What is the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)?
It is a legal requirement to be registered to practice if you have a healthcare job in the UK. For many health professionals, the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) is the regulatory body you need to register.
The full list of Allied Health professions regulated by the HCPC includes:
- Arts Therapists
- Biomedical Scientists
- Chiropodists / Podiatrists
- Clinical Scientists
- Dietitians
- Hearing aid dispensers
- Occupational Therapists
- Operating Department Practitioners
- Orthoptists
- Paramedics
- Physiotherapists
- Prosthetists and Orthotists
- Radiographers
- Speech and Language Therapists
The above list of allied health professions contains some general titles that actually cover a variety of specialities. The title of Clinical Scientist, for example, can be applied to a number of specialities such as Audiology or Cardiography.
For each of these professions, at least one protected title exists. For example, Occupational Therapist is a protected title, meaning it is illegal to work as an Occupational Therapist unless you are registered with the HCPC.
Registration with the HCPC is valid for two professional years, after which you must renew your registration and confirm that you have met the HCPC’s requirements for Continuing Professional Development. Each profession has its own dates for a professional year, a list of which can be found on the HCPC website.
What do you need to do to register with the Health and Care Professions Council?
HCPC registration as an overseas qualified health professional you will have to meet strict standards relating to your:
training and qualifications
professional experience
professional registration and membership
personal character and health
English language proficiency
All registration applications are investigated individually. As a result, the registration process can be both time-consuming and expensive. You should be aware of these factors and allow for them when planning your move to the UK. While the application process can be quite demanding on you the chance to work in a healthcare job in the UK — one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems — is a considerable reward.
Processing Time
HCPC will aim to assess and advise you within 60 days after they receive your application however, it can take longer than 60 days if your application is incomplete, needs additional requirements or the volume of applications is high.
Cost
The cost to apply for registration is £639.98. This is a one-off, non-refundable ‘scrutiny fee’ which is separate from the registration fee you will be charged should your application be successful. Contact the HCPC to find out the registration fees applicable to each profession. As a guide though, registration renewal costs £232.72 for two years and this amount is eligible for a tax back claim.
What should you do to help with the registration process?
The HCPC registration process is very thorough when assessing international applications and you should be equally thorough when filling out your application. Ensure that all the information is complete and updated. Additionally, you give yourself enough time to complete all the application requirements and make sure you pay attention to the details. A comprehensive application guide can be found on the HCPC website.
As part of your application, you will have to provide a character reference, a health reference and 2 clinical references. You will also have to contact the university or institution where you achieved your qualification and have them provide a detailed overview of the course you studied.
Table of Contents
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