Allied health programs help prepare professionals in this field to support the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of health conditions. Allied health professionals may perform diagnostic tests, provide rehabilitation services, operate medical equipment, analyze laboratory samples, assist with medications, or help patients manage their health. They work alongside physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals as part of the larger healthcare team.
The field includes many careers beyond doctors and nurses. For example, a radiologic technologist may perform medical imaging exams, a respiratory therapist may help patients manage breathing problems, and a medical laboratory professional may analyze blood and tissue samples used to diagnose disease. Other allied health professionals work in areas such as dental care, rehabilitation, pharmacy services, health information, and diagnostic testing.
Education requirements vary considerably depending on the profession. Some allied health careers can be entered through a certificate or diploma program, while others require an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. Many clinical programs also include laboratory instruction, supervised clinical experiences, or other hands-on training.
This guide explains the different types of allied health programs, common allied health careers, education and training requirements, online and in-person options, accreditation and certification, and factors to consider when choosing a program. Whether you’re looking for a relatively short healthcare training program or planning for a longer-term clinical career, understanding these different pathways can help you narrow down your options.
Explore allied health program
What Is Allied Health?
Allied health refers to a wide range of healthcare professions that are distinct from medicine and nursing but contribute to patient care and the delivery of health services. The term covers professionals involved in areas such as diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, therapeutic services, laboratory work, nutrition, imaging, and other specialized healthcare services.
Professional organizations such as the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) also describe allied health as a diverse group of health professions involved in identifying, preventing, and treating diseases and disorders, as well as providing rehabilitation and health systems services.
In practice, allied health professionals often have highly specialized responsibilities. A patient receiving treatment for an injury, for example, may interact with several different allied health professionals during the course of care. A radiologic technologist might perform an X-ray to help a physician identify a fracture, while a physical therapist helps the patient regain movement during recovery. A respiratory therapist may manage respiratory treatments for a patient with a lung condition, while a medical laboratory professional analyzes specimens that help the healthcare team identify or monitor disease.
Types of Allied Health Programs
Allied health programs are available at several education levels, and the right option depends largely on the career you want to pursue. Some entry-level healthcare positions can be reached through a certificate program that takes less than a year, while other professions require an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
The education level alone does not determine whether someone can practice a particular profession. Some occupations have state licensure requirements, while others may require or strongly prefer professional certification. Clinical professions may also require supervised hands-on training before graduates can enter the workforce.
Allied Health Certificate Programs
Certificate programs offer a relatively short path into several allied health occupations. Depending on the field and school, programs may take a few months to about a year to complete. Some programs are designed for students entering healthcare for the first time, while others provide specialized training for people who already have healthcare experience.
Common examples include:
- Medical Assisting
- Surgical Technology
- Pharmacy Technology
- EKG or Electrocardiographic Technology
- Medical Billing and Coding
For example, a phlebotomy certificate may prepare students to collect blood specimens, while a medical assisting program may cover clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and administrative responsibilities such as scheduling and maintaining medical records.
A certificate can make sense for someone who wants to enter the healthcare workforce without committing to a two- or four-year degree. It can also be useful for students who want to explore healthcare before pursuing additional education. However, the shortest program is not necessarily the best choice for every career. Students should first determine the education, certification, and licensing requirements for the occupation they want to enter.
Certification and licensure are separate considerations. Professional certification generally refers to a credential awarded by a professional organization after meeting specified requirements, which may include education, an examination, or work experience. Licensure, on the other hand, is a legal authorization granted by a state government to practice a regulated profession. Requirements vary by occupation and state.
For example, someone completing a pharmacy technician program may need to meet state-specific requirements before working as a pharmacy technician, while certification requirements may depend on the employer, state, or credential being pursued. Students should check the requirements that apply where they plan to work before enrolling in a program.
Allied Health Associate Degree Programs
Associate degree programs are a common pathway into clinical and technical allied health careers. These programs typically take about two years of full-time study, although prerequisites, clinical requirements, and part-time enrollment can affect completion time.
Associate programs tend to be more specialized than short-term certificate programs. Students generally complete a combination of general education courses, foundational science courses, professional coursework, laboratory instruction, and, for many clinical occupations, supervised clinical experiences.
