Allied health degrees can span a wide range of specialties, from medical billing to sonography. There are more than 100 careers that can be classified as allied health, but we’ve chosen some of the most popular fields and detailed degree requirements for those:
Cardiovascular Technologist: Cardiovascular technology training opportunities are available in two- and four-year programs. Most technologists attend a two-year community college program, such as that offered by Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina. Four-year bachelor degree programs, such as the one offered by Gwynned-Mercy College in Gwynned Valley, Pennsylvania, are becoming increasingly available. Thirty-three programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology, and graduates of these programs can choose to become certified in various techniques by Cardiovascular Credentialing International.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer: Most sonography programs offer associate degrees or certificates. Argosy University, for example, offers an associate of applied science in diagnostic medical sonography, while Sanford Brown offers a diploma. Pursuing a degree, diploma, or certificate largely depends on a student’s interest and dedication to a program.
Medical Assistant: Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing fields in the country, and students can earn diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. Licensing is not required, although some states require licensing for specific tasks that medical assistants often undertake, such as x-rays.
Medical Records/Billing/Coding: Those interested in working with medical records, billing, and coding can seek out diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. Sanford-Brown Institute is one school that offers a certificate in medical billing and coding.
Phlebotomist: Aspiring phlebotomists can earn a certificate or diploma in phlebotomy from a variety of schools, such as at the Ultimate Medical Academy in Clearwater, Florida.
Educational and certification requirements vary state-to-state. In California, phlebotomists are required to be licensed by the Division of Laboratory Science. An examination is part of the licensing process.
Voluntary certification is available from organizations such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians and American Medical Technologists. Continuing educational requirements are common with certification programs.
Surgical Technologist: Surgical technologists can attend a certificate, diploma, or associate degree program. There are more than 400 such programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs in 2005. Employers tend to seek out certified technologists. Voluntary certification is available from the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist and the National Center for Competency Testing. On-the-job training and graduation from an accredited program are often requirements for certification. Continuing education and reexamination are also factors in recertification.
For information on medical degrees, please see Degrees in Medicine.
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