How to Become a Allied Health Assistant

Allied health is a broad field that includes any occupation that supports or enhances the effectiveness of a doctor or dentist or primary clinical specialist. In some cases, allied health assistants advance into similar areas, such as medical laboratory technician to laboratory technologist. Other times, they go into related careers, as a dental assistant to office manager. Because this is such a large employment area, if you are interested in health care, you should be able to find a career that is for you.

Instructions

1. Get a copy of Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition published by the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, which is available either online or at your public library. Under "Allied Health" positions, you will find a wide range of options. Read over the descriptions and choose one or two occupations that look the most interesting and learn more about the responsibilities for the job, advancement, and salary.

2. Narrow your interest to one field and determine the education you will need. Some allied health assistant careers require one- or two-year certificates from an accredited trade school or an Associate's Degree. Others want employees who have four years of study and a BA Degree.

3. Get a copy in your school or public library of Peterson's or Princeton Review college guides, which will provide information on both traditional and distance degrees. Find your areas of interest in the index and the colleges and universities that offer a degree. For many of the online schools, depending on your field of interest, you will need to take some courses at a local college.

4. Check to see if you also need state licensure for your career. Also consider obtaining a certification from an organization in your field to improve your chances for advancement in the future.

5. Find internship and part-time positions in your career field while you are going for your degree. It will give you a better opportunity after graduation and what your occupation has to offer.

Tips & Warnings

• The more schooling you receive, the better your chances for a higher entry-level position and advancement in the healthcare field.

• Make sure that the school you attend, either online or traditional campus, is accredited.

Resources

• Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions