The professions we regulate have one or more designated titles that are protected by law and professionals must be registered to use them
Professions and protected titles
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An arts therapist is a psychological therapist who has arts-based experience and training in psychological interventions using drama, music or art as their primary mode of communication.
Protected titles
- Art psychotherapist
- Art therapist
- Dramatherapist
- Music therapist
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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A biomedical scientist analyses specimens from patients to provide data to help doctors diagnose and treat disease.
Protected titles
- Biomedical scientist
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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A chiropodist / podiatrist diagnoses and treats disorders, diseases and deformities of the feet.
Protected titles
- Chiropodist
- Podiatrist
Annotations
- Independent prescribing (IP)
- Supplementary prescribing (SP)
- Podiatric surgery (PS)
- Prescription-only medicines – administration (POM–A)
- Prescription-only medicines – sale / supply (POM–S)
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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A clinical scientist oversees specialist tests for diagnosing and managing disease. They advise doctors on tests and interpreting data, and carry out research to understand diseases.
Protected titles
- Clinical scientist
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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A dietitian uses the science of nutrition to create eating plans for patients to treat medical conditions. They promote good health by helping to facilitate a positive change in food choices.
Protected titles
- Dietitian
- Dietician
Annotations
- Supplementary prescribing (SP)
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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Hearing aid dispensers work in private practice to assess, fit and provide aftercare for hearing aids.
Protected titles
- Hearing aid dispenser
We also regulate the protected function of hearing aid dispenser.
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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An occupational therapist uses specific activities to limit the effects of disability and promote independence in all aspects of daily life.
Protected titles
- Occupational therapist
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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Operating department practitioners provide individualised care and skilled support alongside medical and nursing colleagues during the anaesthetic, surgical and recovery phases of a surgical procedure.
Protected titles
- Operating department practitioner
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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An orthoptist specialises in diagnosing and treating visual problems involving eye movement and alignment.
Protected titles
- Orthoptist
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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Paramedics provide specialist care and treatment to patients who are either acutely ill or injured. They can administer a range of drugs and carry out certain surgical techniques.
Protected titles
- Paramedic
Annotations
- Independent prescribing (IP)
- Supplementary prescribing (SP)
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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Physiotherapists deal with human function and movement, and help people to achieve their full physical potential. They use physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore wellbeing.
Protected titles
- Physiotherapist
- Physical therapist
Annotations
- Independent prescribing (IP)
- Supplementary prescribing (SP)
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour. Psychologists attempt to understand the role of mental functions in individual and social behaviour.
Protected titles
- Practitioner psychologist
- Registered psychologist
- Clinical psychologist
- Forensic psychologist
- Counselling psychologist
- Health psychologist
- Educational psychologist
- Occupational psychologist
- Sport and exercise psychologist
The titles of ‘Practitioner Psychologist’ and ‘Registered Psychologist' are approved as part of the HCPC’s regulatory order; however they are not titles that a registrant can solely register under.
Psychologists registered with the HCPC, to ensure accurate representation, are advised to use their designated adjectival title(s) or modalities (Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Forensic, Health, Occupational, Sport and exercise) wherever possible.
See our blog: Understanding the regulation of psychologistsCheck the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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Prosthetists / orthotists supply prostheses and orthoses to patients. A prosthesis is a device that replaces a missing body part. An orthosis is fitted to an existing body part.
Protected titles
- Prosthetist
- Orthotist
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
Prosthetists, like Orthotists, are highly trained, autonomous healthcare professionals specialising in the assessment, design, and implementation of devices that support or replace human limbs or improve musculoskeletal function. These roles are integral to multidisciplinary teams in clinical and rehabilitation settings, contributing significantly to patient mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Reconstructive scientists, who may have used the title Maxillofacial prosthetists, are highly trained health and care professionals who deliver a technical, clinical, scientific and advisory service to patients undergoing reconstructive procedures or rehabilitation, using implants, cosmetic prosthetics, or other custom-made medical devices. They reconstruct hard and/or soft tissues following defects of the head & neck, including intra-oral, to restore function and/or appearance.
Prosthetists (and Orthotists) are Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and must be registered with the HCPC, as the title ‘Prosthetist’ is protected under statute. Reconstructive scientists can be registered with the HCPC as Clinical Scientists, or they can be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) as Dental Care Professionals. The use of the title ‘Prosthetist’ is only to be used by prosthetists registered with the HCPC as a distinct role from that of a Clinical Scientist and Dental Care Professional.
If you want to search for a Reconstructive Scientist/Maxillofacial Prosthetist, please check the HCPC register under ‘Clinical Science’ and if they are not on our register, please consult the GDC register here. -
Therapeutic radiographers plan and deliver treatment using radiation.
Diagnostic radiographers produce and interpret high-quality images of the body to diagnose injuries and diseases.
Protected titles
- Radiographer
- Diagnostic radiographer
- Therapeutic radiographer
Annotations for therapeutic radiographers
- Independent prescribing (IP)
- Supplementary prescribing (SP)
Annotations for diagnostic radiographers
- Supplementary prescribing (SP)
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
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A speech and language therapist assesses, treats and helps to prevent speech, language and swallowing difficulties.
Protected titles
- Speech and language therapist
- Speech therapist
Check the Register to make sure a professional is registered and to see if any entitlements are annotated on their record.
