Allied Healthcare Careers
Allied healthcare careers offer a fast path into the medical field with a wide range of roles that support doctors and nurses in delivering quality patient care. If you’re considering becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or exploring similar entry-level careers, this guide compares LPNs with other allied health professionals like Medical Assistants, CNAs, Dental Assistants, Phlebotomists, and Pharmacy Technicians to help you choose the right path.
Written by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Allied healthcare careers represent a broad and essential segment of the healthcare workforce, encompassing numerous professions that work in tandem with doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel to deliver quality patient care. These careers span across diagnostic, therapeutic, technical, and administrative roles, all of which contribute to the effective operation of healthcare systems.
Unlike physicians and registered nurses who require extensive education and licensing, most allied health roles offer more accessible entry points into healthcare through certificate programs, diplomas, or associate degrees—often allowing individuals to begin working in the field in as little as a few months to two years. Despite the shorter training period, allied health professionals play a vital role in both clinical and non-clinical environments.
Careers in allied healthcare include positions such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant (MA), Phlebotomist, Dental Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician. These professionals are responsible for a variety of tasks: assisting with daily patient care, drawing blood for lab testing, supporting dental procedures, preparing and dispensing medications, taking medical histories, and performing vital administrative functions.
In addition to offering meaningful work and direct patient interaction, many allied healthcare careers provide flexible scheduling, opportunities for specialization, and pathways for career advancement. The growing demand for healthcare services across the U.S. especially due to an aging population and expanding access to care—means that allied health roles are projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Whether you are just beginning your career journey or seeking a change into a more rewarding profession, allied healthcare offers a practical and impactful way to join the healthcare field and make a difference in the lives of patients every day.
|
Career
|
Education
|
Work Duties
|
Place of Work
|
Salary
|
Certification
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
LPN (Licensed
Practical
Nurse)
|
1 to 1.5 years in
a state-
approved
certificate or
diploma
program
|
Basic patient care,
administering
medications,
monitoring vitals,
assisting with
procedures
|
Hospitals,
nursing homes,
clinics, home
health
|
$62,340
|
Pass NCLEX-PN
|
|
Medical
Assistant
|
9 months to 2
years (certificate
or associate
degree)
|
Patient intake, vitals,
room prep,
scheduling, EHR
entry, injections
under supervision
|
Outpatient
clinics,
physician
offices,
hospitals
|
$44,200
|
Certification
optional but
preferred (e.g.,
CMA, RMA)
|
|
CNA (Certified
Nursing
Assistant)
|
4–12 week
training program
with clinicals
|
Bathing, feeding,
mobility support,
vitals, patient reports
|
Long-term care,
hospitals, rehab
centers
|
$36,220
|
State-approved
CNA certification
required
|
|
Dental
Assistant
|
On-the-job
training or 1-
year formal
program
|
Chairside assistance,
X-rays, instrument
sterilization, patient
scheduling
|
Dental offices,
oral surgery
clinics
|
$47,000
|
Varies by state;
some require
certification (e.g.,
RHS or CDA)
|
|
Pharmacy
Technician
|
Certificate
program (4
months to 1
year) or
associate
degree
|
Filling prescriptions,
labeling, inventory
management,
insurance processing
|
Retail
pharmacies,
hospitals, mail-
order
pharmacies
|
$43,000
|
Certification
required in many
states (e.g.,
PTCB or NHA)
|
|
Phlebotomist
|
Certificate
program (~4–6
months) with
clinical practice
|
Drawing blood,
labeling specimens,
handling samples,
data entry
|
Hospitals,
diagnostic labs,
blood donation
centers
|
$43,000
|
Certification
required or
strongly preferred
(e.g., ASCP, NHA)
|
Medical assistants are versatile healthcare professionals who perform a combination of administrative and clinical duties to keep medical practices running smoothly. On the administrative side, they may schedule appointments, update patient records, manage insurance forms, and handle front-desk communication. Clinically, they take patient histories, record vital signs, prepare patients for exams, assist with minor procedures, draw blood, and administer injections under the supervision of a licensed provider.
Training to become a medical assistant typically takes between 9 months and 2 years, depending on whether you pursue a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. While certification is not required in all states, credentials such as CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) or RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) can significantly improve job opportunities and earning potential.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide essential hands-on care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health settings. They help patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, and moving from bed to chair. CNAs also take vital signs, observe patient conditions, and report changes to nurses and medical staff. Their work is critical to patient comfort and day-to-day functioning.
Becoming a CNA requires completion of a state-approved training program, which often takes 4 to 12 weeks. After training, candidates must pass a competency exam to become certified. CNA work is ideal for individuals who want to start working in healthcare quickly, and it often serves as a gateway to more advanced nursing roles.
Phlebotomists are trained to safely and accurately draw blood from patients for medical testing, transfusions, research, or blood donations. In addition to venipuncture, they ensure that samples are correctly labeled, logged, and transported to laboratories. They must follow strict hygiene protocols, manage patient interactions calmly, and reduce discomfort and anxiety during the blood draw process.
Phlebotomy training programs typically take 4 to 8 months to complete and may be offered through community colleges, vocational schools, or hospitals. Certification is often required by employers and can be obtained through organizations like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Dental assistants play a key role in dental practices by supporting both the dentist and the patient. They set up exam rooms, sterilize instruments, assist with procedures like fillings and crowns, and take dental X-rays. They also educate patients about oral hygiene and post-treatment care. On the administrative side, they may help schedule appointments, process payments, and manage dental records.
Dental assistant programs vary in length, ranging from several months to two years, and may lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Some states require licensure or certification, especially for those performing X-rays or expanded functions. Certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) can enhance job prospects.
Dental assistants play a key role in dental practices by supporting both the dentist and the patient. They set up exam rooms, sterilize instruments, assist with procedures like fillings and crowns, and take dental X-rays. They also educate patients about oral hygiene and post-treatment care. On the administrative side, they may help schedule appointments, process payments, and manage dental records.
Dental assistant programs vary in length, ranging from several months to two years, and may lead to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Some states require licensure or certification, especially for those performing X-rays or expanded functions. Certification from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) can enhance job prospects.
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