monitor patients and guide treatment decisions through specialized testing and imaging.

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, that help physicians diagnose injuries and medical conditions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 60% of radiologic technologists and technicians work in hospitals.² ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $95,899 for radiologic technologists as of June 2026.⁴

Clinical laboratory professionals perform laboratory tests that help diagnose, treat and prevent disease.⁵ While technicians with an associate degree may qualify for some positions, clinical laboratory technologists typically need a bachelor's degree.⁵ Indeed reports an average hourly wage of $41.30.⁶

Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Careers

Many allied health professionals work directly with patients, helping them recover from illness or injury and maintain healthier lives.

Occupational therapists help people develop, recover or regain the skills needed for daily living and work after an illness, injury or disability.⁷ Employment in this profession is projected to grow 14% between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations nationwide.⁷ Indeed reports an average hourly wage of $51.71.⁸

Dietitians and nutritionists use food and nutrition to promote health and help prevent or manage chronic disease.⁹ They develop nutrition programs, counsel patients and support healthier lifestyles in hospitals, healthcare organizations, schools and community settings.⁹ Indeed reports an average hourly wage of $41.81 for dietitians in the United States.¹⁰

Key Facts About the Allied Health Workforce

Allied health professionals are playing an increasingly important role as healthcare organizations respond to an aging population, rising rates of chronic disease and ongoing workforce shortages. For individuals considering a career in healthcare, those trends point to strong long-term employment prospects across many allied health specialties.

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) projects significant staffing needs in numerous allied health occupations by 2038, including the equivalent of more than 60,000 full-time physical therapists and nearly 13,000 respiratory therapists.³

The broader employment outlook is equally encouraging. The BLS projects that healthcare occupations overall will grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2024 and 2034.¹¹ Increased demand for diagnostic services, rehabilitation and chronic disease management will continue to create a need for allied health professionals across a wide range of settings.^2,11

Build a Career That Strengthens Healthier Communities

Whether you're entering healthcare for the first time or looking to expand your career opportunities, a strong foundation in public health can prepare you for leadership roles across the allied health field.

Kent State University's 100% online Bachelor of Science in Public Health program is designed for working adults who want to advance their education without putting their careers on hold. Through the Allied Health concentration, you'll build knowledge in epidemiology, biostatistics, global health, health policy and other disciplines that strengthen your ability to improve health outcomes at both the individual and community levels.

The program is accredited by both the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). Students in the Allied Health concentration may earn up to 12 academic credits for an approved professional license or certification, and those who already hold an associate degree may be able to complete the program in as little as two years.

Whether your goal is to move into management, prepare for graduate study or broaden your impact within healthcare, Kent State's flexible online program can help you take the next step.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Public Health and review the admissions requirements. To explore where an allied health career can take you, contact us directly or schedule a conversation with an admissions outreach advisor.