Allied Health? What Is That? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Allied Health? What Is That?

Do what you love and love what you do.

9
Allied Health? What Is That?
clipartkid

“So allied health, is that nursing or pre-med?”

“You know you’re gonna have to go through like 8 years of school right?”

“Wow I bet your student debt is going to be so high!”

“I’m so glad I’m not studying what you are. You’re slaving over your work!”

These are only some of the things I hear along with a confused look and the awkward head tilt, when I tell people I’m an allied health major or that I’m studying to be a physician assistant. For all of you who don't know what allied health is, it's defined by the dictionary as "asegmentofhealthcareprofessionscomprisedof specialized occupationsthatrequirecertification,includingphysicaltherapists, dentalhygienists,socialworkers,speechtherapists,nutritionists,etc., butnotincludingdoctors,nurses,anddentists."

For me, it’s not about the difficulty of my workload or classes. It’s about dreaming of a career I aspire to have while loving what I’ll be doing. It’s not about the money or the amount of school I have to go through, but it's for my own personal satisfaction. It doesn’t matter how hard my classes may be or how many hours I have to spend memorizing muscles and organs or trying to comprehend organic chemistry, because I know in the end it won’t matter as long I’m enjoying my job everyday.

Don’t get me wrong, every position in the medical field plays an important role and each one piggybacks off one another, but I want to do something that isn’t a generic “doctor” or “surgeon.” That’s why people give me a weird look when I tell them I want to be a physician assistant. Many times people don’t even know what a PA consists of when I mention it. I’m determined to reach where I want to be and I won’t let a few confused stares stop me from doing that.

No matter how many obstacles us allied health majors face, we always come out with a reward and valuable life lessons and I can’t be more thankful to love what I’m studying. It’s all going to pay off in the end and I encourage everyone who’s studying something in the medical field not to give up, to prove everyone wrong, and to be super nerdy about science because what’s better than that?!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13366
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5865
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4358
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3843
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments