Allied Health Professions are a distinct group of health professionals who apply their expertise to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate people of all ages and all specialties. Together with a range of technical and support staff they may deliver direct patient care, rehabilitation, treatment, diagnostics and health improvement interventions to restore and maintain optimal physical, sensory, psychological, cognitive and social functions.

This inclusive grouping, which can account for up to 60% of all health professionals in some countries, provides professional leadership, governance, supervision and professional development that will assure appropriate credentialing and quality of patient care. Allied Health makes a significant contribution to health system strengthening, including primary care, and the communities with whom they work

Definitions of allied health professions vary across countries and contexts, but generally indicate that they are health professions distinct from medicine, pharmacy and nursing. Some definitions only include health care providers that require registration by law to practice, but usually all allied health professions that require a post-secondary degree or higher qualification are included.

All professional areas ascribed before belong to the ever-growing group of allied health professionals and their sub-specialties. The precise titles, roles, and requisites of the allied health professions may vary considerably from country to country.