Allied Health Assistants
Allied Health Assistants play an important role in delivering quality healthcare and serving on the overall healthcare team.

Types of Allied Health Assistant Roles
Allied Health Assistants are employed in a variety of roles within the healthcare sector. Some of the common positions include:
- Medical Receptionists: First point of contact for patients, handling scheduling and general inquiries.
- Unit Clerks: Focus on the administrative aspects of patient care within hospital units.
- Office Technicians: Manage office operations and support clinical staff with technical tasks.
- Patient Aides: Directly assist patients with day-to-day activities and care.
- Admissions Processors: Handle the intake of new patients, including processing their information.
- Patient Service Representatives: Ensure patients receive high-quality service and support throughout their care.
These roles are essential in making medical visits smoother and more efficient for both patients and healthcare providers.
Educational Pathways for Allied Health Assistants
Education for Allied Health Assistants can vary based on the specific role and employer requirements. Here are typical pathways to enter the field:
- Technical Certificate Programs: For example, Columbus Technical College offers a certificate in Allied Health with 45-50 credit hours, covering essential skills such as CPR, first aid, and basic medical terminology.
- Associate Degrees: More comprehensive than certificate programs, providing deeper knowledge and more hands-on training.
- On-the-Job Training: Many facilities offer direct training opportunities, which can be a great way to learn while working.
Each educational path is designed to equip candidates with the necessary skills to perform effectively in their roles.
Job Duties of Allied Health Assistants
The job duties of an Allied Health Assistant are diverse and can vary significantly depending on the work environment:
- Clinical Tasks: Taking vital signs, preparing patients for procedures, administering medications, and performing basic diagnostic tests.
- Administrative Tasks: Maintaining medical records, scheduling appointments, managing finances, and performing medical transcription.
Understanding state laws and regulations is crucial as they can affect the scope of practice for Allied Health Assistants.
Employment Opportunities and Locations
According to the American Medical Association, Allied Health Assistants are commonly employed in settings such as:
- Ambulatory Care Sites: Including clinics and physician offices, where they provide essential support to healthcare teams.
- Hospitals: Working in various departments to support patient care and administrative functions.
The demand for Allied Health Assistants is robust and growing, driven by the expanding healthcare needs of the population.
Continuing Education and Career Advancement
Continuing education is vital for career progression in the allied health field. An Allied Health Assistant certificate can serve as a foundation for further education and advancement into roles such as:
- Physical Therapist
- Dietitian
- Radiographer
- Certified Athletic Trainer
- Occupational Therapist
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Respiratory Therapist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Advancing in these careers typically requires additional certifications and degrees, but starting as an Allied Health Assistant can provide valuable experience and insight into the healthcare industry.

Joining PracticeMatch in 2021, Paul supports Client Sourcing's proactive recruiting model that generates a robust prospect pool, creates an effective and efficient recruiting experience and identifies key metrics to ensure optimal performance for the client. Paul has a commitment to learning, development and passion for building a team of recruiting professionals to leverage their national footprint which benefits its client organizations and their candidates. Prior to joining the PracticeMatch team, Paul served as Medical Staff Development Officer at University Hospitals, Lake Health Region in Cleveland, Ohio.