Some allied health professionals practice independently while some others work in groups, offering continual assessment of patient needs. In the US, over 5 million allied health care providers work in more than 80 allied professions. Allied health career will be in the top 30 fastest growing professions in the US, according to experts.
The allied health professions are divided into two categories–technicians (assistants) and therapists/technologists. Technicians are trained to perform procedures under the supervision of technologists or therapists. This category includes medical laboratory technicians, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants, and respiratory therapy technicians. Over the past few years, emergency medical technician (EMT)/paramedic field has attracted many desiring to make career in the allied health segment. This field has shifted from volunteer services to a paid profession. An EMT gets between $25,300 and $43,000 a year.
Emergency medical technicians and paramedics provide emergency care to patients hit by strokes, boat and car accidents or seriously injured. They give specialized care and work in teams. They are also involved in providing transportation from one medical facility to another. The specific responsibilities they undertake depend on their level of training. The first level of training is EMT-Basic or EMT-1 and the most advanced level is EMT – 4.
EMTs' work involves kneeling, bending, and lifting. As emergency services function round the clock, their working hours are irregular. Their work is strenuous and stressful. As such they need to get good training and certification. Today many universities offer accredited EMT courses and training programs. During the training, they get hands-on experience in performing physical examinations, evaluate trauma, administer oxygen, execute airway maintenance, and manage medication. This type of training is given over 1 to 2 years leading to an associate degree.
Besides the training, EMT certification is needed. Every EMT in the US must be certified or registered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Some states have their own certification exams as an option to NREMT examination.