Examples include:
- Radiologic technology
- Respiratory therapy
- Dental hygiene
- Occupational therapy assisting
- Physical therapist assisting
- Medical laboratory technology
Consider a student pursuing an associate degree in radiologic technology. In addition to classroom instruction, the student may study anatomy, radiation safety, patient positioning, and imaging procedures and complete supervised clinical training. The goal is to prepare graduates for the specific responsibilities associated with working as a radiologic technologist, subject to applicable certification and state licensing requirements.
Many other associate-level allied health programs follow a similar model. A respiratory therapy student may spend time learning about respiratory care equipment and patient assessment before completing clinical experiences. A dental hygiene student typically combines classroom and laboratory instruction with supervised patient care.
Because these programs often lead directly to regulated clinical professions, prospective students should look beyond the college’s general accreditation. Some occupations have specific program accreditation or examination eligibility requirements. Completing a program that does not meet the applicable standards could affect a graduate’s ability to become licensed or certified.
Bachelor’s Degrees in Allied Health
Bachelor’s degree programs typically require about four years of full-time study and provide a broader education than many certificate and associate programs. Depending on the major, students may study healthcare sciences, patient care, healthcare systems, research methods, public health, management, or other areas.
Examples of bachelor’s-level programs include:
- Health sciences
- Medical laboratory science
- Health administration
- Public health
- Respiratory care
The career outcomes vary significantly among these programs. A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, for example, can provide education in laboratory testing and may lead toward professional certification and state-specific requirements. A health administration degree, by contrast, generally prepares students for administrative and operational roles rather than direct clinical practice.
A bachelor’s degree can also provide more flexibility for students who want to pursue graduate or professional education later. Someone interested in occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, or another graduate-level healthcare profession may choose a bachelor’s program that helps them complete prerequisite courses while developing a broader foundation in health sciences.
Students who already hold an associate degree may also find bachelor’s completion programs designed for their previous education. These can be particularly useful for working healthcare professionals who want to build on existing credentials, although transfer policies and program requirements vary by school.
Graduate Allied Health Programs
Some allied health professions require education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Graduate programs can prepare students for advanced clinical practice, specialized patient services, or professional roles that have their own accreditation, examination, and licensure requirements.
Examples include:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Physician assistant studies
- Speech-language pathology
- Genetic counseling
These programs should not be confused with general graduate degrees in healthcare or allied health. A master’s degree in healthcare administration, for example, may prepare someone for a management position but does not qualify that person to practice as a physical therapist or occupational therapist.
The educational requirements also differ substantially from one profession to another. Physical therapists typically complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, while occupational therapists commonly earn a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy. Physician assistants complete an accredited physician assistant program and must meet the requirements for national certification and state licensure. Speech-language pathologists typically need a master’s degree from an accredited program, along with other requirements for professional certification and state licensure.
Graduate-level allied health programs can therefore represent a significant additional commitment after undergraduate education. Before choosing a bachelor’s major or graduate program, students should review the current requirements for the specific profession they want to enter. Professional organizations, accreditation bodies, certification organizations, and state licensing boards are useful sources for confirming those requirements.
The important distinction is that “allied health” describes a broad group of healthcare professions, not one standardized degree path. One student might enter the field after completing a certificate, while another may spend six or more years completing undergraduate and graduate education before becoming a licensed healthcare professional. The appropriate pathway depends on the specific occupation, the student’s career goals, and the requirements in the state where they intend to practice.
Popular Allied Health Programs and Careers
Allied health includes dozens of occupations, from clinical and diagnostic roles to technical and health information positions. The education required can range from a short-term certificate to a bachelor’s or graduate degree, depending on the profession.
The table below highlights several common allied health programs and the careers they can lead to. Program requirements vary by occupation and state, particularly for professions that require certification or licensure.
| Allied Health Program | Typical Education | Career |
| Medical Assisting | Certificate or associate degree | Medical Assistant |
| Radiologic Technology | Associate degree | Radiologic Technologist |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | Associate degree | Diagnostic Medical Sonographer |
| Respiratory Therapy | Associate degree | Respiratory Therapist |
| Dental Hygiene | Associate or bachelor’s degree | Dental Hygienist |
| Medical Laboratory Science | Associate or bachelor’s degree | Medical Laboratory Technician |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | Associate degree | Physical Therapist Assistant |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | Associate degree | Occupational Therapy Assistant |
| Pharmacy Technology | Certificate or associate degree | Pharmacy Technician |
| Health Information Management | Associate or bachelor’s degree | Health Information Technician/Specialist |
Allied Health Programs by Education Level
Allied health education is available at several levels, from short-term certificate programs to graduate and doctoral programs. The right level depends on the occupation you want to enter. A certificate may be enough for some entry-level positions, while professions such as physical therapy and occupational therapy require graduate-level education and professional licensure.
