Allied health encompasses health professions distinct from medicine and nursing. This broad group uses scientific principles and evidence-based practice for diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, disease prevention, wellness, and health systems administration.

An allied health professional holds a degree or certificate from an accredited institution and works in a public health agency or patient care setting. Qualifying settings include acute care, ambulatory care, and health professional shortage areas recognized by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

A health professional (other than a registered nurse or physician assistant) without a doctoral-level degree in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, chiropractic, clinical psychology, social work, or counseling.