Allied health professions

Allied health professions are clinical healthcare professions distinct from medicine and nursing. They work in a healthcare team to make the healthcare system function. [cite web|url=http://www.asahp.org/definition.htm|title=Definition of Allied Health|accessdate=2008-02-03] cite web|url=http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/ahp.shtml|title=Allied Health Professionals at NHS Careers|accessdate=2008-02-03]

Professions

Depending on the country and local healthcare system, some of the following professions (professional areas) may be represented, and may be regulated:
*Athletic training
*Audiology
*Bioengineering
*Biomedical science
*Cardiovascular technologists
*Chiropractic
*Dentistry
*Dental auxiliary (dental assistants, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental technicians, denturists)
*Diagnostic medical sonography
*Emergency medical technician and paramedic
*Exercise physiology
*Hemodialysis technicians
*Kinesiotherapy
*Massage therapy
*Medical assistants
*Medical laboratory technicians
*Medical Dosimetry (Dosimetrists-Radiation Therapy planning & dosage calculation)
*Medical physics
*Medical technologist
*Medical transcription
*Midwifery
*Nuclear medicine technology
*Nutrition and dietetics
*Occupational therapy
*Optometry
*Orthotics and prosthetics
*Orthopaedic technologist
*Pharmacy
*Physical therapy and physiotherapy
*Podiatry
*Psychology
*Public health
*Radiation therapy
*Radiography
*Radiologic technologist
*Recreational therapy
*Respiratory therapy
*Speech-Language Pathology
*Social work
*Ultrasound
*Venipuncture (phlebotomy)

All professionals/professional areas ascribed before belong to the ever growing group of allied health professionals and their subspecialties. The precise titles and roles in the allied health professions may vary considerably from country to country.

Because their job descriptions become more specialized, they must adhere to national training and education standards, their professional scope of practice, and often prove their skills through diplomas, certified credentials, and continuing education. Members of the allied health professions must be proficient in the use of many skills. Some of which are medical terminology, acronym and spelling, basics of medical law and ethics, understanding of human relations, interpersonal communication skills, counseling skills, computer literacy, ability to document healthcare information, interviewing skills, and proficiency in word processing, database management and electronic dictation.

History

The explosion of scientific knowledge that followed World War II brought increasingly sophisticated and complex medical diagnostic and treatment procedures. In addition, increasing medical and healthcare costs provoked a trend away from treating patients in hospitals toward the provision of care in physician's private and group practices, and ambulatory medical and emergency clinics. What followed was an increase in the need for expertly trained healthcare delivery personnel.

References

External links

* [http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2322.html Allied health careers]
* [http://www.asahp.org/ Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions] (ASAHP)
* [http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/careers/ahp/index.html NHS Careers - UK]