| Education Level | Examples | Potential Outcomes |
| Certificate | Phlebotomy, medical assisting, pharmacy technology | Entry-level healthcare roles |
| Diploma | Various technical healthcare programs | Career-specific training |
| Associate Degree | Radiologic technology, respiratory therapy | Clinical and technical careers |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Health sciences, medical laboratory science | Broader career options and preparation for advancement or graduate study |
| Master’s/Doctoral Degree | Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology | Advanced clinical and licensed professions |
Can You Earn an Allied Health Degree Online?
Yes, but whether you can complete an allied health program entirely online depends on the occupation and the type of training it requires.
Some allied health programs are well suited to online coursework because much of the curriculum involves subjects that can be taught remotely. Other programs require students to demonstrate hands-on clinical skills, operate specialized equipment, or provide supervised patient care. Those requirements generally cannot be completed entirely online.
Allied Health Programs That May Offer Online Coursework
Programs that are more likely to offer fully online or primarily online coursework include:
- Health sciences
- Health administration
- Healthcare management
- Health information management
- Public health
- Medical coding and related health information programs
For example, a student earning a bachelor’s degree in health sciences may be able to complete most or all academic coursework online. A health information management student may also be able to complete lectures, assignments, and other coursework remotely, although individual programs can have different requirements.
Online availability does not necessarily mean that every program from a particular school is online. Students should review the delivery format for the specific program they are considering.
Allied Health Programs That Typically Require Hands-On Training
Many clinical allied health programs have laboratory, practicum, or clinical requirements that require students to be physically present. Examples include:
- Radiologic technology programs
- Associate degrees in respiratory therapy
- Associate degrees in dental hygiene
- Diagnostic medical sonography
- Physical therapist assistant programs
- Occupational therapy assistant associate degrees
- Other patient-facing clinical programs
A radiologic technology student, for example, needs hands-on experience positioning patients and operating imaging equipment. Similarly, students preparing for respiratory therapy careers need opportunities to practice clinical procedures under appropriate supervision.
What Does “Online” Mean for an Allied Health Program?
An online allied health program may use several different formats for delivering education:
Online coursework: Lectures, readings, assignments, exams, and other academic work are completed remotely.
Laboratory instruction: Students practice scientific or technical skills in a laboratory environment. Depending on the program, some laboratory activities may be completed through online simulations, while others require campus attendance.
Clinical rotations: Students work with patients in an approved healthcare setting under supervision. Clinical experiences are typically completed in person.
Practicums or field experiences: Students apply what they have learned in an actual healthcare or professional setting.
Hybrid programs: Some coursework is completed online while laboratory, clinical, or other hands-on requirements take place on campus or at an approved healthcare facility.
For this reason, prospective students should not assume that an “online allied health degree” means they will never need to visit a campus or healthcare facility. A program can be classified as online while still requiring students to complete substantial in-person clinical education.
Before enrolling, check where clinical and laboratory requirements are completed, whether the school helps arrange clinical placements, and whether the program meets the certification or licensing requirements for the state where you plan to work.
How Long Do Allied Health Programs Take?
The time required to complete an allied health program depends on the occupation, credential, course load, and any required clinical or field training. There is no single standard program length across the allied health field.
As a general guide:
| Program Type | Approximate Length |
| Certificate | Several months to about one year |
| Associate degree | About two years |
| Bachelor’s degree | About four years |
| Graduate program | Often two or more years beyond a bachelor’s degree |
Part-time enrollment, prerequisite coursework, transfer credits, accelerated schedules, and clinical requirements can all affect how long a program takes. When comparing schools, look at the total time required to meet the profession’s education requirements, rather than relying only on the advertised length of the academic program.
Allied Health Program Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the first things prospective allied health students should investigate before enrolling in a program. Accreditation is a formal process used to evaluate whether an educational institution or program meets established quality standards. In allied health, accreditation can also affect whether graduates are eligible to take a certification examination or meet the educational requirements for professional licensure.
There are two types of accreditation that students are likely to encounter: institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation. They serve different purposes, and both may be relevant depending on the career you plan to pursue.
Institutional Accreditation
Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire college or university rather than one specific degree program. The review can consider areas such as academic programs, faculty, student services, educational resources, and institutional policies.
