Information for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs)
Anyone wanting to work in the UK as an allied health professional must register with the Health Professions Council; however this does not provide the right to work in the UK.
The Health Professions Council (HPC) is the body that regulates allied health professionals in the UK. The HPC sets standards of professional training, performance and conduct and hold a register of health professionals who meet the registration standards.
The allied health professions include physiotherapists, radiographers and speech and language therapists. For a full list, visit the HPC website
Each of the regulated professions has a 'protected title' and anyone who uses one of these titles must be registered with the HPC. Each application submitted to the HPC is looked at on an individual basis by registration assessors and all applicants will be required to meet the standards of the HPC and must provide both character and health references and in certain circumstances applicants may be asked to provide clinical references.
There are different requirements for registration for AHPs who trained in the UK to those trained outside the UK.
There are also voluntary registers managed by the relevant professional body for those AHP professions not currently regulated by the HPC. Registration with these organisations is sometimes a condition of employment in the NHS. Individuals will need to contact the relevant professional body for further information. To find your relevant professional body in the UK, please search this website by your profession.
The ability to communicate effectively in English is included as a requirement in the standards set by the HPC to become registered to practise as a health professional in the UK. Applicants can be asked to provide information about their ability to use English and all applicants applying through the international registration process will be asked to do this unless:
- English is your first language
- You are an EEA national
Where an applicant is required to demonstrate that they meet the language requirements of the HPC, evidence of the completion of a recognised English language proficiency test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) must be included with the application. Applicants will need to take the 'Academic' test and not the 'General' test. A list of the English language proficiency tests that the HPC accept can be found on the website.
Applicants from both the EEA and non-EEA countries who are applying to register as speech and language therapists are required to meet a higher standard in English language proficiency than other professions as communication in English is a core professional skill.
Non EEA nationals
Applicants whose experience and/or training were gained outside the UK must complete the International registration form which can be found on the HPC website.
EEA nationals
EEA nationals will need to complete the registration process. EEA applicants whose experience and/or training were gained outside the UK must complete the international registration form which can be found on the HPC website.
Temporary Registration
Only individuals who are established elsewhere in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland can apply for Temporary Registration. Temporary Registration applies to those applicants who wish to provide professional services in the UK on a temporary and occasional basis. Initial registration will be one year in duration and may be renewed annually.
Applicants must complete a Temporary Registration declaration form and must meet the HPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
Psychologists
The NHS employs psychologists in the following disciplines:
- Clinical psychology
- Counselling psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Health psychology
There is a basic requirement in each discipline to have completed the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) before undertaking further accredited training at doctorate level.
For further information about GBC and accredited training, contact the British Psychological Society
FAQs
Which immigration route will I need to use?
If you are not a British citizen, or a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) you will need a visa and may need entry clearance before you travel to the UK. To obtain a visa or entry clearance you will need to meet all the requirements of the UK Border Agency which is responsible for the immigration process into the UK.
A national from outside the EEA seeking entry to, or permission to remain in, the UK for the purpose of employment will need to meet the requirements of the points-based system. This is the new immigration system which has replaced the old immigration routes, such as work permits.
Will I have to take a health check?
All healthcare professionals recruited into the NHS that work directly with patients have to undergo an occupational health medical check before starting employment. This will include:
- Clinical history and examination
- Blood testing for hepatitis B & C
- Declaration about the health status of all candidates
- A chest x-ray for TB
Where do I look for job vacancies in the NHS?
All NHS organisations in England (and Wales) advertise their vacancies on the NHS Jobs website.
