what is allied health?
Allied health is an umbrella term for a range of non-medical health professionals. An allied health professional is not a medical doctor, dentist or nurse; they provide healthcare services to patients. Allied health refers to various health-related disciplines aimed at supporting the well-being of patients and supporting a healthy lifestyle and independence. You provide physical therapy or psychological, cognitive and social care to improve a patient's health.
As an allied health professional, you are the backbone of the healthcare system, providing a wide spectrum of medical services. Some of your duties include providing different rehabilitation services for patients. You also offer primary to acute care in both outpatient and inpatient settings. You lend technical support during diagnostics and care for intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Due to your knowledge of all-rounded patient care, you work with medical professionals to identify, assess and treat diseases to ensure quality healthcare service delivery.
Allied health professionals use scientific principles and evidence-based practices for patient diagnosis and treatment of chronic illnesses. Aside from working in hospitals, you can also work in group homes, clinics and schools, providing patient care.
Would working in allied health suit your compassion and interest in helping people? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an allied health role.
find allied health jobsaverage allied health salary
According to ONS, allied health professionals receive an average salary of £37,471 per year in the UK. The compensation package varies from entry-level to experienced professionals in the field. An entry-level allied health professional earns a salary of £26,500 annually, while experienced workers take home over £54,000 yearly. The salaries for NHS workers depend on the pay bands.
what factors affect the salary of an allied health professional?
As an allied health professional, your salary varies based on your qualifications and area of specialisation. When you join the field as a degree apprentice, your earnings are lower than starting with an undergraduate degree. Having a postgraduate degree also increases your remuneration prospects. Entry-level positions attract lower compensation packages and pay bands in the NHS than experienced and mid-level positions, which attract a higher salary.
Your area of specialisation also influences your earnings as an allied health professional. For instance, radiographers and physiotherapists have a higher salary than art or drama therapists. Check the area of specialisation when looking for ways to improve your earning prospects. The size of the hospital also influences your earnings. For instance, working in a public or community health clinic attracts a lower salary than working in a large or private hospital.
types of allied health professionals
Some of the types of allied health professionals include:
podiatrists: as a podiatrist, you diagnose and treat foot illnesses. You assess various conditions, both long-term and acute, affecting patients. For instance, you meet with patients with diabetes, cerebral palsy and peripheral nerve damage to assess their treatment needs and develop a care plan.
- dietitians: as a dietitian, you are an allied health professional qualified to diagnose and treat diet and nutritional problems. You use the most up-to-date scientific and public health research on food and diseases. You also offer practical guidance to patients and help them make appropriate lifestyle changes.
- occupational therapists: as an occupational therapist, you work in community health facilities with people of all ages resulting from developmental, physical and mental difficulties.
- orthoptist: as an orthoptist, you assist premature infants with vision problems. You also work with adults with eye movement defects caused by terminal illnesses like hypertension, cancer and diabetes. Some orthoptists work in ophthalmic specialities like cataracts and glaucom
working as an allied health
Working as an allied health professional involves helping people and supporting patients with different health conditions. Let's explore some of allied health workers' duties and career outlooks.
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allied health job description
Some of the duties of an allied health professional include:
- assessing and diagnosing patients: as an allied health professional, you assess a patient's current condition and use various techniques to provide a diagnosis. You conduct x-rays and use other diagnostic methods to identify the cause of a condition.
- offering different rehabilitation services: after diagnosis, you develop a treatment plan to improve the patient's condition. You provide primary to acute care for patients with different conditions. For instance, if a patient requires assistance to improve their movement, you identify the physiotherapy techniques to improve movement.
- developing nutritional programmes: as an allied health professional, you improve a patient's health and overall well-being. That includes helping them with lifestyle changes like changing their diet to improve their health.
- liaising with clinicians: as an allied health professional, you liaise with other medical specialists and professionals to improve patients' health. You discuss the diagnosis and provide specialist advice on your area of expertise.
- undertaking research and development: as an allied health professional, you research the changing medical techniques and nutritional changes. The research guides you on the diagnosis and various lifestyle changes.
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work environment
An allied health professional works in various environments. You can work in a hospital or a health clinic. Some allied health workers also perform their duties in community settings like schools or prisons. When you work in care homes and hospitals, you mostly work indoors, offering patient care. Other allied health professionals, like physiotherapists, work outdoors since some exercises are done outdoors.