Institutional accreditation can also matter if you plan to transfer credits or continue your education. However, acceptance of transfer credits is ultimately determined by the receiving school, so accreditation does not guarantee that every credit will transfer.
For students pursuing a nonclinical field such as health administration or public health, institutional accreditation may be one of the primary accreditation considerations. For clinical allied health programs, however, students may need to investigate programmatic accreditation as well.
Programmatic Accreditation
Programmatic accreditation evaluates a specific academic program or type of professional education against standards established for that field. This can be especially important for allied health programs that prepare students for regulated clinical professions.
The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is one example. CAAHEP accredits health sciences and health professions programs through discipline-specific Committees on Accreditation. Its scope includes programs in numerous allied health fields.
The appropriate accreditor depends on the profession. Students should not assume that a program is properly accredited simply because the college itself is accredited.
Accreditation and Certification Exams
Accreditation can affect whether graduates are eligible to sit for professional certification examinations. The specific rules are set by the organization administering the examination, so students should check those requirements before enrolling.
This is why checking accreditation before enrolling is preferable to discovering after graduation that a program does not meet the educational requirements for the credential you need.
Accreditation and State Licensure
Many allied health professions are regulated by individual states. A state licensing board may specify the type of education, accreditation, examination, clinical training, or other qualifications an applicant must have before practicing.
The requirements can differ even for the same occupation. A program that qualifies graduates for licensure in one state may have different considerations for someone planning to practice elsewhere. Students who already know where they want to work should check that state’s licensing requirements before choosing a program.
Accreditation does not automatically mean that a graduate is licensed. Instead, an accredited program may help a student satisfy one part of the educational requirements for entering a regulated profession. Graduates may still need to pass a national or state examination, complete other requirements, and submit an application to the appropriate licensing authority.
Why Accreditation Matters for Clinical Programs
Accreditation deserves particular attention when an allied health program prepares students for a clinical profession. These programs often lead to careers where certification or state licensure is required before graduates can practice.
For example, a student comparing radiologic technology programs should determine whether the program’s accreditation meets the current eligibility requirements for the certification they intend to pursue. Similarly, someone interested in occupational therapy or occupational therapy assisting should verify the program’s ACOTE accreditation status and understand how it relates to NBCOT examination eligibility and state licensure.
Students should check the following before enrolling:
- Is the college institutionally accredited?
- Is the specific allied health program accredited by the appropriate programmatic accreditor, if required or recommended?
- Does the program meet the eligibility requirements for the certification examination you plan to take?
- Does the program satisfy the educational requirements for licensure in the state where you plan to work?
- Will the credits transfer if you plan to continue your education?
- What is the program’s current accreditation status?
Don’t rely solely on a school’s website to answer these questions. Accreditation organizations often maintain directories of accredited programs, allowing students to verify a program’s current status. For example, JRCERT maintains a searchable directory of accredited and applicant programs, including information about program type, degree level, and delivery method.
Accreditation is therefore more than a general indicator of educational quality for many allied health students. For certain clinical careers, it can be connected directly to the pathway from education to certification to professional practice. Checking these requirements before enrolling can help ensure that the program you choose supports the career you intend to pursue.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Allied Health Programs?
Admission requirements vary by occupation, credential, and school. A short-term certificate program may have relatively few prerequisites, while a competitive clinical program can require specific science courses, a minimum GPA, an entrance exam, and additional health documentation.
Common admission requirements include:
High School Diploma or GED
Most allied health programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent credential. Some certificate programs may have additional prerequisites depending on the occupation.
Prerequisite Coursework
Clinical programs often require students to complete certain courses before beginning professional coursework. Common prerequisites include anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, mathematics, or English.
For example, a radiologic technology program may require anatomy and physiology before students begin advanced imaging courses. A health sciences or health administration program may have fewer science prerequisites.
Minimum GPA
Some programs establish a minimum GPA for admission. The minimum may apply to a student’s overall academic record or to specific prerequisite courses.
Meeting the minimum does not always guarantee admission. Programs with limited enrollment may rank applicants based on GPA, prerequisite grades, entrance exam scores, or other criteria.
Placement Testing
Some colleges use placement tests to determine whether students need additional coursework in subjects such as mathematics or English. Placement requirements are often determined by the college rather than the allied health profession itself.
