If you're thinking about a career as an allied health professional (AHP), you need to know the entry routes and the education and training needed.
The education and training needed to become an AHP will depend on the profession. What they all have in common is that they all need at least a degree-level education, either through university or degree apprenticeship.
The main route to becoming an AHP is an undergraduate or postgraduate degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) for osteopaths.
After completing professional training, you'll need to apply to join the HCPC Register.
The HCPC Register stores the details of all health and care professionals who meet the standards for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health.
After completing professional training, you'll need to apply to join it and renew every 2 years. CPD* is a requirement of your registration and at the start of each renewal 2.5% of each profession are asked to submit their CPD portfolio. HCPC only audit registrants who have been registered for two years or more.
*(CPD) is a planned, ongoing process of learning that helps nurses and other professionals maintain and update their skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective patient care. It's also known as continuing nursing/professional education or professional skills development.
You can also train for some AHP roles through a degree apprenticeship. This involves working and studying at degree level at the same time. They typically last 4 years and combine academic study with practical, paid employment. Universities and employers offering apprenticeships will usually expect you to attend an interview.
Examples:
- Diagnostic radiographer degree apprenticeship (level 6)
- Paramedic degree apprenticeship (level 6)
- Podiatrist degree apprenticeship (level 6)
- Physiotherapist apprenticeship training course (level 6)
You are likely to need at least two (usually three) A-levels or equivalent qualifications at level 3, such as a T level or BTEC, plus supporting GCSEs. Entry requirements can vary between universities and employers so always speak to those you wish to attend.
Courses often specify specific subjects, such as at least one science subject, but this varies between professions and courses.
Qualifications
Skills and knowledge:
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- knowledge of psychology
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to understand people’s reactions
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
Art Therapy -university
- You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
- Full time postgraduate courses normally take 2 years to complete. Part time courses take 3 years.
- You should have a degree in art or creative therapies to do a postgraduate course.
- You may be able to apply if you've got a degree in a related subject, for example psychology, nursing or social work.
Art therapy -entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Music therapy - university
You'll need to do an approved postgraduate course in music therapy and then register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
To get on a postgraduate course in music therapy, you'll usually need a degree in music.
However, you might be accepted if you have an education or psychology degree and you have a high level of music skill.
To apply for a postgraduate course, you'll need 1 or 2 years of paid or voluntary work experience in a health, education or social care setting.
Music therapy - Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You'll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in dietetics or human nutrition, accredited by the British Dietetic Association.
You might be able to take a postgraduate course if you already have a degree with an acceptable level of human physiology and biochemistry.
You might be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology or chemistry
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Apprenticeship
You might be able to do a dietitian degree apprenticeship.
This typically takes 4 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.
If you complete your apprenticeship successfully, you'll be eligible for full membership of the British Dietetic Association.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- active listening skills
- knowledge of biology
- sensitivity and understanding
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work on your own
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a degree in occupational therapy, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Courses combine work placements with academic study.
Postgraduate conversion course
You might be able to do a postgraduate conversion course if you've got a degree in a subject like:
- biological science
- health science
- psychology
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could do an Occupational Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This usually takes 4 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and academic study at an approved university.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of psychology
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
University
You'll need to study a diploma of higher education which takes 2 years or a degree in operating department practice which takes 3 years.
The course has to be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
You can do further study to top up your diploma to a degree after you qualify.
Work experience
You'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare before you apply for a course.
NHS Learning Support Fund
During your studies, you might be eligible for financial support from the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could do an Operating Department Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This usually takes 4 years to complete and is a mix of learning on the job and academic study at an approved university.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of biology
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be flexible and open to change
- active listening skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
You can get into this job through a university course.
University
You'll need to get a degree in orthoptics, approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
There's a lot of competition for places on orthoptics degree courses, so you'll need to show an understanding and commitment to orthoptics before you apply.
Work experience
Before you apply for a course, you'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare, for example in a local orthoptic department.
