The world of allied health jobs is vast. Whether you’re a seasoned physical therapist, a newly certified radiology technologist, or anywhere in between, you form a vital part of our healthcare system. As an allied health professional, your growth never stops—there are always new skills to learn, specialties to explore, and innovative practices to incorporate into your work.
As you gain experience working in your field, you can also boost your career advancement with extra learning along the way. With the right online resources, you can earn continuing education credits, connect with like-minded professionals, and stay at the forefront of your field.
Let’s dive into the wealth of online tools designed to supercharge your allied health career! And remember, if you’re ready to take that next step and explore new experiences across the country, AHS MedStat can help. We specialize in finding exciting allied health placements that support your professional development and expand your horizons.
Use Job Boards to Assess Current Demand
Even if you’re not looking for a new role, job boards are an invaluable asset for getting the inside scoop on the current demand in your field. They provide real-time snapshots of the skills and specializations employers are actively seeking.
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- Specialized Boards: Platforms dedicated to allied health fields offer the most targeted insights. Explore job postings in your specific profession to identify in-demand certifications or niche skills.
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- Broader Job Sites: General platforms like LinkedIn are excellent for trendspotting. Use advanced filters to narrow down results by your field. Look for patterns in job descriptions to pick up frequently mentioned skills or specializations.
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- Local Resources: Hospital and clinic websites that mention specific needs or technologies used in your field can give you direction for your professional development.
By actively researching job postings, you gain a data-driven understanding of where your field is heading. This allows you to tailor your continuing education, upskill efforts, and even networking strategies to align with the most sought-after competencies.
Access Continuing Education and Certification Courses
Expanding your knowledge base with continuing education is essential for a thriving allied health career. Online resources offer unparalleled flexibility and convenient access to top-notch educational content, which you can access anytime, anywhere.
Certification Bodies
Start with the official websites of the organizations that offer certifications in your field. These sites provide a wealth of information, including:
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- Overviews of available certifications and their potential career benefits.
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- Exam preparation resources, with study guides and practice tests.
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- Details on the recertification process, helping you stay up to date.
Online Course Providers
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and dedicated healthcare CE sites host thousands of courses designed for allied health professionals. Explore options that offer:
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- Continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain your certifications.
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- Skill development courses in specific techniques or technologies.
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- Programs that delve into emerging allied health specializations.
Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences
Industry associations, product vendors, and even universities frequently offer live or on-demand webinars and workshops. These cover a wide range of topics:
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- Regulatory updates and changes in best practices.
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- Focused training on specific tools and modalities.
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- Virtual conferences offering multiple learning tracks.
Remember, investing in ongoing education not only positions you for the career growth you want, but also ensures you’re providing the best possible care to your patients.
Join a Professional Network for Allied Health Jobs
Building a strong network in the allied health community offers encouragement, valuable insights, and sometimes even unexpected opportunities. After all, networking isn’t just about finding your next job. It’s about forging supportive relationships with professionals who understand your challenges and share your passion.
Social Media Groups
Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn host numerous groups dedicated to specific allied health professions or broader themes within the field. These groups serve as virtual hubs for seeking career advice and getting your questions answered, sharing experiences and finding camaraderie, and learning about new developments from peers across the country.
Mentorship Platforms
Some websites and professional organizations offer structured mentorship programs. These facilitate connections between experienced allied health professionals and those early in their careers or looking to specialize. A mentor can offer personalized guidance tailored to your goals, insights into different career paths within your field, and provide support and encouragement during challenging times.
Professional Associations
National and regional associations provide a valuable network in their own right. Their websites usually have member-only forums for discussion and support and resource libraries with exclusive content, and many local chapters host annual or semi-annual networking events.
Stay Informed About News and Trends
New technologies, treatment protocols, and regulations are emerging all the time. Make sure to set aside some time in your routine, even if it’s only an hour a week, to stay updated on the latest developments.
Industry News Sites
Reputable websites and blogs specifically dedicated to allied health deliver a steady stream of vital updates. Look for sites that cover:
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- Changes in regulations and reimbursement that affect your practice.
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- Best practices and advancements in your specific field.
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- Healthcare technology trends and their impact on patient care.
Association Newsletters
Staying subscribed to your professional associations’ newsletters guarantees timely information delivered straight to your inbox. These often include:
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- Early announcements of regulatory updates.
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- Exclusive reports on industry-wide trends.
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- Practice management tips customized to your profession.
Research Databases
For those who want to delve deeper, resources like PubMed or ones offered through academic institutions provide access to the latest peer-reviewed studies. Explore these for:
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- Understanding emerging treatment modalities.
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- Finding evidence-based support for specific practices in your field.
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- Identifying areas for further research that could contribute to the body of knowledge.
Staying informed isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about demonstrating your commitment to patient care and staying ahead in a competitive field. By making use of these online resources, you position yourself as a proactive and well-informed allied health professional.
Grow Your Career with Travel Allied Health Jobs
From identifying in-demand skills to adding a new certification, online resources are a great way to grow your professional skills and pave the way for exciting new job possibilities.
Building a fulfilling and dynamic career isn’t a solitary journey. At AHS MedStat, we’re passionate about supporting allied health professionals like you reach your full potential.
If you’re eager for new challenges, diverse experiences, and the chance to make a real impact in different communities across the country, we’re here to make it happen. Check out our job postings now or contact one of our recruiters to discuss your career goals.