Background Checks
Students entering clinical programs may be required to complete a criminal background check before participating in clinical education. Healthcare facilities can have their own policies governing who may participate in patient care.
A background check does not necessarily prevent someone from entering an allied health career, but certain convictions can affect eligibility for clinical placements, professional certification, or state licensure. Students with concerns should ask the program and relevant licensing or certification organization about their specific circumstances before enrolling.
Immunizations and Health Documentation
Clinical programs commonly require students to provide documentation related to immunizations, health screenings, or other medical requirements before entering a healthcare facility.
Requirements vary by school, clinical site, and profession. Students may need to provide records for vaccinations or screening tests and may be required to meet the health and safety requirements of each clinical placement.
CPR Certification
Some clinical programs require students to obtain CPR or basic life support certification before beginning clinical experiences. The specific credential and timing vary by program and clinical site.
Entrance Exams
Certain allied health programs use entrance examinations as part of the admissions process. These exams may assess academic readiness in areas such as reading, mathematics, science, or other subjects relevant to the program.
Competitive programs may have additional requirements beyond the standard college admission process. A program may limit enrollment and consider prerequisite grades, GPA, entrance exam results, interviews, observation hours, healthcare experience, or other factors when selecting students.
Because requirements can change, prospective students should review the admission requirements for the specific program they are considering rather than assuming that every allied health program has the same prerequisites.
What Will You Study in an Allied Health Program?
The courses in an allied health program depend on the occupation and degree level. A medical assisting certificate, for example, will have a very different curriculum from a bachelor’s degree in health sciences or an associate degree in radiologic technology.
Even so, many programs combine general education, healthcare foundations, occupation-specific coursework, and some form of hands-on education.
General Education
Degree programs typically include general education courses that help students develop foundational academic and professional skills.
Common subjects include:
- English composition
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Communications
- Social sciences
- Natural sciences
The exact requirements depend on the degree and institution. Certificate programs may contain fewer general education courses than associate or bachelor’s degree programs.
Healthcare Foundations
Many allied health programs introduce students to concepts that apply across healthcare settings. Depending on the program, coursework may include:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Medical terminology
- Healthcare ethics
- Medical law
- Patient care
- Infection prevention and control
- Healthcare systems
Anatomy and physiology, for example, can provide the foundation students need to understand how the human body functions before they begin studying a specific diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.
Medical terminology can also be particularly useful because healthcare professionals need to understand and accurately document terms related to anatomy, diseases, procedures, medications, and patient conditions.
Technical and Professional Courses
The most specialized portion of an allied health curriculum focuses on the skills and knowledge associated with a particular occupation.
The coursework can look very different depending on the program.
Radiologic technology programs may include courses in radiographic procedures, patient positioning, radiation protection, image evaluation, and diagnostic imaging.
Respiratory therapy programs may cover respiratory care procedures, cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, mechanical ventilation, patient assessment, and respiratory disease management.
Medical laboratory science programs can include clinical laboratory techniques, microbiology, hematology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and specimen processing.
Dental hygiene programs may cover dental anatomy, preventive oral care, dental procedures, radiography, periodontics, and patient education.
This specialized coursework is intended to prepare students for the actual responsibilities they will encounter in their chosen profession.
Clinical Education and Hands-On Training
For many clinical allied health programs, learning does not take place entirely in a classroom. Students may need to demonstrate their skills through laboratory instruction, practicums, clinical rotations, fieldwork, or supervised patient care.
A radiologic technology student, for example, may first practice positioning and imaging techniques in a laboratory before performing procedures with patients during a clinical rotation. An occupational therapy assistant student may complete supervised fieldwork in a healthcare or community setting.
These experiences give students an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in real-world environments while working under the supervision required by the program and profession.
The amount and type of clinical education varies by occupation. Some nonclinical programs, such as certain health information or healthcare administration degrees, may have little or no direct patient-care component.
Skills You Can Develop in an Allied Health Program
Allied health programs are designed to develop both technical skills related to a specific occupation and professional skills that healthcare employers expect across many roles.
The balance depends on the program. A radiologic technology student will spend substantial time learning technical imaging skills, while a health information management student may focus more heavily on data, documentation, technology, and information systems.
Technical Skills
Depending on the program, students may develop skills such as:
- Patient assessment: Gathering information about patients and recognizing relevant signs or conditions within the scope of the profession.
- Medical equipment operation: Using specialized equipment safely and appropriately.
- Diagnostic procedures: Performing or assisting with tests and procedures used to identify or monitor health conditions.
