DALLAS--( BUSINESS WIRE )--Respiratory therapists, who are essential to treating COVID-19 patients, top the list of most in-demand temporary allied healthcare professionals, according to a new survey by AMN Healthcare, the nation's leader in healthcare total talent solutions. The survey of 159 hospitals, as well as other healthcare facilities, indicates that 96% have used allied healthcare professionals of various types to fill temporary assignments during the last 12 months. Respiratory therapists are most commonly used, followed by laboratory technologists, radiologic technologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech pathologists. "The widespread use of temporary allied healthcare professionals signals an emerging shortage of these workers," said Robin Johnson, Divisional President with AMN Healthcare. "The same pattern of labor shortages prevalent in nursing and medicine now are affecting the allied healthcare professions."