Routes into Allied Health Professions

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You will find information about AHP careers on the NHSScotland Careers website

Please note that not all AHP disciplines have clear pathways.  Here's a summary of the different routes   into an AHP career.

The Allied Health Professions Education and Workforce Policy Review recommendations provide a roadmap for future developments.

Routes into Allied Health Professions for Support Workers

Thinking of a future career as an allied health professional then find out more about the 14 AHP careers at the NHS Scotland Careers Allied health professions site.  

 There are lots of ways to start a career as an AHP. This infographic summarises the different routes into an AHP career.  

The traditional degree route can take 4 years depending on the degree you choose. Anyone with the relevant qualifications can apply.

HNC Healthcare Practice (previously HNC Care & Administrative Practice).  This qualification can be a good way to prepare for further study e.g. skills in academic writing. Units (Mandatory) included in this qualification (12.0 credits)
- Safe Working Practice for Care - SCQF 7(J4DM34) (1.0)
- Therapeutic Relationships: Understanding behaviour - SCQF 7(J4DN34) (1.0)
- Sociology and Health in Scotland - SCQF 7(J4DP34) (1.0)
- Professional Standards for Care Practice - SCQF 7(J4DR34) (1.0)
- Understanding Personal and Professional Development - SCQF 7(J4DS34) (1.0)
- Clinical Skills for Care Practitioners - SCQF 7(J4DT34) (3.0)
- The Human Body in Health and Illness - SCQF 7(J4DV34) (2.0)
- Exploring Mental Health - SCQF 7(J4DW34) (1.0)
- Graded Unit 1: Healthcare Practice - SCQF 7(J4JY34) (1.0)

Further information about the HNC Healthcare Practice can be found on the SQA website.

HNC Occupational Therapy support - undertaking this qualification could allow access into year 2 of the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy.  More information about the HNC is available on the SQA website The BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy is delivered by Glasgow Caledonian University.

Glasgow Clyde College run 2 HNC Occupational Therapy Support courses: 

Full time at Langside Campus:  HNC Occupational Therapy Support | Glasgow Clyde College

Distance learning programme: HNC Occupational Therapy Support | Glasgow Clyde College

Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) 

This route is for adult learners that have been out of education for 3 or more years. There are no entry requirements for this route. To find out more go to the SWAP site.  

Professional Development Awards are available which would help develop your academic writing and research.  Lists of all participating Colleges can be accessed Colleges Scotland website.

 

Return to AHP practice route 

This route is for former qualified AHPs and is a process for readmission to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register. The HCPC has a number of requirements for this. You can find detailed information on this process on the HCPC website Returning to practice.  

You may have questions around funding for career pathways or learning and development in general. You will find information on the funding options in the finding a qualification to support career development page.