Health Professions
The Health Professions Council regulates 14 professions (arts therapists, biomedical scientists, chiropodists/podiatrists, clinical scientists, dietitians, occupational therapists, operating department practitioners, orthoptists, paramedics, physiotherapists, practitioner psychologists, prosthetists and orthotists, radiographers, speech and language therapists) who work in primary care trusts or health boards, as well as hospitals. To become a regulated health professional, you have to study in an approved course that meets the standards for education and training for your profession. Each profession differs in the entry qualifications required as you can see here. You need a bachelor’s degree with honours for many professions. To become a Biomedical Scientist you need a BSc and a Certificate of Competence from the Institute of Biomedical Science or equivalent. You need a Diploma of Higher Education to work as an Operating Department Practitioner and a qualification equivalent to a Certificate of Higher Education to work as a paramedic. In some cases, you can take an approved postgraduate qualification (eg in dietetics). At the end of your course, you will be eligible to apply to join the register because you have the knowledge, skills and good character expected of a professional.
Staying on the register
You pay a registration fee every two years. You must meet the Health Professions Council’s standards for Continuing Professional Development , as explained here. You must be ready to show evidence of your CPD in a sample audit.