allied health


allied health

 any of diverse health care professions, including clinical laboratory personnel, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dietetic services, medical record personnel, radiologic services, speech-language pathology and audiology, and respiratory therapy. It does not include physicians, nurses, dentists, or podiatrists. Schools of Allied Health exist at the collegiate level to prepare health care practitioners, generate and disseminate research in allied health disciplines, promote interdisciplinary communication and collaboration, and increase the efficient use of resources by a variety of health care providers in order to improve health care.

allied health

(ăl′īd′)n. A group of medically prescribed health care services, such as occupational therapy, speech pathology, and physical therapy, provided by licensed professionals.