5 Jobs You Can Get with an Allied Health Degree
Doctors and nurses may work on the frontlines of health care, but there are a lot of support staff who interact with patients, perform administrative duties, and keep facilities running smoothly. These roles, including medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and dental assistants are all part of allied health services. With an Associate of Applied Sciences in Allied Health degree, you can gain the foundational knowledge and skills you need for a variety of jobs in health care. Allied health degree programs teach you about the healthcare delivery system, laws and regulations in the industry, and how to provide quality patient care. Plus, your degree helps you stand out from the competition during your job search. Here are five jobs you might consider with an allied health degree:
1. Medical Assistant
As a Medical Assistant, you are responsible for a wide range of duties, from overseeing the front desk to assisting the physician during patient exams. You schedule patient appointments, help them fill out insurance paperwork, and also serve as the physician’s assistant during procedures. You prepare exam rooms, hand off medical tools, and keep all equipment clean and sterilized. You also submit insurance claims, keep track of inventory, and answer phones and emails.
2. Dental Assistant
If you have an interest in dentistry, you could prepare for a career as a Dental Assistant. Like a medical assistant, you perform duties on both the administrative and clinical sides of the practice. You situate patients in the dental chair to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible, hand tools to the dentist during an oral exam or procedure, and educate patients on how to properly care for their teeth. You also handle office duties such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, ordering supplies, billing, working with insurance companies, and keeping the waiting room neat and tidy.
3. Medical Office Administrative Assistant
An allied health degree is also a good foundation for work as a Medical Office Administrative Assistant. In this role, you handle administrative responsibilities for a healthcare facility. You serve as the first point of contact for patients who come into an office or department. You assist them with paperwork and update their medical records. You order new medical and office supplies when needed, clean the waiting room, and respond to incoming phone calls and emails. You also help patients schedule appointments and send reminders before their visit.
4. Pharmacy Technician
As a pharmacy technician, you help deliver medication that can help patients get well. You work under the supervision of a pharmacist as you help them measure, label, and package prescriptions. You keep track of inventory and inform the pharmacist when medications run low. You also work the cash register and drive-thru, enter patient information into the system, and answer incoming calls. And you help the pharmacist keep the pharmacy running smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
5. Veterinary Assistant
If you’re an animal lover, you might consider animal health care and work as a Veterinary Assistant. This job allows you to interact with animals every day while supporting the work of a veterinarian. When furry patients come into the office, you use strategies to help keep them calm. You might need to hold them down during an exam or keep them still during a minor procedure. You also feed, bathe, groom, and exercise pets that may be in your care for a longer duration. And you educate their owners on nutritional and wellness best practices so they can keep their four-legged friends as healthy as possible.
If you’re ready to prepare for any of these allied health jobs, contact Charter College today. We offer an Associate of Applied Science in Allied Health that can help you get ready for entry-level work in health care. This degree completion program is designed for those with a certificate or significant coursework completed in a healthcare program, and it can be completed entirely online for convenience and flexibility. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.