What is HCPC?
In the UK, health and care providers are governed by the HCPC, which makes sure they comply with strict guidelines for training and practise. Physiotherapists who are planning to practise in the UK are legally required to register with the HCPC. The HCPC’s mission is to protect the public by ensuring that practitioners maintain the necessary standards of proficiency and conduct.
Why Register with HCPC?
Global Recognition: Becoming registered with the HCPC will open doors to practise in the UK and other nations.
Professional Standards: Maintaining your registration demonstrates your commitment to the highest standards in your field and your dedication to lifelong learning.
Legal Requirement: It is illegal in the UK to practise medicine without holding an HCPC registration.
No qualifying exam: No qualifying exam required to practise in the UK as a physiotherapist once you get registered with HCPC.
Eligibility To Get Registered
- Both Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.PT) and Master of Physiotherapy (M.PT) graduates are eligible
- At least one or two years of experience post-qualification is required
- Must hold valid registration/licence in home country
- Proof of English Language proficiency evaluated through IELTS/TOEFL (IELTS score no less than 7.0. A Score of 8 would be apt, with no element below 6.5)
- You should not have been previously registered with the HCPC
Steps to HCPC Registration
1.Check eligibility- You must tick all the above mentioned eligibility points before applying for HCPC.
2. Gather required documents- The necessary documents include:
- Proof of identity and address
- Course information form and professional qualification certificate
- Certificate of English language proficiency
- Certify your documents- A photocopy or scan of the original that has been hand-signed by someone who can verify this such as your employer
- Providing translations- For any documents that are not in English, you will need to provide a certified copy of an official translation
- Declaration- Including good character, health and disability(if any), background checks
3. Online application- Visit the HCPC website to fill out the online application form. Make sure to provide accurate information to avoid any delays.
4. Pay Scrutiny fees- For HCPC Registration, physiotherapists have to pay the Scrutiny fee of £639.98.
5. Await confirmation- After submitting all the documents and fees, all you can do is wait for the confirmation for your registration with HCPC
6. Registration fees- Pay the registration fees of £232.72 once your registration is confirmed.
Timeline for Registration and Validity
The HCPC registration process takes 2 to 4 months to complete if all required documents are submitted properly, and is usually valid for 2 years.
Applicants need to renew their registration every 2 years.
Job Opportunities for HCPC-Registered Physiotherapists
After registration, you'll get access to a variety of job opportunities across various settings, such as:
- NHS Employment(UNITED KINGDOM /SCOTLAND) (Largest employer of physiotherapists in the UK)- You can get a job in Hospitals, Rehabilitation centres, Community settings under NHS work locations.
- Private clinics- You can choose to work in a private clinic with specialisations such as musculoskeletal conditions.
- Sports organisations- In this, you can work directly with athletes to manage injuries and enhance performance.
- Education and research- You can also consider teaching at universities or participating in research projects related to physiotherapy.
Salary Expectations for Physiotherapists in the UK
An entry-level Physiotherapist with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of £25,521 (INR 27 Lakhs). An early career Physiotherapist with 1-4 years of experience earns an average of £29,820 (INR 32 Lakhs) yearly whereas a Physiotherapist with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total of £34,763 (INR 37 Lakhs) per year.
Final thoughts
For physiotherapists who want to work in the UK, HCPC registration is an essential first step. It not only increases your professional credibility but also leads to a variety of career options and attractive salaries in a variety of professions. Making sure you complete the requirements and completing the registration process will allow you to start a rewarding career in physiotherapy.
If you are anxious about how to get yourself registered and work in your dream country, Academically is right at your service.
The HCPC Registration Guidance by Academically offers a specially designed, step-by-step guide to help you through the registration process for HCPC and become a registered physiotherapist in the United Kingdom.
Fill out the form and an expert from our team will contact you at your earliest convenience.
