Why A Quality Education Matters For Allied Health Professionals

Careers in health care are among the most stable and promising in today's job market. For recent graduates looking to start a career, or for adults who want to switch careers, pursuing training in the allied health field is a wise decision. With the right training, allied health professionals can enjoy great salaries and the opportunity to work in nearly every market in the U.S. In order to find success in this field, it's essential to understand why a great education truly matters.

Quality medical education aids career success ------ uonottingham / Flickr /CC BY-NC-SA

How Does a Great Education Shape Your Career?

Getting a solid education is important regardless of the career field that you want to enter. After all, very few individuals can compete in today's tough job market without attending a vocational or college program. When it comes to the allied health field, the quality of one's education is even more important than in most other industries. This means that choosing the right school is the only way to ensure your future success.

Mastering medical skills prior to entering the workforce  - uonottingham / Flickr /CC BY-NC-SA

In the health care field, practicing professionals are expected to have mastered the skills that they will need on the job before they enter the workforce. For allied health students, this means acquiring the correct knowledge and skills prior to looking for a job in a medical setting. Students must receive both an excellent academic foundation and thorough hands-on training in order to be prepared for the job market.

The quality of the education that an allied health professional receives can also determine the types of job opportunities that become available to that individual. For instance, a hospital recruiter is unlikely to hire a professional who graduated from a school that is known to be subpar. While it might not matter much in some fields, the name of the school that you attend can have a big impact on your allied health career.

Choosing the Right School for Allied Health Studies

Students who want to study for a career in allied health encounter many choices when it comes to schooling. However, it's important that prospective students remember that not all schools are created equal. It is absolutely essential to carefully vet a school before making a commitment to attend. As you consider your options, remember to evaluate a school based on the following three factors.

Harvard Medical School -------------------------------------------- protocolsnow / Flickr /  CC BY-NC-ND

Reputation

Nothing is more important when choosing a school than reputation. If you attend an allied health program that is well respected by medical professionals, you'll enjoy better chances of finding a job in your local area. You'll also benefit from attending a school that is good enough to garner the recognition of other professionals in the field. Remember that a school's reputation is built on the performance of its past graduates. As you consider your school options, take time to speak with former students and look atemployer and student testimonials. If the school is receiving overwhelmingly negative feedback, check it off your list.

Post-Graduation Employment Rates

Any school worth its salt will be happy to share its post-grad employment rate with you. Pay close attention to this figure as it is a strong indicator of how willing employers are to hire graduates from a given institution. As you look at employment rates, be sure to ask how long it takes the average graduate to find a job.

Career Services

Finding a job after you graduate from an allied health training program is essential to making a smooth transition from school to the professional arena. Because the health care field can be so competitive, it's important to choose a school that offers comprehensive career counseling and job placement services. The program you attend should have an office or liaison in charge of helping you prepare your resume, schedule interviews and land a job after you've graduated. Choosing a school that offers solid career services is the best way to ensure that you'll be working in allied health in no time at all.