Working as an Allied Health Professional

To become a midwife in the NHS in the UK, if you are trained outside the UK, you must first register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

The NMC requires overseas midwives to complete a two-part application process, which includes a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The CBT assesses your knowledge of midwifery and the OSCE assesses your clinical skills.

You must also meet the English language standard set by the NMC. This means that you must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English at a level that is sufficient to practice safely as a midwife.

Here are the specific steps involved in becoming a midwife in the NHS for overseas midwives:

  1. Check the NMC requirements for overseas midwives: The NMC website has a comprehensive guide to the requirements for overseas midwives. This includes information on the CBT, OSCE, and English language requirements.
  2. Take the CBT: The CBT is offered in several locations around the world. You can find a list of CBT testing centers on the NMC website.
  3. Pass the OSCE: The OSCE is held at a few select locations around the world. You can find a list of OSCE centers on the NMC website.
  4. Meet the English language standard: There are a number of ways to meet the English language standard set by the NMC. You can take an approved English language test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
  5. Apply for registration with the NMC: Once you have passed the CBT and OSCE and met the English language standard, you can apply for registration with the NMC. You can do this online on the NMC website.
  6. Find a job as a midwife in the NHS: Once you are registered with the NMC, you can start looking for a job as a midwife in the NHS. You can find job listings on websites such as NHS Jobs and Totaljobs.

Salary of AHPs in the UK

The salary of AHPs in the UK varies depending on experience, qualifications, and location. According to NHS Digital, the median salary for an AHP in England is £33,616 per year. This means that half of all AHPs earn more than £33,616 and half earn less.

The starting salary for an AHP with no experience is typically around £25,000 per year. With experience, the salary can increase to £40,000 or more. AHPs who work in London or other high-cost areas tend to earn more than those who work in other parts of the country.

AHPs who have specialized qualifications, such as a master’s degree in their field, can also earn more. Nurses who work in management or leadership roles also tend to earn more than those who work in direct patient care roles.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the salary of an AHP:

  • Experience: AHPs with more experience tend to earn more than those with less experience.
  • Qualifications: AHPs with specialized qualifications, such as a master’s degree in their field, can earn more.
  • Location: AHPs who work in London or other high-cost areas tend to earn more than those who work in other parts of the country.
  • Role: AHPs who work in management or leadership roles also tend to earn more than those who work in direct patient care roles.
  • Shift work: AHPs who work shifts, such as nights or weekends, may earn more than those who work regular hours.

If you are interested in a career as an AHP, it is important to consider the salary and other factors that are important to you. You can research salaries for AHPs in your area and talk to other AHPs to get their insights.

Here are some of the allied health professions with the highest salaries in the UK:

  • Radiographers: The average salary for a radiographer in the UK is £37,000 per year.
  • Occupational therapists: The average salary for an occupational therapist in the UK is £36,000 per year.
  • Physiotherapists: The average salary for a physiotherapist in the UK is £35,000 per year.
  • Sonographers: The average salary for a sonographer in the UK is £34,000 per year.
  • Speech and language therapists: The average salary for a speech and language therapist in the UK is £33,000 per year.
  • Dietitians: The average salary for a dietitian in the UK is £32,000 per year.

Duties of an AHPs

  • Adaptation programme: Your employer will provide you with an adaptation programme to support you in the first couple of months. This will help you to get to know your new role and responsibilities, and to meet your colleagues.
  • Corporate and department induction: You will also receive a corporate and department induction. This will provide you with information about the organization, its policies and procedures, and your department’s specific requirements.
  • Preceptorship: You will be assigned a preceptor, who is a more experienced colleague who will help you to learn the ropes. Your preceptor will be there to support you and answer any questions you have.
  • Development programme: If you have experience, your employer may offer you a development programme to sign off the competencies required for higher band roles. This will help you to progress your career.
  • Pastoral support: Your employer will also provide you with pastoral support. This means that you will have someone to talk to if you are having any problems or concerns.

Here are some other things you can expect from your employer as an allied health professional:

  • Competitive salary and benefits: Your employer will offer you a competitive salary and benefits package, which may include things like health insurance, pension contributions, and paid leave.
  • Opportunities for training and development: Your employer will provide you with opportunities for training and development, so that you can keep your skills up to date and progress your career.
  • A supportive working environment: Your employer will provide you with a supportive working environment, where you can feel valued and respected.