Are you a pre-health student looking for opportunities? Visit with the Health Professions Office (HPO) to see what opportunities will help strength your application. Here's a few links and information about Allied Health Professions programs to get you started:
Allied Health Professions
Allied health professions encompass healthcare careers that typically require an associate’s degree and certification, providing individuals with the necessary skills to work directly within the industry. Collaborating closely with doctors, nurses, physician assistants, dentists, and pharmacists, allied health workers assess patient needs and contribute to their overall improvement.
For pre-health students, pursuing allied health professions offers valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience with patients, both during college and gap years. Health professions schools often seek candidates with direct patient care experience, distinguishing it from shadowing, which involves a more passive role.
These careers are currently in high demand in Texas, with many having over 90% job placement rate. Opting for allied health paths can be an excellent alternative for those wishing to work in healthcare without the requirement of advanced degrees.
Here are some options offered through Austin Community College (ACC):
EMS Professions (1-6 semesters)
- EMT Basic - 1 semester
- EMT Advanced / Paramedic - 5 semesters
Medical Laboratory Technology (5 semesters)
- Students who complete the Medical Laboratory Technician program help with the analysis and diagnosis of blood and fluids. They can work in hospitals, clinics, medical labs and blood donation centers.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (6-7 semesters)
- Occupational Therapy Assistants help Occupational Therapists work with patients to help them engage in daily activities to improve their quality of life. They can work in rehabilitation centers, schools, hospitals and nursing homes.
Pharmacy Technician (4-6 semesters)
- Help in the preparation and dispensing of medications and can work in pharmacies or hospitals.
- Pharmacy Technician Level 1 - 4 semesters
- Pharmacy Technician Level 2 - 2 semesters
Phlebotomy Technician (1 semester)
- Phlebotomy technicians are in charge of drawing blood for patients and preparing the samples for lab work. They can work at clinics, hospitals or blood and plasma donation centers.
Physical Therapist Assistant (4-5 semesters)
- Physical Therapist Assistants assist Physical Therapists rehabilitate patients by improving mobility and relieving pain.
Radiology (6-10 semesters)
- Radiologic technologists obtain diagnostic images such as x-rays, MRI and CT scans. Radiology techs can work in clinics, hospitals, imaging centers and doctor’s offices. After certification, radiology techs can choose to specialize in different areas such as CT, mammography, MRI, and cardiovascular interventional technology.
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology (6-7 semesters)
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology: Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT) Level 2 (3-4 semesters)
Sonography
- Sonographers use ultrasound machines to create images of tissue and organs in the body to diagnose conditions. They can work in hospitals, diagnostic clinics and clinics. You can specialize in cardiac sonography, diagnostic cardiovascular and vascular technology.
- Sonography: Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography (Echocardiography) (5-6 semesters)
- Sonography: Cardio-Vascular Sonography (2 semesters)
- Sonography: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (5-6 semesters)
- Sonography: Medical-Vascular Sonography (2 semesters)
- Sonography: Cardiac Sonography Certification (3 semesters)
Surgical Technology (3-5 semesters)
- Surgery technologists assist surgeons in the operating room by setting up tools and materials needed, ensuring there is a sterile environment and working along healthcare professionals to perform surgeries.
Veterinary Technology (6-7 semesters)
- Veterinary technologists assist veterinarians in the care of animals and help diagnose and treat different diseases and conditions. Vet techs can also specialize in difference fields like dentistry, anesthesia, surgery and emergency care.