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who are your colleagues?
As an allied health professional, your colleagues include nurses, doctors and clinicians. Other professionals that you will likely interact with include mental health nurses and care workers. You also work with paediatric nurses, social workers, deputy managers and care home managers.
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work schedule
The typical work schedule of an allied health professional is 40 hours a week. When you provide acute care in an intensive care unit, you are likely to work in shifts like other medical practitioners. Some roles are also flexible, and you can find part-time positions.
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job outlook
As an allied health professional, you have diverse opportunities for career growth. Since you specialise in a particular field, you can explore growth opportunities in your field of interest. For instance, dietitians improve their skills to become senior nutritionists. Allied health professionals also explore managerial roles in hospitals and community health facilities.
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advantages of finding an allied health job through randstad
Finding your allied health job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job in allied health is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
You will find numerous routes to becoming an allied health professional. Some of the ways to become an allied health expert include:
- complete an undergraduate degree: you can become an allied health professional through an undergraduate degree associated with the role. For instance, if you want to become a dietitian, complete a degree in nutrition science. Occupational therapists can pursue a degree in occupational therapy. The degree course lasts four years and should be certified by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The entry requirements for undergraduates in allied health professions are three A-Levels and GCSEs.
- apprenticeship: you can train in some allied health professions through apprenticeship programmes. A degree in apprenticeship involves working and studying, which means you gain practical experience as you complete your study. Internships after the degree also boost your employability.
allied health skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of allied health professionals include:
- communication skills: as an allied health worker, you require exceptional communication skills to reassure and support patients throughout treatment. Great communication skills help you explain the treatment techniques to patients and their families in simple terms. You also rely on communication to relay instructions clearly to other workers.
- teamwork skills: as an allied health professional, you require a team player attitude. Most healthcare centres are like sports teams, with people working towards the same goal of improving the well-being of patients. Having teamwork helps you carry out various duties to improve work efficiency.
- empathy: as an allied health expert, it is important to empathise with patients and put yourself in their shoes to understand their difficult situation. You require empathy to help elderly patients and assist those with developmental disabilities. Empathy is how you show compassion and help the patients throughout their healing journeys.
- curiosity and interest in learning: as an allied health professional, you work in diverse hospital environments. You should be curious and willing to learn to familiarise yourself with changes in the medical field. Every day exposes you to new situations, and the willingness to learn helps you adapt to the changing treatment techniques.
FAQs about working as allied health
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of allied health.
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what are the responsibilities of an allied health professional?
Allied health professionals assess, diagnose and treat patients with various medical conditions. Unlike other medical practitioners, allied health professionals don’t use conventional treatment methods like administering drugs. You mostly assist with diagnosis using various medical equipment. You also teach or train clinicians and caregivers to handle patients and improve their well-being.
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is allied health part of the NHS?
Allied health professionals are among the largest workforces in the NHS and are key to patient care. Allied health in the UK includes occupational therapists, radiographers, dietitians and physiotherapists. Your role is crucial in providing the best patient care in different facilities. You work in community health organisations, clinics and aged care centres. Since they are part of the NHS, allied health professionals are paid in bands depending on experience and specialisation.
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is allied health a profession or nursing?
Allied health is concerned with diagnosing and identifying diseases and conditions in patients. Your job is to provide care to patients with chronic illnesses and disorders. You also provide advice on nutrition and diet to improve patient well-being. While allied health incorporates a group of professionals, nursing incorporates healthcare assistants, support staff and midwives. Nursing involves providing support to other medical practitioners.
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how do I become an allied health expert?
You can become an allied health professional by completing undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses in the relevant field. The course should be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). If you plan to be an osteopath, ensure the course is approved by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). A degree apprenticeship is also a great way to join the role. The four-year course combines practical experience and academic study.
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what is the main role of an allied health professional?
As an allied health expert, your primary role is to support patients in improving their healthy lifestyles and independence. You work across the spectrum providing primary or acute care to patients with physical, psychological and cognitive conditions. You also work with patients with disabilities and use your expertise to deliver high-quality care to improve the well-being of patients.
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how do I apply for an allied health vacancy?
Applying for an allied health job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
