Chapter 10: Additional Careers in Allied Health
Karen Piette
Summary
In this chapter we explored four additional careers in allied health. Each career is independent from the others in this chapter. They are not interconnected. However, these careers may all be present together in the integrated services model.
Three of these careers involve clinical care that is not considered “hands-on.” Health educators work in various settings to promote the health of the community. SUDP focuses on substance use disorder and addiction while there is some overlap with social work. Medical interpreters assist patients by communicating between provider and patient in various ways. Pharmacy Technicians assist Pharmacists with filling prescriptions in the pharmacy setting.
Each career requires different characteristics, education and training. While all four professions may work in the field with an associates degree, health educators may be required to attain further education such as a bachelors or masters degree. In the state of Washington there are numerous community, technical and four year colleges that offer degrees for these four professions.
Hopefully this chapter has enhanced your knowledge of these various careers. The National Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks employment and salary averages of these different careers.
Review Questions
- In your own words, define health education.
- What settings can a health educator work in?
- Define substance use disorder.
- What is the difference between a SUDP trainee and SUDP professional? What are some of the similarities and differences between the two?
- What are the requirements in Washington state to work as a Pharmacy Technician?
- Describe who qualifies as an LEP patient.
- In what ways do medical interpreters assist patients on a day to day basis?
- What are the educational requirements for medical interpreters?
- What are the minimal educational requirements to work as a social worker?
- In what medical settings may a social worker work?
