Tenure and the allied health professions: issues and alternatives.

This article traces the development of tenure from its origins to modern times. External and internal pressures and constraints which have led to a debate on the nature and need for the existence of tenure are described. The traditional and alternative tenure models are set forth. The impact of the tenure process upon the allied health professions is discussed, and the authors recommend that the allied health professions should strive for professional parity by adopting the traditional criteria for tenure.