Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) play a vital role in the NHS, providing care and support across a wide range of health services. They work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes, promote independence, and enhance quality of life. There are 14 recognised AHP roles in the NHS, each with unique responsibilities and specialisms.
The 14 NHS AHP Roles
- Art Therapist – Uses creative processes such as painting, drawing, and sculpture to help patients improve mental health, cope with illness, and express themselves.
- Music Therapist – Uses music and sound to support emotional, cognitive, and social needs, often for patients with mental health issues, dementia, or neurological conditions.
- Drama Therapist – Applies drama and performance techniques to improve mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social skills.
- Dietitian – Provides nutritional advice and plans to help patients manage conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Occupational Therapist (OT) – Helps patients regain skills and independence in daily life following illness, injury, or disability.
- Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) – Works in surgical theatres, assisting with anaesthesia and surgical procedures.
- Orthoptist – Diagnoses and treats eye movement disorders and vision problems, often in children.
- Paramedic – Responds to emergencies, providing urgent care and transportation to hospital.
- Physiotherapist – Supports patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory conditions to regain movement and manage pain.
- Podiatrist – Treats conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs, including injuries, infections, and chronic conditions like diabetes.
- Prosthetist/Orthotist – Designs and fits prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices to improve mobility and function.
- Radiographer – Uses imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to diagnose and treat conditions. Radiographers can specialise in diagnostic or therapeutic roles.
- Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) – Assesses and treats communication and swallowing difficulties in children and adults.
- Osteopath – Focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing health problems by moving, stretching, and massaging a person’s muscles and joints.
FAQs About NHS AHP Roles
What qualifications do I need to become an AHP?
Each role requires specific qualifications, usually a relevant degree or postgraduate training. Most roles are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Do AHPs work in hospitals only?
No, AHPs work in hospitals, clinics, community settings, schools, and patients’ homes, depending on their role.
Can I specialise as an AHP?
Yes, most AHPs can specialise in areas such as mental health, paediatrics, neurology, orthopaedics, or sports rehabilitation.
Are AHP roles in demand?
Yes, there is high demand for AHPs across the NHS due to ageing populations and increasing long-term conditions.
Can AHPs progress into leadership roles?
Absolutely. Many AHPs advance into senior clinical, management, or consultancy positions.
Do AHPs work independently?
They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, but many roles require independent assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Conclusion
Allied Health Professionals are essential to the NHS, offering expert care that helps patients recover, adapt, and thrive. With 14 recognised roles, there are diverse opportunities for those looking to work in healthcare outside of medicine and nursing. Whether you’re interested in helping people through physical rehabilitation, mental health support, or diagnostic services, a career as an AHP can be highly rewarding.