Top Entry-Level Allied Health Jobs in Texas
Texas is not only the second most populous state in the U.S., but it also ranks first in terms of annual population growth. To keep up with this growing population, the need for healthcare services is also bound to increase. As a result, the state will see a continued rise in demand for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
If you are living in Texas and want to pursue a career in the allied health industry, this is the perfect opportunity to start your journey. In this post, we give you a detailed look at the demand for allied health jobs in Texas to help you decide on the most suitable profession for you.
What Are Allied Health Jobs?
Allied health jobs are those professions within the healthcare sector but do not fall under medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, clinical psychology, or optometry. Professionals in the sector are not considered doctors or nurses, but they provide essential healthcare and other related services. They may have a diverse range of responsibilities, including providing clinical assistance, handling administrative tasks, delivering emergency medical care, or conducting lab work.
Some of the most popular jobs that fall under allied health include:
- 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
Keep in mind that these professions’ specific terms or titles may vary by country. Additionally, the requirements to pursue these professions may also be different for each country or state.
Demand for Different Allied Health Jobs in Texas
Allied health jobs are on the rise throughout the U.S., but certain states may have a higher demand for specific jobs based on factors like population and what services people seek.
Texas, for example, is among the states with a high demand for qualified allied health professionals. Texas also offers the opportunity to build a steady career in this industry with a low barrier to entry, where you can train online to launch your career.
Medical Coder/Medical Biller/Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Compared to other states, Texas has the highest demand for allied health professionals with expertise in medical coding and/or billing. These professionals help health practitioners, clinics, and hospitals to maintain accurate and organized medical records. Therefore, they play an important role in the healthcare industry as a whole.
On a national level, medical records and health information specialists earn a median salary of $45,240, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of these allied professionals is expected to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030, which is as fast as the average across all occupations. To pursue this profession, you would need to enroll in a Medical Billing and Coding course and prepare for certification exams such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), or Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).
Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)
Similar to the above information, the BLS lists the median annual wage for a certified electronic health records specialist (CEHRS) as $45,240. These professionals help to maintain accurate patient records and ensure that all the essential information is properly recorded and coordinated. Texas tops the list once again in terms of state-wise demand for these allied health professionals.
Nationally, the employment of medical records and health information specialists is expected to increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030. This translates to 37,100 new jobs within the decade. By signing up for the ed2go Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist course, you will gain the confidence to obtain your certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Pharmacy Technician
Texas ranks second in the nation when it comes to the demand for pharmacy technicians. Helping to assist pharmacists in dispensing prescription medication, these allied health professionals play an indispensable role in the healthcare industry. On a national level, the employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to increase by 4% between 2020 and 2030, amounting to 16,600 new jobs added.
Pharmacy technicians earn an average of $36,740 per year, according to the BLS. You will need to successfully pass your Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) to start your career. So, enrolling in an appropriate Pharmacy Technician course will help you prepare for the exam.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists or phlebotomy technicians are also in high demand, with Texas having the second-highest demand among all states. Helping with blood tests, transfusions, and donations, these allied health professionals play a vital role in the healthcare industry. Naturally, the employment of phlebotomists is growing rapidly, with a 22% projected growth between 2020 and 2030.
This makes it an excellent option for aspiring allied health professionals in Texas, as there will be plenty of employment opportunities. You can expect to make an average salary of $37,380 per year in this profession. Enrolling in a Certified Phlebotomy Technician course is essential to start your career as it prepares you for an AECA Provisional Certification or an NHA Professional Certification.
Medical Assistant
There are two types of medical assistants, administrative or clinical. The duties of administrative medical assistant typically includes recording patient history, maintaining health records, and scheduling appointments. The clinical medical assistant assists physicians with physical exams, measure vitals, and give injections or medications.
Texas has the second-highest demand in the nation for both types of medical assistants. According to the BLS, employment in this allied health profession is expected to grow by 18% between 2020 and 2030. Medical assistants can expect to earn an average salary of $37,190 per year. Depending on your goals and preferences, becoming either a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) or a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) may be the right career for you!
Starting Your Allied Health Career in Texas
Texas has a high demand for several allied health jobs. Besides the most in-demand options highlighted above, you can also explore other professions based on your strengths and calling. Check out the various health and fitness courses available at ed2go to start your allied health career journey.
Want to learn more? Check out these other articles!
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 […]
Top Entry-Level Allied Health Jobs in California As the most populous state in the United States, California sees significant and consistent demand for healthcare services. This […]
The Rising Industry of Phlebotomy Technicians in 2022 Phlebotomy technicians are employed in almost every healthcare facility because they perform essential duties and work directly […]
