Top Entry-Level Allied Health Jobs in Florida

Top Entry-Level Allied Health Jobs in Florida

As Florida’s population grows, so does the need for healthcare and other related services in the state. Florida added more than 50,000 new jobs in health and education in 2021. Along with the demand for doctors and nurses, the demand for allied health professionals in Florida is also expected to grow. For those who plan on getting into the healthcare industry, this might be the perfect time to start your career journey. 

In this post, we look at the demand and outlook for allied health jobs in Florida. So, if you are currently residing in the state or are moving there soon, this guide will give you an idea of what to expect. 

What Are Allied Health Professions? 

Allied health professions refer to a broad range of jobs in the healthcare sector, excluding medicine, nursing, clinical psychology, optometry, pharmacy, and dentistry. In other words, allied health professionals are those who deliver important healthcare services but are not doctors or nurses. For example, EMTs and paramedics are considered allied health professionals. 

Several professions fall under the umbrella of allied health, including: 

• Anesthesia technician  
• Dental assistant 
• Dental hygienist 
• Endoscopy technician 
• Exercise physiologist 
• Medical assistant 
• Medical coder/medical billing and coding specialist 
• Medical records specialist/medical records and health information technician 
• Pharmacy technician 
• Phlebotomy technician 
• Veterinary assistant 

These are just a few of the more popular allied health jobs you can consider if you plan to start a career in healthcare. The specifics, such as titles and requisites, may vary by country or state. 

Demand for Different Allied Health Jobs in Florida 

While allied health is generally a rewarding industry to work in across the U.S., the job prospects for each job type can differ from state to state. For example, certain jobs may be higher paying in some states but also less in demand. It is important to carefully assess your options before narrowing down the right profession for you. 

If you are planning to pursue a career in allied health in Florida, you will want to know about the outlook and demand for different allied health jobs. This will guide you as to which professions are the best long-term investment for you. Let us look at the demand and outlook for a few of the allied health professions mentioned.  

Medical Coder/Medical Biller/Medical Billing and Coding Specialist 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical coders or medical billing and coding specialists earn a median salary of $45,240. Nationally, the profession is expected to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030. That growth translates to 37,100 new jobs added over the decade.  

These professionals help health practitioners, clinics, and hospitals to maintain accurate and organized medical records—playing an essential role in the healthcare industry overall. 

Florida has the second-highest demand for this allied health profession compared to other states. To pursue this profession, candidates must pass a relevant certification exam such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS). Completing a Medical Billing and Coding course will help you prepare for these exams. 

Veterinary Office Manager 

Another profession with high demand in Florida is veterinary office manager, which has the second-highest demand in the nation. According to Lightcast, a leading labor market analytics firm, the median salary for veterinary office managers in the U.S. is $54,327.  

These professionals oversee and coordinate administrative procedures in veterinary clinics or hospitals. They ensure that the daily operation of the veterinary office runs smoothly and efficiently by scheduling appointments, billing pet owners for services provided, ordering office supplies, and helping supervise other office staff. 

A Veterinary Office Manager course will provide you with the necessary skills to start your career and prepare you for important exams such as QuickBooks Certified User and Microsoft Expert. 

Pharmacy Technician 

Florida is one of the top three job demand states for pharmacy technicians. Nationwide, the profession is projected to grow 4% between 2020 and 2030, which will add 16,600 new jobs within the decade. According to the BLS, pharmacy technicians earn a median salary of $36,740 per year. 

Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, including those found in drug, general merchandise, grocery stores, and hospitals. They help assist pharmacists in dispensing prescription medication, among other duties, and play an indispensable role in the healthcare industry. 

To begin your career as a pharmacy technician, you must successfully complete the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). Signing up for a relevant Pharmacy Technician course will help you prepare for the exam and will include hands-on training and practice tests. 

Phlebotomy Technician 

Florida is among the top three states with the highest demand for phlebotomy technicians (also known as phlebotomists). Nationally, this profession is predicted to grow 22% between 2020 and 2030, adding 28,800 new jobs within the decade. Phlebotomists earn a median salary of $37,380 per year, according to the BLS. 

These professionals work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices, where they draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. 

Signing up for a Certified Phlebotomy Technician course is one of the pathways to pursuing this profession as it prepares you for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician Specialist (CPTS) exams through the American Education Certification Association (AECA) or the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).  

Medical Assistants 

There are two main types of medical assistants—administrative and clinical—each in high demand nationwide. Florida is also one of the top three job-demand states in the country. The BLS anticipates an 18% increase in medical assistant jobs between 2020 and 2030, with a median salary of $37,190 per year. 

An administrative medical assistant’s duties include recording patient history, maintaining health records, and scheduling appointments. Whereas a clinical medical assistant assists physicians with physical exams, measures vitals, and gives injections or medications.   

Explore why becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) could be the right career decision for you! 

Dental Assistant 

Florida also has a high demand for dental assistants, following California and Texas as the third-highest job demand. Nationwide, this profession is expected to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030 and offers a median salary of $38,660 per year, according to the BLS.  

Dental assistants provide patient care, take x-rays, keep records, and schedule appointments, where they almost always work in dentists’ offices. 

Depending on your preferences and strengths, you can either choose to be a Clinical Dental Assistant or an Administrative Dental Assistant. 

Starting Your Allied Health Career in Florida 

In addition to these top allied health jobs, there are plenty of other professions that you can pursue in the allied health sector in Florida. While all are fulfilling, each job comes with its own perks and job outlook based on state-wide demand.  

Ready to launch an in-demand career that you can complete 100% online at your own pace? Explore our range of allied health courses and begin training to start your new career today.