Top 9 Promising Allied Health Careers That Need You to Be Certified

Allied health careers are some of the best out there. If you're looking to start a career as a medical assistant, cardiovascular technologist or technician, diagnostic medical sonographer, PA, respiratory therapist, athletic trainer, surgical technologist, clinical lab tech, dietitian, nutritionist, or any work in medical and health services, then congrats! You’re aiming for one of the 10 fastest growing allied health careers. These are jobs that pay well, don’t require a huge amount of education to break into, and offer good growth opportunities.

Do You Need Certification?

If you’re just starting out, it’s a good time to get a handle on which career path you'd like to take, and whether or not you'll need certification to practice in your desired field. For the following jobs, you’ll need to take and pass the AAH National Certification Exam:

• Medical Assistant, RMA(AAH)
• Phlebotomy Technician, CPT(AAH)
• Pharmacy Technician, CPhT
• Patient Care Technician, CPCT
• EKG Technician, CET
• Medical Coding and Billing, CMCB or MCBS
• Physical Therapy Aide, CPTA
• Veterinarian Assistant, CVA
• Surgical Technician, CST

Why Explore a Field Where I Need to Take a Test?

Taking an exam may seem daunting, but the benefits of doing so far outweigh the costs. First of all, you’ll immediately jump to the front of the line in any group of applicants. Applications with completed certification generally get looked at first and more keenly. You’ll be qualified for jobs with the best employers, the ones who have the highest standards for new hires. You’ll be immediately eligible to earn more money. You can expand the scope of your work. And you can begin to build a professional reputation in your chosen field. Sound like a no brainer? It is! And it doesn’t have to be too intimidating. The requirements for eligibility are pretty straightforward: You have to have EITHER graduated from an allied health vocational training program, completed one year of work experience in the field, had some military experience/training in the field, or have acquired reciprocity from another certifying agency. Just one of those four things will do, though you will be required to submit proof to take the test.

How to Take Your Exam

After you’ve demonstrated your eligibility, the certification process is fairly simple. You simply register to take the exam, set yourself up with an online account at AAH, and begin your preparation. There are free study guides and practice tests available. Once it comes time to take the test, you do so online and your results are instant. You can also print PDFs of your certificate and certification card—immediately. The physical copies will arrive by mail within 5-10 business days. So go ahead, get started on the certification process. It can only put you in a better position to make more money and go father in your chosen career.