Allied health professionals

Allied Health Professions

Allied health professions are a distinct group of health professionals who apply their expertise to prevent disease transmission, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate people of all ages and all specialties. They work in health care teams to make the healthcare system function by providing a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and support services.

Roles and Responsibilities

Allied health professionals play crucial roles in the healthcare system, including:

• Providing diagnostic, therapeutic, and support services in connection with health issues.
• Delivering preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care.
• Working in interdisciplinary health teams, including physicians, nurses, and public health professionals to deliver care.
• Promoting public health, wellness, and wellbeing.

Examples

Some examples of allied health professions include:

• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Dietitians
• Medical laboratory scientists
• Radiologic technologists
• Speech therapists
• Respiratory therapists

Education and Training

Educational requirements for allied health professions vary, but most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Many allied health jobs also require certification or licensing.

See Also

• Healthcare team
• Medical profession
• Public health

References

• "Defining Allied Health" - Journal of Allied Health.
• "The role of allied health professionals in healthcare" - World Health Organization.