- Documentation: Recording patient information and procedures accurately.
- Infection control: Following procedures designed to reduce the spread of infections in healthcare environments.
- Healthcare technology: Using electronic health records, medical equipment, laboratory systems, imaging systems, or other technology relevant to the occupation.
These skills are typically taught through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, laboratory exercises, simulations, and supervised clinical experiences.
Professional Skills
Allied health professionals also need skills that extend beyond technical procedures.
Communication is important when explaining procedures, gathering information, educating patients, or communicating with other healthcare professionals.
Teamwork is part of everyday work in many healthcare environments. Allied health professionals may coordinate with physicians, nurses, therapists, technicians, administrators, and other members of a patient’s care team.
Organization and attention to detail are particularly important when handling patient records, laboratory specimens, medications, diagnostic procedures, or other information where accuracy matters.
Problem-solving can help professionals respond appropriately when a procedure does not go as expected, equipment requires troubleshooting, or a patient’s needs change.
Compassion and patient interaction are also important in patient-facing roles. Patients may be anxious, uncomfortable, or unfamiliar with a procedure, and allied health professionals often play a direct role in helping them understand what to expect.
The combination of occupation-specific training and these broader professional skills is what prepares students to move from classroom learning into an actual healthcare work environment.
How to Choose an Allied Health Program
Choosing an allied health program starts with the career you want, not simply the degree that looks most convenient. Because allied health includes such a wide range of occupations, two programs with similar names can lead to very different types of work.
Before applying, compare the profession’s education requirements, accreditation, licensing and certification requirements, program format, total cost, and hands-on training. The following steps can help you narrow down your options.
Start With the Career You Want
Start by thinking about the type of work you would like to do. Allied health professionals can work directly with patients, operate diagnostic equipment, analyze laboratory specimens, manage health information, or support healthcare operations.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want direct patient interaction? If you enjoy working one-on-one with patients, you might consider fields such as respiratory therapy, dental hygiene, physical therapist assisting, or occupational therapy assisting.
- Are you interested in diagnostics? Radiologic technology, diagnostic medical sonography, and medical laboratory science involve different types of diagnostic testing and information used in patient care.
- Do you prefer laboratory work? Medical laboratory programs may be a better fit if you enjoy science, testing, and working with specimens more than frequent patient interaction.
- Do you want a technical or administrative role? Some allied health careers focus heavily on equipment and clinical procedures, while others involve health information, data, records, or healthcare systems.
There is no single “best” allied health career. The right choice depends on the type of work you want to perform, the amount of patient contact you prefer, and how much education you are willing to complete.
Check Education Requirements
Once you have identified a potential career, determine the minimum education required to enter that profession.
Depending on the occupation, you may need a:
- Certificate
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral or professional degree
For example, a certificate may be sufficient for some medical assisting or pharmacy technician positions, while radiologic technologists and respiratory therapists commonly enter their professions through associate-level education. Physical therapists and occupational therapists require graduate-level education.
Don’t choose a program based solely on how quickly you can complete it. A short certificate will not provide a pathway into a profession that requires an associate or graduate degree.
Verify Accreditation
Check the accreditation status of both the college and the specific allied health program when applicable.
Institutional accreditation applies to the college or university as a whole. Programmatic accreditation applies to a particular professional program and can be especially important for clinical occupations.
For some allied health careers, graduating from an appropriately accredited program may be connected to eligibility for a professional certification examination or state licensure. Before enrolling, confirm that the program’s accreditation meets the requirements for the credential you intend to pursue.
Research Licensure and Certification
Licensure and certification requirements can vary by profession and state.
Licensure is a government requirement that gives an individual legal authorization to practice a regulated profession. Certification generally refers to a professional credential demonstrating that an individual has met requirements established by a certification organization.
Not every allied health occupation requires both, and some do not require either. For regulated professions, however, completing the right educational program is only one part of the process.
If you know where you plan to work, check the requirements of that state’s licensing board before enrolling. Also review the requirements of the relevant certification organization if certification is part of the career path.
This is particularly important if you are considering an online program. A program may be accredited and legitimate but still not meet every requirement applicable to the state where you intend to practice.
Compare Program Format
Allied health programs are available in several formats:
- Online: Coursework is completed remotely, although some programs may still have in-person requirements.
- Hybrid: Coursework combines online instruction with on-campus laboratory work, clinical training, or other in-person requirements.
