Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Allied Health Occupations

Allied health occupations in healthcare refer to a wide range of professionals who provide support to healthcare providers and patients. These occupations are often referred to as “allied health” because they work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide a range of services. Some examples of allied health occupations in healthcare include: Medical assistants, Physical therapists, Occupational therapists, Speech-language pathologists, Radiologic technologists, Respiratory therapists, Medical laboratory technologists, Dental hygienists, Phlebotomists, Nutritionists, and Athletic trainers. Allied health occupations require varying levels of education and training, ranging from short-term certificate programs to advanced degrees. Some allied health occupations may also require certification or licensure in order to practice. Allied health professionals play a critical role in the healthcare system by providing a range of services that help to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and injury. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and private practices.