The British and Irish Orthoptics Society can also give you information on work shadowing opportunities.
NHS Learning Support Fund
As well as a student loan, you might be able to get financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with others
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- thinking and reasoning skills
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- to enjoy working with other people
- knowledge of English language
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
You can get into this job through a university course or professional development training.
University
To become an osteopath, you'll need to complete a degree or postgraduate master's degree approved by the General Osteopathic Council.
Courses usually take 4 years full time, or you might be able to study part time over 5 years.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Other Routes
If you're already medically qualified, for example as a doctor or physiotherapist, you might be able to do a shorter postgraduate training programme.
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
- the ability to work well with your hands
- sensitivity and understanding
- to enjoy working with other people
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- analytical thinking skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- have insurance
- pass enhanced background checks
Before you can register with the General Osteopathic Council, you'll need to give health and personal character references.
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can do a physiotherapy degree course approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
You can also do a postgraduate master's course if you already have a first degree in a related subject, like:
- biological science
- health science
- sports and exercise science
Once you are qualified and have clinical experience you could specialise in an area like sports injuries and rehabilitation.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Physiotherapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
It usually takes 4 years to complete and includes a mix of learning on the job while studying at university.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- sensitivity and understanding
- to enjoy working with other people
- customer service skills
- analytical thinking skills
- knowledge of psychology
- to be flexible and open to change
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
You can get into this work through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a trainee scheme
University
You'll need to do a paramedic science degree approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
Full-time courses usually take 3 years.
You may be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Paramedic Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This takes 3 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and classroom learning.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- sensitivity and understanding
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of public safety and security
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
- pass a medical check
Many ambulance services will expect you to have a full driving licence by the time you finish your training and preferably a C1 driving licence that allows you to drive medium-sized vehicles.
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You'll need to complete a degree in podiatry approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
If you already have a degree in a healthcare or science subject, you can apply for an accelerated degree in podiatry.
You might be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could do the Podiatrist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This usually takes 4 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- customer service skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to learn through your work
- sensitivity and understanding
- active listening skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
University
You can do a degree in prosthetics and orthotics.
Your degree must be approved by the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists and the Health and Care Professions Council.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could take a Prosthetist and Orthotist Level 6 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship to become a prosthetist and orthotist.
You could start by taking a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This would allow you to become a technician, supporting prosthetists and orthotists. After this, you may be able to move onto the level 6 degree apprenticeship to progress to a prosthetist and orthotist.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
- excellent verbal communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- knowledge of psychology
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You'll need a degree in speech and language therapy approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).
If you've got a relevant degree, you could do a 2-year fast-track postgraduate course in speech and language therapy.
You may be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a Speech and Language Therapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship will take around 4 years to complete.
If you already have a relevant degree it may be shorter and you may be able to get a master's qualification as part of the apprenticeship.
If you are working as a speech and language therapy assistant you might be able to apply to do the degree apprenticeship with your current employer. You would need to meet all their entry requirements for the apprenticeship.
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) has more information on this apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of English language
- sensitivity and understanding
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of psychology
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
For some roles you'll need to visit clients in their homes, so you'll need a driving licence.
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You'll need to do a degree or postgraduate qualification approved by the Health and Care Professions Council to become a radiographer.
Your choice of degree course will depend on whether you want to work in diagnostic or therapeutic radiography.
You may be able to take a fast-track postgraduate qualification over 2 years if you're a health professional or have a relevant degree.
Extra student financial support may be available through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
You can also train as a radiographer in the armed forces. Find out more at:
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 3 A levels, or equivalent, including at least 1 science
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiographer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This takes a minimum of 36 months and is a mix of learning in the workplace and academic study at an approved university.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of biology
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- active listening skills
- concentration skills
- thinking and reasoning skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults
Where can I study in Kent and Medway?
Visit our Partners page to explore what education providers there are in Kent and Medway, and what courses they offer.
Alternatively, you can use this national careers service course finder to find out which providers offer the course you are interested in.