The 12 Fastest-Growing Allied Health Careers

Allied health professionals are the backbone of the healthcare system, keeping everything running smoothly. From surgical technologists who prepare operating rooms to pharmacy technicians who fill prescriptions, these skilled workers make modern medicine possible. A well-trained allied health team ensures patients receive efficient, compassionate care and that hospitals function like a well-oiled machine.

The field is growing rapidly, offering diverse and rewarding career paths such as:

1. Therapists – occupational, physical, respiratory, and speech therapy professionals supporting patient recovery and quality of life.
2. Diagnostic medical sonographers – experts who help physicians detect and diagnose medical conditions.
3. Dental hygienists – professionals who clean teeth and promote oral health.
4. Dietitians – specialists who guide patients in nutrition and healthy eating.

Whether you’re pursuing a lifelong vocation or looking for a stepping stone into healthcare, allied health careers provide stability, growth, and purpose.

The 12 Most In-Demand Allied Health Professions

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks the growth rate of jobs in the U.S., including the number of new openings expected for those who qualify. Current statistics are based on the U.S. as a whole and projected job growth from 2024 to 2034. See which 12 allied health occupations are slated to open the most career doors.

1. Speech-Language Pathologists

Speech-language pathologists help patients with communication disorders. They need a master’s degree, but the job market awaiting them is exceptional with over 15% expected growth. Most work full-time with patients in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and private practice.

2. Occupational Therapists

These professionals need master’s degrees to take advantage of the 14% growth rate for the profession. Occupational therapists work with patients to improve their ability to perform the activities of daily living, vocational work, and other skills lost to illness, injury, or disability.

3. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

An associate degree is the start for diagnostic medical sonographers. These professionals work with ultrasounds and similar equipment to assist physicians and surgeons in diagnosing problems. They obtain the diagnostic images necessary to help determine the next steps for patients. With a growth of 13%, these individuals work in hospitals and outpatient clinics.

4. Medical Assistants

Medical assistants sometimes work in the front office, where they handle appointments, billing, and the like. They might also work in the back office where they take vital signs and handle similar tasks for patients. Either way, the work requires a certificate to begin. With an expected growth of almost 12%, medical assistants can look forward to plenty of work in physician offices, hospitals, and clinics.

5. Respiratory Therapists

Respiratory therapists help those who have trouble breathing, whether from a lung infection, airway problems, asthma, severe allergies, COPD, or other complaint. These individuals mostly work in hospitals but can also be found in rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. An associate degree is necessary to jump into one of the new annual openings for this job, which is growing at a rate of 12%.

6. Physical Therapists

A Doctor of Physical Therapy opens the door to work as a physical therapist. These individuals work with patients to help them improve their range of motion, recover from injuries, manage pain, and learn how to avoid injury. The job outlook sits at 11%, and work can be found in rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, private practice, and more.

7. Dental Hygienists

Dental offices employ dental hygienists to clean teeth, educate patients on good oral hygiene, take x-rays, document any problems, and assist dentists in performing a variety of procedures. Their work typically requires an associate degree, which clears the path to move into one of the new jobs opening each year. The growth rate is 7%.

8. Phlebotomists

Working in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories as well as in the offices of physicians or blood donation centers, phlebotomists draw blood for testing, donation, and more. They might also handle transfusions. Phlebotomists usually need a certificate to begin work in the U.S. The growth rate of 6% for this job ensures ample work available for graduates.

9. Dietitians and Nutritionists

Planning menus and educating patients on good nutrition are key aspects of work as a dietitian or nutritionist. Some might work with certain populations, such as those who have kidney failure or diabetes. Dietitians and nutritionists are found in private practice but might work in hospitals or conjunction with other healthcare providers. The job outlook sits at 6%.

10. Pharmacy Technicians

These professionals work in pharmacies, whether part of a chain or in a hospital or clinic setting. They are supervised by pharmacists to fill prescriptions, collect patient information, take payments and process insurance claims, answer calls, and provide customer service to patients. Though some pharmacy technicians learn on the job, most pursue formal training. This occupation is growing at a rate of 6%.

11. Radiologic Technologists

These allied health workers use a variety of diagnostic equipment. They often specialize in certain areas, such as mammography, CT imaging, or X-rays. They use equipment to take the appropriate images and evaluate them to make sure they meet the proper standards. More than half of radiologic technologists work in hospitals, and the rest work in clinics. This job is growing at a rate of 5%.

12. Surgical Technologists

Surgical technologists are found in operating rooms across the nation where they assist surgeons in a variety of procedures. Also known as operating room technicians, they ensure the operating room is prepared for surgery and the necessary tools are sterilized and ready for use. You need a certificate or associate degree to start your journey as a surgical tech. With a growth rate of 5%, these professionals can look forward to robust opportunities.

Beyond the Demand: Additional Benefits of Working in Allied Health

There is an enormous demand for allied health workers. They are, after all, the backbone of the healthcare system. Beyond the job security and solid pay, there are many other reasons a career in allied health is a fantastic idea.

Career Advancement

The allied health field offers a wealth of opportunities for advancement. Many jobs in this field allow you to begin with tasks that train you to move into higher areas of responsibility. For example, a nursing assistant learns a great deal that will help them to become registered nurses. The same is true of medical assistants, who can learn the ropes while they set their sights on office management.

Diverse Work Settings

Most allied health jobs allow workers to move from one work setting to another when they are ready for a change. A diagnostic medical sonographer might choose to work in a general hospital for a while, for example, then move to a children’s hospital to work with pediatrics or even to an outpatient clinic to work with orthopedic injuries. Some, like nursing assistants, might work for themselves and assist private clients.

Direct Patient Interaction

Allied health workers are on the front lines of any healthcare system. They are the ones who often spend the most one-on-one time with patients. They get to know their patients, attend to what they need, and make a difference in their lives. That direct patient interaction also provides opportunities for outreach and education of the patient’s family, which can make a meaningful difference in their lives, too.

Flexible Schedules

Some allied health professionals work set hours but many, like nursing assistants, have flexibility. Still others can work the shift of their choosing or opt for a schedule that allows them the day off they really want. As you gain more seniority in the healthcare team, your options for scheduling open up even more.

Specialization Opportunities

There is a need for new graduates in every area of allied health, and just because you pursue one path doesn’t mean you’re on it for good. For example, phlebotomists in entry-level positions might specialize in working with pediatrics, geriatrics, blood donation, or cancer patients. Opportunities for specialization are also available to medical assistants, dental hygienists, surgical technologists, and most others in allied health positions.