Can Nurses Apply for HCPC?

Can Nurses Apply for HCPC?

This is one of the most common and confusing questions among international healthcare professionals — especially nurses. Many wonder: Can nurses actually apply for HCPC registration? Let’s understand the correct answer to this crucial question.

If you’re a healthcare professional trained outside the UK, you’re probably wondering what it takes to be recognized and practice in the UK. One term you’ll frequently come across in your search is HCPC – the Health and Care Professions Council. But what exactly is HCPC, and does it apply to everyone in healthcare, including nurses?

Let’s explore the pathways — and where nurses stand in this process.

Who Does the HCPC Regulate?

Contrary to popular belief, not all healthcare professionals are regulated by HCPC. The council covers a specific list of 15 professions — such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, biomedical scientists, and several other allied health roles. The complete list is available on the official HCPC website.

So, where do nurses fit in?

What About Nurses?

The HCPC website clearly states that nursing is not among the professions they regulate. While the HCPC handles registration for specific allied health professions, nurses are not included in that list.

However, if a nurse holds additional qualifications in any HCPC-approved profession — like physiotherapy or radiography — they may be eligible to apply under that specific field. In such cases, eligibility is assessed based on the profession being applied for, not the nursing background.

Here’s where it gets interesting:

Nurses with OT Experience Can Apply as ODPs

If you are a nurse with training and work experience in the Operation Theatre (OT), you may be eligible to apply as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) under HCPC.
This is especially relevant for scrub nurses, perioperative nurses, and surgical technologists who have experience supporting surgeons in operating environments.

If you’re unsure, we offer personalized eligibility assessment and step-by-step HCPC registration assistance based on your exact background.

WhatsApp us at: +91 7719018881 / +91 8208529141

Planning to Apply to HCPC? Here’s a Glimpse of the Process:

1. Eligibility First: Are you qualified in one of the HCPC-listed professions? That’s the very first step.

2. Language Matters: From January 2025, proving English language proficiency will be mandatory.

3. Documents Ready? You’ll need certified identity proof, qualifications, references, and more.

4. Online Application: The HCPC application portal is your starting point – create an account and begin.

5. Assessment Period: Your application may require further review or a competence check.

6. Ongoing Registration: Once approved, you must renew your registration every two years, along with continuing education.

How Can Evenhanded Consulting Help?

Navigating the HCPC process can be complex — especially when you’re applying from outside the UK. This is where Evenhanded Overseas Consultancy steps in.

We specialize in:

• HCPC registration assistance for international applicants

• Overseas healthcare registration services tailored to your profession

• UK healthcare licensing support for nurses transitioning into eligible HCPC roles

Whether you’re applying under an HCPC-regulated profession or need personalized advice for the Operating Department Practitioner route, our expert team ensures a smoother, error-free application journey.

Learn more at: www.evenhandedoverseas.com