{"id":5924,"date":"2022-11-30T19:20:13","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T19:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/?p=5924"},"modified":"2024-11-05T17:05:19","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T17:05:19","slug":"allied-health-certifications-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivian.com\/community\/allied-health\/allied-health-certifications-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Comprehensive Guide to Allied Health Certifications"},"content":{"rendered":"

Allied health professionals play a vital role in patient care. Some deliver services that help identify, evaluate and prevent disorders and diseases. Others administer therapies to manage conditions and help patients recover from injuries and procedures. You can find allied health workers in hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, clinics, long-term care facilities, private practices and home health services, among others.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certification and licensing are two key concerns for allied health professionals. A license is a state-issued credential that a professional needs to work legally in allied health careers within that state. A certification is a credential awarded to professionals who meet specific requirements, such as completing an approved education program and passing an examination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some states require certification to gain licensure. In other places, certification may be voluntary. However, earning professional certifications can open the doors to higher-paying <\/span>allied health jobs<\/span><\/a>, as many employers prefer to hire certified allied health professionals. Explore the <\/span>allied health certifications<\/span><\/a> that are currently available and learn more about the top specialties in allied healthcare.<\/span><\/p>\n

Top Allied Health Specialties<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you’re interested in allied health careers, seeking certification in a top specialty can lead to a higher rate of pay or an easier time finding employment. Refer to the table below for some of the <\/span>highest-paying allied health specialties<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Allied health specialty<\/b><\/td>\nAverage annual wages<\/b><\/td>\nSalary range<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cath Lab Technicians<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$92,717<\/span><\/td>\n$51,500 to $128,500<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Occupational Therapists<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$92,159<\/span><\/td>\n$39,000 to $149,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Speech-Language Pathologists<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$92,093<\/span><\/td>\n$42,000 to $146,500<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clinical Laboratory Scientists<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$91,309<\/span><\/td>\n$31,500 to $147,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Physical Therapists<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$89,349<\/span><\/td>\n$47,000 to $135,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Echocardiograph Technicians<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$89,340<\/span><\/td>\n$60,500 to $121,000<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interventional Radiology Technicians<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$88,807<\/span><\/td>\n$52,500 to $129,500<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cardiovascular Surgical Technicians<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$85,391<\/span><\/td>\n$32,500 to $153,500<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nuclear Medicine Technicians<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$84,341<\/span><\/td>\n$48,500 to $125,500<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$81,160<\/span><\/td>\n$51,500 to $117,500<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: Vivian Health<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Government agencies expect the demand for many allied health specialties to increase over the next decade. Specifically, the Health Resources & Services Administration or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies these specialties as those likely to be among the fastest-growing through 2031 with the following increases expected:<\/span><\/p>\n