HCPC Registration for Prosthetists & Orthotists
To work as a prosthetist or an orthotist in the UK you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); "prosthetist" and "orthotist" are protected titles, so practising or using either title without registration is a criminal offence under the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001.
Prosthetics and orthotics is one profession the HCPC regulates, covering two related but distinct roles. Whether you trained in the UK or overseas, you cannot lawfully use the title "prosthetist" or "orthotist", or work under it, until your name is on the HCPC Register. This page explains β as general information, not a job offer β how internationally-qualified prosthetists and orthotists become eligible to register, and what the work typically pays in the NHS.
What prosthetists and orthotists do in the UK
Prosthetists assess, design and fit artificial limbs (prostheses) for people who have lost a limb or were born without one, restoring function and mobility. Orthotists assess, design and fit external devices (orthoses) β such as braces, splints, callipers and specialist insoles β that support, align or correct the musculoskeletal system. In the UK both work across NHS disablement services, rehabilitation, diabetes and paediatric teams. A large share of UK prosthetic and orthotic services are delivered by contractor companies working under NHS contracts, so employment may be with an NHS trust or with a contracted provider.
The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) is the professional body for the profession in the UK. BAPO membership is separate from β and not a substitute for β statutory HCPC registration, which is the legal requirement to practise under either title.
How an internationally-qualified prosthetist / orthotist registers
The HCPC route is the same across the allied health professions. Each step is covered in depth on the international application guide.
- 1
Confirm your profession is HCPC-regulated
Physiotherapists and radiographers (diagnostic and therapeutic) are among the 15 professions the HCPC regulates. Check that your exact profession and title are on the HCPC list before you begin.
- 2
Gather your qualification and experience evidence
You will need certified proof of your professional qualification, a detailed breakdown of your training (curriculum, hours, clinical placements) and evidence of your professional experience. The HCPC compares this against the UK standards of proficiency for your profession.
- 3
Meet the English-language requirement
Provide evidence of English proficiency β the HCPC accepts IELTS Academic 7.0 (no section below 6.5) or OET Grade B. Some applicants are exempt where they trained and practised in English; the HCPC website sets out who qualifies.
- 4
Submit your international application and pay the fee
Complete the HCPC international application and pay the international application (scrutiny) fee. The HCPC then assesses whether your education and experience meet UK standards. Confirm the current fee on the HCPC fees page before you apply.
- 5
Respond to any assessment outcome
The HCPC may approve your application, or ask for more information, or require you to address a shortfall (for example through further study or supervised practice) before it can register you. Follow the decision letter carefully.
- 6
Join the Register and arrange the right to work
Once registered you may use the protected title and practise. Working in the UK also requires the right to work β many applicants use the Health and Care Worker visa, which needs a job offer from a Home Office-licensed sponsor. HCPC registration and immigration are separate processes.
What a prosthetist / orthotist earns in the NHS
Where employed directly by the NHS in England, a newly HCPC-registered prosthetist or orthotist is usually appointed on Agenda for Change Band 5, progressing to Band 6 (specialist) and Band 7 (advanced/clinical specialist) with experience. Many roles are with private contractor companies delivering NHS services, where pay is set by the employer rather than the national scale.
| Band | Full-time range (per year) | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| Band 5 | Β£29,970 β Β£36,483 | Newly HCPC-registered / entry practitioner |
| Band 6 | Β£37,338 β Β£44,962 | Specialist practitioner |
| Band 7 | Β£46,148 β Β£52,809 | Advanced / clinical specialist / team lead |
| Band 8a | Β£53,755 β Β£60,504 | Consultant practitioner / clinical lead |
Source: NHS Employers β Agenda for Change pay scales, 2024/25. Pay is set nationally, is renegotiated annually, and does not depend on where you trained β confirm the current figure at the source.
A newly HCPC-registered prosthetist / orthotist in the NHS in England is typically appointed at Agenda for Change Band 5 β about Β£29,970 rising to Β£36,483 full-time (2024/25).
- Band 5 β Newly HCPC-registered / entry practitioner
- Β£29,970βΒ£36,483
- Band 6 β Specialist practitioner
- Β£37,338βΒ£44,962
- Band 7 β Advanced / clinical specialist / team lead
- Β£46,148βΒ£52,809
- Band 8a β Consultant practitioner / clinical lead
- Β£53,755βΒ£60,504
As of 2024/25. Source: NHS Employers, Agenda for Change.
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Frequently asked questions β prosthetists and orthotists
Do I have to register with the HCPC to work as a prosthetist or orthotist in the UK?+
Yes. "Prosthetist" and "orthotist" are protected titles. Under the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001 it is a criminal offence to use either title, or to work under it, in the UK without being on the HCPC Register.
What is the difference between a prosthetist and an orthotist?+
A prosthetist provides artificial limbs (prostheses) for people with limb loss or absence. An orthotist provides external supportive or corrective devices (orthoses) such as braces, splints and insoles. They are two roles within one HCPC-regulated profession, and many practitioners are dual-trained in both.
I qualified as a prosthetist / orthotist outside the UK. How do I register?+
You apply through the HCPC international registration route. The HCPC assesses whether your education and professional experience meet the UK standards of proficiency for prosthetists and orthotists. A separate international application fee and English-language evidence are required. Confirm current details on the HCPC website.
What English-language level does the HCPC require?+
The HCPC accepts IELTS Academic 7.0 (no section below 6.5) or OET Grade B. Some applicants who trained and practised in English are exempt. Confirm the current accepted tests and scores on the HCPC website before you apply.
Would I be employed by the NHS or by a contractor?+
Both are common. Some prosthetist and orthotist posts are directly with an NHS trust on the Agenda for Change scale; a large share of UK services are delivered by contractor companies under NHS contracts, where the company sets pay. Always check who the employer is on a specific vacancy.
Is GeraClinic a recruitment agency that will place me in the NHS?+
No. GeraClinic is a telemedicine platform. These pages are general educational information about the UK registration pathway. GeraClinic does not recruit, sponsor, place or supply staff to the NHS, and never charges applicants a placement fee.
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Sources & further reading
These are the primary, official sources for everything on this page. Where figures appear, confirm the current value at the source before relying on it.
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
UK statutory regulator for 15 health and care professions, including physiotherapists and radiographers.
- HCPC β International registration
Application route and assessment process for professionals qualified outside the UK.
- HCPC β Fees
Current application, scrutiny and renewal fees.
- British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO)
Professional body for prosthetists and orthotists in the UK. Membership is optional and is not a substitute for statutory HCPC registration.
- NHS Employers β Agenda for Change pay scales
National NHS pay bands for England, 2024/25.
- GOV.UK β Health and Care Worker visa
Immigration route for eligible medical and social-care roles with a Home Office-licensed sponsor.