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NHS Education for Scotland NMAHP Development Framework

Becoming an Allied Health Professional (AHP)

If you are considering a career as an allied health professional, explore the 14 AHP careers on the NHS Scotland Careers Allied health professions site. 

There are various pathways to start a career as an AHP. To learn more about the education and training options available for AHP careers go to NHS Scotland Careers and select your desired profession.

Please note that not all AHP disciplines have clear pathways or specific education programmes. 

Here's a summary of the different routes into an AHP career.

A degree in an AHP field typically takes between 3 to 5 years depending on the specific programme.  

  • Entry requirements
    3 to 4 Highers at Grade C or above. Qualifications: at SCQF level 6 may also be considered.  

To find a specific programme use the search function on My World of work.  

This route is designed for adult learners who have been out of education for three or more years. It helps bridge gaps in your education and leads to a university degree programme.  

  • Entry Requirements
    None. 
  • Duration
    One year, followed by entry into a SWAP-partnered university nursing programme  

For more details visit the SWAP site. 

If you are a healthcare support worker or lack the necessary qualifications for direct entry into an AHP degree programme, the Higher National Certificate (HNC) Healthcare Practice could be a good option.  

Successful completion of the HNC may grant you access to the first year of a degree programme or, depending on specific criteria, entry into the second year. 

For example, HNC Occupational Therapy support, could allow entry into the second year of a BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy degree.  

More information about the HNC is available on the SQA website.

The HNC Healthcare Practice also helps prepare for further study, such as academic writing skills. Visit the SQA website for more details on this qualification.

Some AHP profession offer postgraduate degree programmes. These include art, drama, and music therapy, as well as dietetics, occupational therapy, radiography, physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy. 

  • Entry requirements
    Previous degree 
  • Duration
    From 2 to 2.5 years to complete. 

This route is for qualified AHPs who wish to return to practice. It involves a process for readmission to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register. The HCPC has specific requirements for returning to practice. For more information visit the HCPC website Returning to practice.