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Healthcare ProfessionsWho we recruit

Professions we support, and what each requires.

Every profession has its own qualifications, registration and visa requirements. This page explains each one in plain language and links to the official UK regulator.

A physiotherapist working with an older patient
Important: an international qualification does not on its own authorise anyone to practise in the UK. Regulated professions require registration with the relevant UK regulator, such as the NMC, HCPC or GPhC, and the regulator makes that decision independently.
Nursing

Registered Nurses

Qualified nurses who want to practise in UK hospitals, community services and nursing homes.

Qualifications

A nursing qualification recognised by the NMC and current registration or good standing with your home regulator.

Professional registration

You must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) before you can work as a registered nurse in the UK. International applicants usually complete an eligibility check, the NMC Test of Competence (a computer-based test and a practical OSCE) and meet the NMC English language requirements.

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) ↗

Employment pathways

Roles in NHS trusts, independent hospitals, community services and nursing homes. Some employers recruit before NMC registration is complete and support you through the OSCE.

Register your interest →
Nursing

Adult Nurses

Nurses caring for adults in acute, surgical, medical, community and older-people settings.

Qualifications

A qualification that the NMC accepts for the adult field of nursing, with recent clinical practice.

Professional registration

NMC registration in the adult nursing field is required. The NMC assesses your qualification and you complete its Test of Competence and English language requirements.

NMC – trained outside the UK ↗

Employment pathways

Ward, theatre, community and care-home nursing roles, usually starting at NHS Agenda for Change Band 4 or 5 or the equivalent in the independent sector while registration is completed.

Register your interest →
Nursing

Mental Health Nurses

Nurses supporting people with mental health needs in inpatient, community and specialist services.

Qualifications

A qualification accepted by the NMC for the mental health field, or evidence that meets its requirements.

Professional registration

NMC registration in the mental health field is required. Not every international qualification maps directly to this field, so the NMC decides which part of the register you can join.

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) ↗

Employment pathways

Inpatient wards, community mental health teams, secure services and independent mental health providers.

Register your interest →
Nursing

Learning Disability Nurses

Nurses supporting people with learning disabilities to live healthy, independent lives.

Qualifications

A qualification accepted by the NMC for the learning disabilities field.

Professional registration

NMC registration in the learning disabilities field is required. Few countries train nurses in this field, so the NMC will assess whether your qualification is comparable.

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) ↗

Employment pathways

Community teams, supported living, specialist inpatient and independent providers.

Register your interest →
Allied Health

Allied Health Professionals

Professions such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, speech and language therapy, dietetics and paramedicine.

Qualifications

A degree-level qualification in your profession and recent practice. Requirements differ by profession.

Professional registration

Most allied health professions are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You must be on the HCPC Register before using a protected title or practising in the UK. The HCPC assesses international applications individually.

HCPC – international applications ↗

Employment pathways

NHS trusts, independent hospitals, community and rehabilitation services.

Register your interest →
Allied Health

Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists working in musculoskeletal, respiratory, neurological, rehabilitation and community care.

Qualifications

A physiotherapy degree and clinical experience. The HCPC checks that your training meets its standards.

Professional registration

HCPC registration as a physiotherapist is required. You apply through the HCPC international route and may need to provide evidence of English language ability.

HCPC – international applications ↗

Employment pathways

Acute hospitals, community and rehabilitation teams, private practice and care providers.

Register your interest →
Allied Health

Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists helping people carry out everyday activities after illness, injury or disability.

Qualifications

An occupational therapy qualification and relevant experience.

Professional registration

HCPC registration as an occupational therapist is required before you can practise in the UK.

HCPC – international applications ↗

Employment pathways

Hospitals, community health, mental health services, social care and local authorities.

Register your interest →
Allied Health

Radiographers

Diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers in imaging and cancer services.

Qualifications

A radiography qualification in the diagnostic or therapeutic field.

Professional registration

HCPC registration as a radiographer (diagnostic or therapeutic) is required.

HCPC – international applications ↗

Employment pathways

Imaging departments, radiotherapy centres and independent diagnostic providers.

Register your interest →
Allied Health

Biomedical Scientists

Laboratory scientists working in pathology, microbiology, haematology and blood sciences.

Qualifications

A relevant science degree and laboratory training. The HCPC assesses whether your education and training are comparable.

Professional registration

HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist is required to use the protected title and practise.

HCPC – international applications ↗

Employment pathways

NHS pathology networks and independent laboratories.

Register your interest →
Pharmacy

Pharmacists

Pharmacists in hospital, community and primary care pharmacy.

Qualifications

A pharmacy degree and registration in your home country.

Professional registration

Pharmacists in Great Britain must register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Pharmacists who qualified outside the UK usually complete the Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP), foundation training and the registration assessment before they can register.

General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) ↗

Employment pathways

Because the route to registration is long, we discuss pharmacy opportunities case by case.

Register your interest →
Limited – UK right to work

Healthcare Support Workers

Healthcare assistants and support workers helping nurses and therapists deliver care.

Qualifications

Care experience and relevant training. UK employers usually provide the Care Certificate or equivalent induction.

Professional registration

Support worker roles are not regulated by a professional body, but employers carry out DBS checks, references and training.

GOV.UK – Health and Care Worker visa ↗

Employment pathways

UK immigration rules for care and support roles changed in July 2025 and recruitment of care workers and senior care workers from overseas has closed. We currently consider candidates for these roles only if they already have the right to work in the UK. We always check the current GOV.UK rules.

Register your interest →
Limited – UK right to work

Social Care Professionals

Social workers, registered managers and other professionals in adult social care.

Qualifications

Requirements depend on the role. Social workers need a qualification that the regulator accepts.

Professional registration

Social workers in England must register with Social Work England. Other social care roles may need specific qualifications or registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as a registered manager.

Social Work England ↗

Employment pathways

Local authorities and independent care providers. For care worker roles, the same immigration limits described for support workers apply.

Register your interest →
Visa routes and salary thresholds change. Before relying on any information, check the current rules for the Health and Care Worker visa on GOV.UK. The Home Office decides every visa application.