How i helped over 1000 students – Dr, Naisargi shah
As a Band 6 Pain Specialist Physiotherapist with a Master’s in Sports and Exercise Medicine, working full-time in the UK, I know how pivotal HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registration is in advancing your career. It’s not just a legal requirement but a mark of professional credibility that opens doors to opportunities and enhances patient care.
HCPC registration is compulsory to practice as a physiotherapist in the UK, and without it, you cannot legally work in the healthcare field. This regulatory body ensures that all physiotherapists meet the required professional and ethical standards to safely provide care. I’ve helped over 100 physiotherapists achieve their HCPC registration, guiding them through the process with advice I’ve learned firsthand.
My own journey has been a combination of hard work, perseverance, and learning — from navigating the complexities of working on a Tier 2 visa to mastering the intricacies of HCPC registration. Over the years, I’ve helped over 100 physiotherapists obtain their HCPC registration. I’ve done this not only by providing guidance on the application process but also by sharing strategies that helped me personally, including the powerful tool of LinkedIn networking and the self-petitioning process that I used to secure my visa and job.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my personal journey and share insights on how you can also achieve HCPC registration with confidence.
My Journey: From Tier 2 Visa to Band 6 Pain Specialist with a Master’s in Sports and Exercise Medicine
When I first arrived in the UK to pursue my physiotherapy degree, I knew that it was just the beginning. I was on a Tier 4 student visa at the time, and my dream was to build a career as a skilled physiotherapist, specializing in pain management. After completing my degree, I transitioned to a Tier 2 visa, which allowed me to pursue my professional career full-time.
Working as a Band 6 Pain Specialist Physiotherapist gave me invaluable experience in treating patients with complex musculoskeletal issues. I was also able to build my clinical expertise further when I completed my Master’s in Sports and Exercise Medicine, which enhanced my knowledge of how to treat sports-related injuries and optimize rehabilitation programs for athletes.
However, the road wasn’t without its challenges, especially when it came to HCPC registration and ensuring my visa process was in order. That’s when I began using LinkedIn to network and directly reach out to employers. Through extensive research, I was able to make connections that ultimately helped me secure positions, and more importantly, allowed me to help others who were facing similar challenges.
Leveraging LinkedIn and Self-Petitioning for Success
One of the most effective tools I used during my career transition was LinkedIn. In addition to my academic qualifications, I conducted a deep LinkedIn search, connecting with potential employers, HR managers, and hiring professionals in the physiotherapy field. Building these connections not only allowed me to stay on top of available positions, but it also gave me insights into what employers were looking for in applicants.
But securing a job was just the first step — navigating the Tier 2 visa process was the next challenge. Self-petitioning for my Tier 2 visa was a strategy I used to take control of my career path. By researching and understanding the system, I was able to support myself through the visa application process, which led me to secure employment in a role that aligned with my long-term goals. This self-petitioning experience became an invaluable part of my journey, and it gave me the confidence to help others go through the same process, offering them advice and practical steps to achieve their goals.
Helping Over 100 Physiotherapists with HCPC Registration
With my experience navigating the UK’s visa system and gaining HCPC registration myself, I found that I could use my knowledge to help others. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with over 100 physiotherapists, guiding them through their own HCPC registration processes. From graduates to those transitioning from abroad, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges they face, and I’ve been able to offer the same advice that worked for me.
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps I’ve helped others through when applying for HCPC registration:
Step 1: Completing an Accredited Physiotherapy Degree
Whether you’re applying with a UK-based degree or an international qualification, the first step is ensuring your degree is accredited by HCPC. Having an international qualification myself, I understand how important it is to verify that your degree is recognized. I’ve helped numerous applicants ensure their educational qualifications meet HCPC’s standards, guiding them through the process of submitting their transcripts and additional documentation when needed.
Step 2: Submitting Your Application
Once you’ve completed your accredited degree, the next step is submitting your HCPC application online. This part of the process can be time-consuming, but with my experience, I’ve been able to help others compile their personal details, proof of qualifications, work experience, and criminal background checks in an organized and effective way to ensure their application is processed without delays.
Step 3: Proving Fitness to Practice
As someone who worked through the health and character declaration forms myself, I know how important it is to prove your fitness to practice. From completing the required DBS checks to submitting medical forms, I’ve helped applicants navigate this step — especially those coming from abroad who may have questions about how to obtain the right documentation for criminal background checks.
Step 4: Additional Assessments (If Necessary)
In some cases, HCPC may request further information or assessments to verify clinical competency. This can feel daunting, but I’ve been there myself and helped many others through it.
This step involves providing supplementary evidence of your clinical competency, which could include your professional references or clinical placement details. With my background in sports and exercise medicine, I’ve been able to offer tailored guidance, especially for those with specialized or international backgrounds.
Step 5: Receiving the Decision
The most rewarding part of the process is helping applicants who are anxious about the waiting period. I always reassure my clients that the HCPC decision is worth the wait. After all the hard work, seeing their registration approved is an incredibly fulfilling moment — for both them and for me as their guide.
Step 6: Maintaining Registration
Once HCPC registration is achieved, I stress the importance of continuing professional development (CPD). As someone with a Master’s in Sports and Exercise Medicine, I understand the significance of staying updated with the latest research and treatment techniques. I’ve encouraged all the physiotherapists I’ve helped to engage in ongoing learning, whether through workshops, courses, or other CPD activities.
Conclusion: How My Experience Can Help You
From navigating the complexities of the Tier 2 visa to earning my Master’s in Sports and Exercise Medicine and gaining HCPC registration, I’ve learned the importance of persistence, networking, and being proactive in every aspect of my career. These experiences have enabled me to help more than 100 physiotherapists achieve HCPC registration, and I continue to support others on their journey.
Whether you’re an international graduate, someone transitioning into physiotherapy from another profession, or a recent graduate looking to start your career, remember that you don’t have to go through the HCPC registration process alone. By leveraging tools like LinkedIn and self-petitioning for your visa, as well as taking proactive steps throughout the application process, you too can achieve success.
Good luck on your journey — and feel free to reach out if you need guidance. Together, we can make sure your path to HCPC registration is smooth and successful!
