12 Fastest Growing Allied Health Careers

March 25, 2015


Job security is always a factor when choosing an allied health career. So, if you're scrutinizing your future career options taking this into consideration, you're on the right path. The good, no, great news is that health professions are rich in opportunity and have vast growth potential right now.
Physical therapists work with wounded patients and people with medical conditions that are physically debilitating. These workers assist their patients in the rehabilitation process. There are many perks to this path including the ability to find part-time as well as full-time work within a variety of work settings.



Audiologists assess patients for hearing loss, ear troubles and balance issues as well as fit and distribute hearing aids.


Dental hygienists perform tooth care, provide patient education, and evaluate for disease of the oral cavity. Exact duties vary by state, due to state-specific laws. Benefits include the availability of part and full-time positions, and in many cases, you'll get relatively short hours and holidays off.


Surgical technologists work primarily in operating rooms. Responsibilities include readying operating rooms for surgery, sterilizing equipment, preparing patients for surgery, and assisting surgeons by supplying equipment.


Medical laboratory technicians complete tests and procedures ordered by healthcare professions, including evaluating body fluids using high-tech medical equipment like cell counters.



Cardiovascular sonographers record patient history, maintain equipment, carry out diagnostic imaging, and evaluate these images.


Medical assistants take down patients’ medical history, measure and record vital signs, give injections and assist doctors as required. Medical assistant training includes learning medical terminology.


MRI technologists follow orders given by doctors regarding what diagnostic tests to perform. They also maintain and adjust MRI equipment, record medical histories and maintain medical records. Job opportunities exist primarily in hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers.


Opticians work with customers to help them choose eyeglass frames and lenses, measure their PD and fitting height, and receive eyeglass prescriptions. They also adjust glasses, repair broken frames, and educate patrons regarding the different types of eye wear. Opticians work with ophthalmology laboratories and maintain sales information.


Dieticians survey clients’ health and advise them regarding foods they should eat and avoid for their health conditions. They also educate patients about healthy eating habits and develop meal plans they can follow.



Medical technologists carry out tests and procedures ordered by healthcare personnel, but the lab tests and procedures tend to be more complicated than the ones medical technicians perform. They also have a tendency to specialize and work in places like blood banks and microbiology labs.


Exercise physiologists create exercise and wellness programs for individuals with chronic disease or improve the health of body systems such as the cardiovascular system. This field is very flexible in terms of working hours, and work locations vary from health/sports medicine clinics to hospitals. Some people even work in corporate wellness programs.


If you need help picking the right allied health career and taking the first step toward attaining it, healthcare training and career guidance are just around the corner.



Fastest Growing Allied Health Careers in 2015





#PACOM / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND

To help you start your research, we've dug deep to discover the twelve most promising career paths in medicine today. They pay well, they're in high demand, and most of all, they can help you succeed in life as a caring medical professional. All the raw data below comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

1. Physical Therapist

  • Expected growth: 36% by 2022
  • Current field size: 204,200 people as of 2012
  • Median current salary: $79,860 per year
  • Educational requirements:  Master’s degree or a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

2. Audiologist



Audiologist





Official U.S. Navy Imagery / Flickr / CC BY

  • Expected growth: 34% by 2022
  • Current field size: 13,000 people as of 2012
  • Median current salary: $69,720 per year
  • Educational requirements:  A Doctor of Audiology degree and a state-issued license.

3. Dental Hygienist

  • Expected growth: 33% by 2022
  • Current field size: 192,800 people as of 2012
  • Median current salary: $70,210 per year
  • Educational requirements: An associate degree in dental hygiene, but individual state requirements vary.

4. Surgical Technologist

  • Expected growth: 30% by 2022
  • Current field size: 98,500 people as of 2012
  • Median current salary: $41,790 per year
  • Educational requirements: There are a variety of programs available from diploma and certificate programs of various lengths to an associate degree. State regulations regarding surgical techs may vary. Most employers require certification through NBSTSA (Certified Surgical Technologist) or NCCT (Tech in Surgery - Certified).

5. Medical Laboratory Technician

  • Expected growth: 30% by 2022
  • Current field size: 161,500 people as of 2012
  • Median current salary: $37,240 per year
  • Educational requirements:  An associate degree or bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science is typically required. Some states may also require a certificate or license as well. Certifications are available through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB).

6. Cardiovascular Sonographer


7. Medical Assistant

8. MRI Technologist

9. Optician

  • Expected growth: 23% by 2022
  • Current field size: 67,600 people as of 2012
  • Median current salary: $33,330 per year
  • Educational requirements:  High school diploma and on the job training, with optional 1-year certificate programs and 2–year associate degree programs.

10. Dietician

  • Expected growth: 21% by 2022
  • Current field size:  67,400 people as of 2012
  • Median current salary: $55,240 per year
  • Educational requirements:  A bachelor’s degree in clinical nutrition, dietetics, foods and nutrition, or related area of study. Most states also require a license.

11. Medical Technologist



A scientist checks a blood sample.





National Eye Institute / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND

  • Expected growth: 14% by 2022
  • Current field size: 164,300 people as of 2012
  • Median current salary: $57,580 per year
  • Educational requirements:  An associate degree or bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related science is typically required. Graduate degrees are often needed to advance in this career. Some states may also require a license or certification. Certifications are available through ASCP or AAB.

12. Exercise Physiologist

  • Expected growth: 9% by 2022
  • Current field size: 6,000 people as of 2012
  • Median current salary: $44,770 per year
  • Educational requirements:  A bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, though a master’s degree is helpful. There is a board certified exam through the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP), though it may not be required.

Your Next Steps

Check out AIMS Education's healthcare training programs and talk to one of our career counselors today.