What does an Allied Health Professional do?
While the focus of allied health professionals differs—speech-language pathologists support communication and swallowing, physical therapists restore mobility and reduce pain, occupational therapists help clients perform daily activities, and child-life specialists guide children and families through medical experiences by using play, creative arts, and therapeutic support—they often collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. For Berklee students, these careers highlight how music and the arts can complement rehabilitation and psychosocial care.
At a Glance
A master’s degree or doctorate is required for most allied health professions. Examples include:
- Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): Requires a master’s in speech-language pathology and state licensure.
- Physical Therapist (PT): Requires a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) and licensure.
- Occupational Therapist (OT): Requires a master’s in occupational therapy (MOT) or doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) and licensure.
- Child Life Specialist (CLS): Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, psychology, or related fields, completion of an internship, and passing the Child Life Professional Certification Exam.
Entry-level positions often begin with clinical fellowships, internships, or supervised practice, with advancement leading to specialization (e.g., pediatrics, neurology, geriatrics, oncology), leadership roles, or academic and research positions.
A degree in music therapy provides excellent preparation for graduate study in allied health fields by combining clinical training, psychology, anatomy, and therapeutic practice with the creative application of music in rehabilitation. This foundation is especially valuable as music-based interventions directly support communication, motor skills, developmental milestones, and emotional well-being.
Allied health professionals are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, pediatric units, private practices, community health programs, and research settings. Demand is growing in gerontology, pediatrics, mental health, and integrative health practices.
Clinical assessment and intervention planning; evidence-based practice and data analysis; program design, evaluation, and advocacy; research and grant writing; family-centered care and communication.
Patience; empathy; creativity; cultural awareness.
Work is typically full-time in clinical, pediatric, educational, or community health settings, often requiring direct patient and family interaction, documentation, and continuing education. Hours vary depending on the setting and may include evenings or weekends.
