For individuals who choose a career path in allied health, there are many professional associations that provide networking and support, helpful resources, and career advancement assistance. Some of these associations include:
The American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA): The mission of the ADAA is “to advance the careers of dental assistants and promote the dental assisting profession in matters of education, legislation, credentialing and professional activities which enhance the delivery of quality dental health care to the public.” Membership benefits of the ADAA include professional liability insurance, discounts on continuing education courses, and a subscription to The Dental Assistant Journal with annual free continuing education.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA): The mission of the AAMA is “to provide the medical assistant professional with education, certification, credential acknowledgment, networking opportunities, scope-of-practice protection, and advocacy for quality patient-centered health care.” The AAMA is the only association dedicated exclusively to the Medical Assisting profession. Membership spans over 43 states with 325 locations.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA): There are many member benefits of AHIMA, including member-only areas of the website where you can access The Journal of AHIMA, the AHIMA Communities of Practice, the AHIMA Body of Knowledge, Advocacy Assistant, and Career Assist.
American Medical Technologists (AMT): Since 1939, AMT has been providing allied health professionals with certification services and membership programs to enhance their professional and personal growth. Certifications are available for Medical Technologists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Medical Lab Assistants, Medical Assistants, Medical Administrative Specialists, Phlebotomy Technicians, Dental Assistants, Allied Health Instructors, and Clinical Laboratory Consultants.
American Association of Pharmacy Technicians (AAPT): The AAPT has strived to provide leadership and represent the interests of its members to the public as well as healthcare organizations since 1972. It provides continuing education programs and services to help technicians keep their skills on pace with the changing industry and promotes Pharmacy Technicians as an integral part of the patient-care team.
American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA): AMTA provides a roadmap to success for Massage Therapists looking to establish themselves within their profession. Benefits include broad liability coverage, ongoing education and community opportunities, practice management, and discounted services for your Massage Therapy business.
For those thinking about pursuing a career in allied health, contact Arizona College for more information.
Information in this blog post is accurate as of June 12, 2012.