Careers in allied health and health care have been growing rapidly. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov, 2013), medical assistants have an anticipated 31 percent growth in employment between 2010 and 2020, while diagnostic medical sonographers are projected to experience a 44 percent employment growth within this same time frame.
Healthcare careers are typically more active than the average desk job, and generally involve a lot of person-to-person interaction. Licensed practical and vocational nurses, ultrasound technicians, respiratory therapists, phlebotomists, and other allied health employees often work directly with patients to collect health information, assist physicians with medical procedures and tests, and help patients take care of themselves/manage their well-being. As a result, jobs in allied health and healthcare can be both challenging and rewarding.
People who are well-suited to health-related professions typically enjoy helping others directly on a daily basis, and are interested in chemistry and the biological sciences. For in-depth guides on numerous careers in health care, please see the pages below.