Massive Job Growth & Stability
Healthcare is projected to add ~1.8–1.9 million new jobs every year through 2034 — more than any other industry (BLS). Within that, allied health roles (like phlebotomy, medical coding, surgical technology, and sterile processing) are among the fastest-growing. With an aging population, rising chronic conditions, and advances in medical technology, demand is steady and long-term.
Fast Entry Into the Workforce
Unlike becoming a doctor or nurse, allied health careers can be started quickly. Many programs are certificates or diplomas that take 12 months or less to complete. This makes them ideal for people who want to start earning faster while keeping training costs manageable.
Career Pathways & Upward Mobility
Allied health jobs are often entry points into larger healthcare careers. For example:
These roles build skills that are transferable across healthcare fields, opening doors over time.
Variety of Work Settings
Allied health professionals are needed everywhere — hospitals, outpatient clinics, labs, private practices, and even remote/telehealth environments (especially in coding, billing, and healthcare IT). This flexibility makes it easier to find roles that fit personal preferences, geography, and lifestyle.
Impact Without a Medical Degree
Not everyone wants to pursue a long, expensive medical track. Allied health offers the chance to make a direct difference in patient care (through phlebotomy, EKG, surgical technology) or provide critical behind-the-scenes support (through coding, billing, sterile processing, or IT). Either way, you’re contributing to patient health outcomes and the smooth operation of the healthcare system.
Accessible & Affordable Training
Programs are generally short-term, affordable, and widely available online or locally. Most require only a high school diploma or GED to start, and certifications (like CPT for phlebotomy or CPC for coding) make graduates more competitive for jobs and higher pay.
Here are some of the most popular programs students pursue — and why:
| Career | Outlook & Pay | Training Path |
|---|---|---|
| Sterile Processing Technician | Rising demand as surgical procedures increase. Median ~$41,000/year, with growth opportunities in hospital systems (Indeed). | Certificate program (6–12 months) covering infection control, sterilization, surgical instruments. |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | Expected to grow 8%+ through 2032 (BLS). Median pay ~$47,000. | Certificate programs (as little as 6 months) prepare students for CPC or CCA exams. |
| EKG Technician | Projected 9% growth for cardiovascular technologists/technicians. Median ~$63,000 overall (BLS). | Short-term certificate (3–6 months) + Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. |
| Phlebotomy Technician | One of the fastest, most accessible entry points. Median ~$38,500/year with steady demand across hospitals, labs, blood banks (BLS). | Certificate program (4–8 months) + CPT certification. |
| Surgical Technician | 5% projected growth through 2032. Median pay ~$56,000/year (BLS). | Diploma/certificate or associate degree (12–24 months). |
| Healthcare IT Specialist | Health IT jobs expected to grow with electronic health records and telehealth adoption. Health Information roles projected to add ~15,000 new jobs/year (BLS). | Certificate programs in healthcare IT, cybersecurity, and data systems. |
👉 Whether you’re interested in hands-on patient care (Phlebotomy, EKG, Surgical Tech) or behind-the-scenes healthcare support (Sterile Processing, Billing & Coding, Healthcare IT), allied health offers pathways to stable, rewarding careers.