NHSScotland Careers
02 February 2023
•2 min read
Choose a career in the allied health professions
It's not just doctors and nurses who have a vital role in caring for patients in the NHS. Our new guide tells you all you need to know about our 14 AHP professions.
You may already have heard of a physiotherapist, a dietitian, or a paramedic. In fact, there are 14 different allied health professions in Scotland:
- art therapist
- diagnostic radiographer
- dietitian
- dramatherapist
- music therapist
- occupational therapist
- orthoptist
- orthotist
- paramedic
- physiotherapist
- podiatrist
- prosthetist
- speech and language therapist
- therapeutic radiographer
Let’s explore all AHP job roles in the NHSScotland workforce. Find out more about AHP careers.
Starting your AHP career
There are lots of ways to start your career as an AHP.
Getting the knowledge and skills to become an AHP requires training and studying at a degree level. The pre-registration degree programme you choose must be approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Find out more about education pathways for AHPs.
When you graduate, you must register with the HCPC to work in the NHS.
Where do AHPs work?
You could be an AHP working in clinical practice in a wide range of environments, including community settings, GP practices, hospitals, patient's homes, prison services, and schools.
AHPs also work in:
- evidence, research, and development to inform practice and improve services
- roles that facilitate learning to support the education and development of others
- leadership roles in leading teams and managing services
Want to find out more? Download our AHP career guide.