OTA Degree: Exploring a Dynamic Allied Health Program

You may have heard the terms “allied health,” or “pre-allied health,” used in conversation before, but you might not be certain exactly what they mean. The term allied health applies to a range of health care professions who provide diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and patient-care services that are vital to the overall healthcare spectrum.

You’ll Love Allied Health!

College students in accredited allied health programs get the skills and training need to start careers that help others live healthy lives. Students learn to play an integral support role in caring for patients and prepare to work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, or dentists.

There are a variety of allied health programs. Some programs focus on careers related to preventing the transmission of diseases. Other programs are dedicated to careers that help individuals restore or develop physical, cognitive, psychological and social functions. Each allied health professional has a role in the health care process that is unique and valuable.

Be Prepared to Succeed

If you are considering an allied health program, you may need to do some preliminary study known as “pre-allied health.” Some high schools offer hands-on pre-allied health training. These training courses give students a glimpse into their future career. If your high school didn’t offer pre-allied health classes, foundational college science courses could help you prepare for your career, too.

Many allied health professions don’t require interaction with blood, which can be a huge relief for people who love caring for others but are uncomfortable being around blood.

If you’re interested in pursuing an allied health career, here’s a list of allied health careers to consider:

• Audiologist – works with issues of hearing loss
• Dieticians and Nutritionists – assist people with food and dietary concerns
• Radiologic Technologist – conduct diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs and CT scans
• Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Assistant- assess and assist with the recovery of daily life activities for those who are recovering from a health setback
• Orthotists and prosthetists – work with people to regain their former level of mobility by assisting patients with artificial limbs or braces

Allied Health Careers at CUKC

Explore accredited allied health programs and earn your degree at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC). We are a chiropractic and health sciences university. Our degree offerings include:

• The two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology (Radiography)
• The two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Occupational Therapy Assistant

Both programs have class sizes limited to 15 students and admit students in the spring and fall of each year.

Our CUKC campus is in beautiful Overland Park, Kan., a suburb of the Kansas City metro and well worth a visit. Click here for more information about our allied health programs today!