Allied Health Shortage: America Needs Health Care Workers!

Allied health professionals, including support services and health administration, make up the majority of the health care workforce. The allied health field includes an extensive list of certified, licensed, and registered professionals involved in disease prevention and control, dietary and nutritional services, mental and physical health promotion, rehabilitation, and health systems management.  Allied health professionals typically attend 2 or 4 year educational programs in community and senior colleges and are educated in over 1,000 programs in the U.S.

Allied Health Shortage

The Allied Health field has experienced a workforce shortage. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the allied health provider shortage is predicted to reach 1.6 million to 2.5 million allied health workers by 2020 because of the large number of baby boomers reaching retirement age and the increase in requiring more people trained in using the new technology.

In order to address the allied health shortage, the federal government has implemented programs to help reduce the Allied Health shortage through such programs such as the Allied Health Reinvestment Act of 2007, which offers financial assistance to individuals interested in an allied health profession where there is a need for trained professionals. Allied health schools and training programs will help students search for financial aid opportunities.

In today’s economy, allied health may provide employment opportunities for those looking for new career opportunities. With training in place, newly trained allied health professionals will help fill the much needed allied health shortage. The decision to get a degree in allied health is an extremely important one. The specialized education and training you receive will provide you with the necessary tools and knowledge to have a successful career in the world of health care.