Jefferson Celebrates Allied Health Professions Week

November 2004 – In honor of the current and future healthcare workers at Jefferson College of Health Professions (JCHP), the college celebrates Allied Health Professions Week November 8-12 with events to appreciate faculty, students and alumni for their hard work and dedication to the allied health professions.

Health care is the largest industry in the United States, and five million people work in 80 allied health professions throughout the country. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is predicted to add nearly 3.5 million jobs between 2002 and 2012, and a large majority of these new jobs will be in nursing and the allied health professions.

That is good news for students at JCHP, where individuals are educated and prepared to work as nurses and professionals in four of the allied health professions: bioscience technologies, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and radiologic sciences.

Constituting approximately 60 percent of all healthcare providers, allied health practitioners greatly influence healthcare delivery by supporting, facilitating and complementing the roles of physicians and other healthcare specialists. This collaboration of care emphasizes the strengths of all health professions and enhances the quality of care in this country and abroad.

Allied health professionals work in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, nursing homes, mental health facilities, public health services and private medical practices. Beyond these traditional health care facilities, allied health practitioners also work in industry, where they administer basic health care and emergency first aid to workers, inspect equipment and assure that safe work practices are followed. Some of these professionals work as researchers, technical advisors and representatives in the manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment and supplies.

Thomas Jefferson University's Jefferson College of Health Professions, founded in 1969 and located in the heart of Philadelphia, provides innovative academic programs to a highly qualified, culturally diverse student population with the primary goal of developing outstanding professionals and future leaders in healthcare. JCHP offers a fully accredited bachelor's degree program in radiologic sciences, bachelor's and master's degree programs in bioscience technologies, nursing, occupational therapy, and a doctoral degree in physical therapy. In addition, JCHP offers selected health certificates and associate degrees in the Department of General Studies.

See what events are planned for the week.

Media Contact:
Jane A. Clinton
Marketing and PR Manager
215-503-9865

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