An Allied Health Science degree gives individuals the opportunity to gain entry into the rewarding career field of healthcare. Unlike traditional healthcare careers, such as physicians and nurses, Allied Health professionals can choose from a variety of roles within the medical field.
When pursuing an Allied Health Science degree, students will experience the traditional curriculum of other college students. However, there will usually be a greater concentration of mathematics, which may include algebra, statistics and calculus, as well as science courses like biology, psychology, anatomy, physics, and chemistry. Aside from the general program structure, students earning an Allied Health Science degree typically have a choice in regard to the application of their program. Some may choose to focus on technology or health informatics, while others may choose a program that is driven in the direction of business, counseling or education, but the sub specialties of an Allied Health Science degree are nearly limitless. Thus, an individual who has never considered a career in healthcare or medicine might be surprised to learn that the field holds a career path perfectly suited to their interests.
An Allied Health Science degree is the ideal choice for numerous students, because healthcare is one of few fields that are virtually recession-proof and in high demand. Graduates who hold an Allied Health Science degree will not be confronted with the difficulty of finding a job in their field that many of today’s graduates face.
How to Find the Top Allied Health Science Degree Programs
For working adults, it may be overwhelming or inconvenient to attend traditional classes. Moreover, the program you are interested in may not be available in your area. However, these obstacles need not prevent you from achieving your career goals. Some of the best Allied Health Science degree programs are now available online. In fact, some of the top ranking schools in the country now have online programs in addition to their traditional offerings.
Three of the schools that currently offer the best online Allied Health Science Degree programs are Walden University, St. Francis University and University of Phoenix. While any of these institutions would make a great choice, each has its own unique benefits.
Known for its high academic standards and knowledgeable faculty, Walden University has more than 40 years as a prominent institution. Walden University offers an assortment of degree options in Healthcare Administration, Health Informatics, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Care Management, Clinical Research Administration, and Health Promotion and Education.
With a reputation of being the oldest Franciscan college, as well as one of the first Catholic colleges established in the U.S., St. Francis University is recognized as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, St. Francis offers Allied Health Science degree programs that can be completed in as little as two years.
Possibly among the most well-known and prestigious online universities, University of Phoenix offers a wide variety of Allied Health Science degree programs ranging from the certificate level to the doctoral degree.
The most important factor in choosing the best program is to ensure that it is accredited. Accreditation is simply a process in which the program has been evaluated for quality to guarantee that it provides the level of education that is essential for students to succeed in the field. While it is important that the institution be accredited, this does not necessarily mean that the specific program is accredited. Since this can present considerable problems for individuals when they register for their licensure or certification exam, as some health professions do not allow students to take these exams unless they have graduated from a program that is accredited, it is crucial to inquire about the accreditation of the program itself.
Careers and Salaries for Individuals with an Allied Health Science Degree
This diverse field employs countless professionals with a wide range of skills and competencies. Because of this, Allied Health Science salaries can vary significantly from one discipline to the next. Some of the more common Allied Health Science degree careers include:
Health Information Technicians
These professionals organize and manage medical records to ensure quality and accuracy. While a vocational certificate will usually suffice, many employers prefer candidates with at least an associate’s degree. Median annual salary is around $32,000.
Athletic Trainers
Helping athletes prevent many injuries and rehabilitate the ones that occur, athletic trainers are vital to sports programs at all levels. These individuals should have attained a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and can expect to earn $30,000 per year or more.
Music Therapists
The unique arena of music therapy allows one to help others with the power of music. Helping to meet the psychological, physical, academic, or social needs of their clients, music therapists offer a unique alternative to traditional therapy methods. A music therapist holds a bachelor’s degree or higher and earns approximately $38,000 annually.
Anesthesiologist Assistants
As the title suggests, Anesthesiologist Assistants assist the Anesthesiologist, providing anesthetic to patients during surgery and other procedures. These critical members of the anesthesia team must have at least a master’s degree and will earn a salary of about $75,000 per year.
Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Clinical Laboratory Technicians perform lab tests ordered by physicians to help treat and diagnose conditions. In as little as 12 months, an individual can gain employment in a hospital or independent laboratory with an annual salary of around $27,000.
These are only a few of the Allied Health Science degree career choices and demand within this field is only projected to increase over the coming years. So, an Allied Health Science degree is undoubtedly a valuable professional asset.
Additional Resource: Top 10 Best Online Health Science Degree Programs