- On-campus: Most or all instruction takes place at the college.
- Full-time: Students take a standard course load and generally finish sooner.
- Part-time: Students take fewer courses at a time, which can make it easier to balance school with work or family responsibilities.
The format should fit both your learning preferences and the requirements of the profession. A health information management degree may be well suited to online learning, for example, while a radiologic technology program requires hands-on experience with imaging equipment and patient care.
Compare Cost and Financial Aid
Don’t compare programs based on tuition alone. Look at the total cost of completing the program.
Consider:
- Tuition
- School and program fees
- Textbooks
- Lab supplies
- Equipment
- Uniforms or other required clothing
- Transportation to campus or clinical sites
- Certification examination fees
- Clinical-related expenses
Then investigate financial aid options. Depending on your circumstances and the school, these may include federal or state financial aid, institutional grants, scholarships, work-study programs, or other assistance.
A program with a higher advertised tuition rate may not necessarily cost more after financial aid, while a program with lower tuition may have additional fees or equipment expenses. Comparing the estimated total cost can provide a more useful picture.
Consider Clinical Requirements
Clinical education deserves particular attention when comparing allied health programs, especially online and hybrid options.
Find out:
- Whether clinical rotations are required
- How many clinical hours students must complete
- Where clinical experiences take place
- Whether the school arranges clinical placements
- Whether students can complete clinical requirements near their home
- Whether travel is required
- Whether students must complete laboratory work on campus
A program advertised as online may still require substantial in-person training. For clinical professions, those hands-on experiences are part of learning how to apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare environments.
Before enrolling, ask the school to explain exactly which parts of the program can be completed remotely and which require in-person attendance.
Allied Health Programs vs. Nursing Programs
Allied health and nursing are both important parts of the healthcare workforce, but they are not the same category of profession. Allied health is a broad group of healthcare occupations, while nursing is a distinct profession with its own education, licensing, and scope-of-practice requirements.
| Allied Health | Nursing |
| Broad category encompassing many healthcare professions | Specific healthcare profession |
| Includes diagnostic, therapeutic, technical, laboratory, and other healthcare roles | Focuses primarily on nursing care and patient management |
| Education requirements vary substantially by occupation | Established nursing education pathways |
| Some careers can be entered through certificates or associate degrees, while others require graduate education | Common pathways include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
| Licensing and certification requirements vary by occupation and state | Nurses must meet state requirements for nursing licensure |
An allied health professional might work with a nurse as part of the same care team. For example, a nurse may care for a hospitalized patient while a respiratory therapist manages respiratory treatments, a radiologic technologist performs imaging, and a physical therapist helps the patient regain mobility.
The distinction can be useful when researching healthcare careers. If you know you want to become a nurse, you should research nursing education and licensure rather than looking broadly at allied health programs. If you are interested in diagnostic testing, rehabilitation, laboratory work, or another specialized healthcare service, allied health programs may offer more relevant options.
Allied Health vs. Healthcare Administration
Allied health and healthcare administration both offer careers in healthcare, but they involve different types of work.
Allied health generally includes professionals who provide or directly support diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, laboratory, technical, and other patient services. Many allied health professionals work directly with patients or perform specialized clinical services.
Healthcare administration focuses more heavily on the business and organizational side of healthcare. Healthcare administrators and managers may oversee operations, budgets, staffing, healthcare facilities, compliance, information systems, or organizational policies.
For example, a respiratory therapist may spend much of the workday assessing patients and providing respiratory treatments. A healthcare administrator at the same hospital may be responsible for managing departmental operations, budgets, staffing, or other organizational functions.
How to Start a Career in Allied Health
Although every allied health profession has its own education and licensing requirements, most career paths follow a similar progression. The roadmap below can help you understand the general process of entering the field.
1. Choose a Healthcare Career
Start by identifying the type of work that interests you most. Consider whether you want to work directly with patients, perform diagnostic testing, provide rehabilitation services, analyze laboratory specimens, or support healthcare operations.
Learning about the day-to-day responsibilities of different allied health professions can help you narrow your options before selecting a degree or training program.
2. Research Education Requirements
Once you’ve identified a career, determine the education required to enter that profession. Depending on the occupation, this could include:
- A certificate or diploma
- An associate degree
- A bachelor’s degree
- A master’s or doctoral degree
Also research whether the profession requires certification, state licensure, or supervised clinical experience.
