Allied health professionals make up more than 60% of the healthcare workforce, yet their roles are still widely misunderstood, even by clinicians who work with them daily. From diagnostics and respiratory care to rehab and recovery, allied health professionals are deeply embedded in nearly every stage of the patient journey.

To clarify what allied health looks like in practice and why it matters to nursing, Matt Neel, Vice President of Allied Health at Medical Solutions, helps debunk some of the most common misconceptions.

Misconception #1: Allied Health Professionals are “Support Staff”

One persistent myth is that allied health roles exist mainly to support nurses or physicians. In reality, they often drive critical components of the care plan.

Neel says they generate the labs, imaging, respiratory assessments, rehab progress, and surgical prep that determine what happens next. Their decisions and observations can change the direction of a patient’s care.

Rather than operating behind the scenes, allied professionals are central to the accuracy, speed, and flow of patient movement across the system.

Misconception #2: Their Impact on Outcomes is Indirect

In practice, allied health professionals often make the earliest and most consequential clinical catches.

Neel shares examples: a respiratory therapist notices subtle changes in breathing patterns and adjusts treatment before a patient tips into crisis. A medical technologist identifies a critical lab value that triggers immediate intervention. A physical therapist spots a mobility risk and prevents a fall.

These moments occur daily and directly alter outcomes before a crisis escalates.

Misconception #3: Allied Health Shortages Don’t Affect Nursing

When allied staffing is thin, nurses feel it right away.

Neel points out that labs take longer, imaging gets backed up, patients wait for therapy, and discharges slow down. Nurses then absorb tasks that stretch their scope or take time away from direct care.

Even when shortages aren’t labeled as nursing problems, they increase workload, burnout, and time pressure on the floor.

Why Demand for Allied Health is Rising

Several forces are driving a nationwide shortage:

• An aging population
• Higher patient acuity
• Increased reliance on diagnostics and therapy-driven care
• Limited visibility of allied health careers

“The result is a widening gap between the volume of care needed and the number of skilled people available to deliver it,” says Neel.

This gap affects patient flow, length of stay, and care quality across every setting.

Pay, Stability, and Career Sustainability

Another misconception is that allied health roles are less competitive than nursing roles.

Neel says that overall, allied roles offer strong pay, solid benefits, and steady demand. Some specialties pay as much or more than some nursing roles, and many offer more predictable schedules and lower burnout risk.

Because many allied roles are tied directly to diagnostics and rehab, demand remains consistent even during system slowdowns.

Considering a Transition From Nursing?

For nurses seeking a change, allied health is not a single path but offers dozens of specialized careers.

“Nurses who want deeper specialization, more predictable hours, or a change from high-intensity bedside work often find a better fit here,” says Neel.

Clinical experience provides a strong foundation for transitioning while staying connected to patient care.

Allied Health Across the Patient Journey

Allied professionals influence every stage of care:

• Diagnosis: labs, imaging, cardiopulmonary testing
• Treatment: respiratory therapy, surgical techs, pharmacy, rehab
• Recovery: PT, OT, and speech therapy guiding safe return to function

They are present at almost every touchpoint that moves a patient forward.

What Seamless Collaboration Looks Like

In a COPD admission, for example:

• The nurse stabilizes the patient, manages medications, and coordinates care
• The respiratory therapist evaluates airway trends and adjusts treatment
• The lab team delivers rapid results to guide decisions

“When everyone communicates quickly and respects each role’s expertise, the patient improves faster and avoids escalation,” he notes. Adding that success depends on clarity, collaboration, and the elimination of silos.

The Reality: Healthcare Can’t Function Without Allied Health

“The system would slow down immediately. Diagnostics would bottleneck, therapy would stall, and nurses and physicians would carry a workload they cannot absorb,” says Neel. He points out that allied health professionals aren’t optional. They are the infrastructure that allows the rest of the care team to function at full capacity.

Moving Forward Together

Better outcomes start with clear communication, interdisciplinary rounds, and mutual respect.

When nurses and allied professionals respect each other’s workload and expertise, care becomes faster, smoother, and safer.

For nurses, understanding and advocating for this workforce isn’t just professional courtesy. It is essential to patient care, workflow efficiency, and the future of healthcare.