How to become an allied health professional 

Allied health professionals are essential to healthcare, supporting doctors and nurses while directly improving patient outcomes. Discover the 14 professions, the qualifications required, and average salaries

What is allied health?

Allied health professionals play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing essential services that complement and enhance the work of doctors, physicians and nurses.Ìý

These professionals are highly skilled in diagnosing conditions, for example: 

• speech-language pathologists identifying communication disorders 
• radiographers using imaging techniques to detect abnormalities.ÌýÌý

They also focus on restoring and improving a patient's health and function through treatment and rehabilitation, including: 

• occupational therapists assisting with daily living activities 
• physical therapists helping patients to regain mobility 
• physiotherapists managing breathing conditions.ÌýÌý

Additionally, allied health professionals are instrumental in promoting health and preventing diseases by: 

• conducting screenings for various conditions  
• educating patients on healthy lifestyles 
• providing nutritional guidance.Ìý

What jobs can I do in allied health?

 There are 14 allied health professions in the UK, including: 

• Art therapists - help individuals to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through art.Ìý
• Dieticians - use their knowledge to help people of all ages make healthy food choices and manage their health through diet.Ìý
• Dramatherapists - mental health professionals who use drama and theatre techniques to help people express themselves and work through emotional issues.Ìý
• Music therapists - help individuals understand the meaning behind their musical experiences and use them as tools for healing and growth.Ìý
• Occupational therapists - focus on enabling individuals to participate in self-care, work, leisure, and social activities.Ìý
• Operating department practitioners - work with surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of surgical procedures.Ìý
• Orthoptists - specialise in diagnosing and treating eye movement disorders and problems with binocular vision.ÌýÌý
• Osteopaths - focus on the body's musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, muscles, ligaments, and joints.ÌýÌý
• Paramedics - provide emergency medical care. They are often the first medical responders, providing critical care to patients before they are transported to the hospital.    
• Physiotherapists - work with patients to assess, diagnose, and treat physical limitations caused by injury, illness, or disability.Ìý
• Podiatrists - specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs.Ìý
• Prosthetists and orthotists - specialise in designing, fitting, and fabricating assistive devices to help people with limb loss or physical disabilities.Ìý
• Radiographers - use specialised equipment to create images of the inside of the body, which doctors then use to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries.Ìý
• Speech and language therapists - help people with communication, eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties.Ìý

How much will I get paid working in allied health?

Allied health professionals in the National Health Service (NHS) start with annual salaries ranging from £29,970 to £37,338. With experience, they can earn between £37,471 and £54,000.ÌýÌý

Certain specialities, such as speech-language pathology and occupational therapy, often offer higher salaries. For instance, speech and language therapists typically start on £29,970, potentially rising to £36,483 with experience. Occupational therapists usually earn £28,407 to £34,581.ÌýÌý

Keep in mind that these figures reflect NHS pay bands. Private clinics or organisations may provide different salaries and benefits.Ìý

What qualifications do I need to work in allied health?

You'll typically need at least a Bachelors degree accredited by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).ÌýÌý

Bachelors degrees that lead to a career in allied health include: 

• BSc Diagnostic Radiotherapy - The University of Derby 
• BSc Dietetics and Nutrition - London Metropolitan University 
• BSc Operating Department Practice - University of Central Lancashire 
• BSc Osteopathy - The University of Plymouth 
• BSc Paramedic Science - The University of Brighton 
• BSc Prosthetics and Orthotics - The University of Strathclyde 
• BSc Podiatry - The University of Huddersfield 
• BSc Physiotherapy - The University of Salford 
• BSc Speech and Language Therapy - The University of Manchester 

For more information on fees for undergraduate degrees, see student loans and finance.Ìý

Some professions may require a Masters degree for advanced practice or specialisation.Ìý

For example, the University of Southampton offers a part-time Advanced Clinical Practice (Advanced Allied Health Practitioner) MSc for practising and newly qualified podiatrists. This programme is designed to help you take on greater responsibility, potentially leading to roles such as advanced or consultant practitioners. Tuition is charged per module, ranging from £1,352 for a 10-credit module to £2,366 for the dissertation.Ìý

The University of Huddersfield also offers a one-year Theory of Podiatric Surgery MSc. This provides an in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures and valuable clinical placements in podiatric surgery settings. Tuition for the full-time course is £8,900.Ìý

Can I do an apprenticeship in an allied health profession?

Allowing you to gain practical experience while earning your degree, degree apprenticeships in allied health are available through the NHS for the following career paths: 

• diagnostic radiography  
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• occupational therapy  
• operating department practice 
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• podiatry.

Apprentices typically work in clinical support roles four days a week, such as theatre support workers or assistants in occupational therapy or physical therapy departments. You'll spend one day a week at the university.Ìý

Eligibility requirements differ, but generally, you'll need to have A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. For example, the midwifery apprenticeship with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust requires GCSEs in English and math at grades A-C or 9-4, plus three Cs at A-level.Ìý

Your starting salary is determined by both your training rate and NHS pay band. For instance, a Band 4 dietetic apprentice at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust can expect to earn between £31,944 and £34,937, while a Band 3 apprentice podiatrist at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will earn £24,071 to £25,674.Ìý

For degree apprenticeships, you won't apply to the university - instead, you'll apply directly to the NHS. Degree apprenticeship vacancies are advertised all year round, and each listing will clearly state its application deadline and start date.Ìý

Explore available apprenticeship positions on NHS Jobs - Apprenticeships.ÌýÌý

For more information on the application process, see how to apply for an apprenticeship.Ìý

How do I get a job in allied health?

Upon graduating from your degree programme or completing your apprenticeship, you must register with the HCPC or the General Osteopathic Council. This registration assures that you meet the required professional standards to practice.

You'll typically start in a general role to gain foundational experience. As you progress, you can choose to specialise in an area that aligns with your interests. For instance, physiotherapists may focus on sports injuries, while speech and language therapists might specialise in working with children with autism.Ìý

Professional memberships with organisations such as the Royal College of Occupational Therapists or the British Dietetic Association can also benefit your career. They serve to validate your expertise and qualifications to both employers and patients, and often provide job boards and career resources.Ìý

Gaining practical experience is essential for professional growth, typically achieved through supervised clinical rotations during your studies. Pursuing internships or volunteer positions after graduation can further enhance your employability.Ìý

Take your first step towards an NHS career by following the advice on NHS - Getting experience.Ìý

Maintaining your professional licence requires ongoing learning through continued professional development (CPD). Participating in CPD activities ensures you remain current with the latest advancements in your field, enabling you to deliver the best possible care.Ìý

What is it like to work in allied health?

Working in allied health can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges.ÌýÌý

You'll find satisfaction in directly impacting individuals' lives, helping them enhance their health and overall well-being. The field's diversity is another significant advantage, encompassing a broad spectrum of specialisations and work environments.ÌýÌý

For instance, your workplace could range from bustling hospitals and clinics to schools or  patients' homes, offering varied experiences and preventing monotony.Ìý

However, it's important to acknowledge the emotional demands of the work. You'll frequently interact with individuals in vulnerable situations, which can be emotionally taxing. Furthermore, depending on your chosen field and setting, be prepared for work schedules that may include evenings, weekends, or holidays.Ìý

Find out more

• Explore apprenticeships in nursing.Ìý
• See what else the healthcare sector has to offer.Ìý
• Take a look at our healthcare job profiles.Ìý