3. Find an Accredited Program
Look for a school that offers the education required for your chosen profession.
When comparing programs, consider:
- Institutional accreditation
- Programmatic accreditation (if applicable)
- Curriculum
- Clinical opportunities
- Graduation requirements
- Program format
- Cost and financial aid
- Student support services
If the profession requires certification or licensure, verify that the program meets the applicable educational requirements before enrolling.
4. Complete Coursework and Hands-On Training
Most allied health programs combine classroom instruction with practical learning.
Depending on the profession, this may include:
- Laboratory courses
- Clinical rotations
- Practicums
- Fieldwork
- Supervised patient care
These experiences help students apply what they learn in real healthcare settings while developing occupation-specific skills.
5. Earn Required Certification or Licensure
Some allied health professions require graduates to pass a certification examination, obtain state licensure, or both before they can practice.
Requirements vary by occupation and state. Be sure to review the current requirements established by the appropriate certification organization and state licensing board.
FAQs About Allied Health Programs
What are allied health programs?
Allied health programs prepare students for careers that support the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and management of patients. Programs are available at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and graduate levels and can lead to careers in areas such as medical imaging, respiratory care, laboratory science, rehabilitation, health information, and many other healthcare specialties.
What is the best allied health program to pursue?
There isn’t a single program that’s best for everyone. The right choice depends on the type of work you want to do, how much direct patient interaction you prefer, your education goals, the amount of time you’re willing to spend in school, and the requirements of the profession you’re interested in. Before choosing a program, research the career first and then identify the education needed to enter that field.
What are the most common allied health careers?
Some of the most common allied health careers include:
- Medical assistant
- Radiologic technologist
- Diagnostic medical sonographer
- Respiratory therapist
- Dental hygienist
- Medical laboratory scientist or technician
- Physical therapist assistant
- Occupational therapy assistant
- Pharmacy technician
- Health information specialist
Each profession has different education requirements, responsibilities, and licensing or certification requirements.
Can you earn an allied health degree online?
Some allied health programs offer fully online coursework, particularly in fields such as health sciences, health administration, health information management, public health, and certain medical coding programs.
Many clinical programs, including radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography, physical therapist assisting, and occupational therapy assisting, require laboratory instruction, clinical rotations, or other supervised hands-on training that must be completed in person. Many schools offer hybrid formats that combine online coursework with these in-person requirements.
What is the shortest allied health program?
Some certificate programs can be completed in several months to about one year, making them among the shortest educational pathways into allied health. Examples include certain medical assisting, phlebotomy, and pharmacy technician programs. The required education varies by occupation, so a shorter program may not qualify you for every allied health career.
Are allied health careers in demand?
Demand varies by occupation. Some allied health professions are projected to grow faster than others, while growth for some occupations may be slower. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes employment projections for individual occupations, making it a useful resource when researching specific careers rather than the allied health field as a whole.
Do allied health programs require clinicals?
Many patient-facing allied health programs include clinical education. Depending on the profession, students may complete laboratory work, practicums, clinical rotations, fieldwork, or supervised patient care before graduation.
Some nonclinical programs, such as certain health administration or health information programs, may have few or no direct patient-care requirements.
Are allied health programs accredited?
Many colleges offering allied health programs hold institutional accreditation, and some clinical programs also have programmatic accreditation specific to their profession. Whether programmatic accreditation is required depends on the occupation. Students should verify accreditation before enrolling, particularly if the profession requires certification or state licensure.
What degree do you need for an allied health career?
The required education depends on the profession. Some careers can be entered with a certificate or associate degree, while others require a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. Before choosing a program, research the educational requirements for the specific occupation you plan to pursue.
Can I work while earning an allied health degree?
Many students continue working while attending school, especially if they enroll in part-time, evening, or online programs. However, clinical programs often have scheduled laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, or field experiences that offer less flexibility. Before enrolling, review the program’s schedule to determine whether it fits your work and personal responsibilities.
Takeaways
Allied health offers a wide range of career opportunities, whether you’re interested in working directly with patients, performing diagnostic testing, supporting rehabilitation, managing health information, or contributing to another area of healthcare.
Because each profession has its own education and training requirements, taking time to compare careers before choosing a program can help you find an option that aligns with your interests, goals, and preferred learning format.
If you’re ready to take the next step, use our program finder to compare allied health programs from accredited schools. You can explore programs by career field, degree level, or delivery format to identify options that fit your educational and professional goals.