Allied Health Professionals
What is an Allied Health Professional?
Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are a diverse group of healthcare professionals that deliver high quality care and support across different care pathways and in different settings. Their work complements and supports the work of a number of other healthcare professionals.
In oncology, AHPs have a significant impact on people living with cancer in many areas like:
- quality of life
- physical fitness and mobility
- wellbeing and mental health
- fatigue
- communication
- swallowing
- nutrition
- function
- pain
- incontinence.
AHPs work with other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) to diagnose, treat and support patients with cancer. They also connect people living with cancer to other services in their communities, primary care, social care, and other healthcare settings.
AHPs play an important role throughout a person's cancer experience - from prevention, before, during and after treatment with prehabilitation and rehabilitation, through to palliative and end of life care.
Rebecca, diagnosed with tongue cancer
Types of Allied Health Professionals
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Art therapists
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Diagnostic radiographer
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Dietitian
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Drama therapist
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Music therapist
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Occupational therapist
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Operating department practitioner
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Orthoptist
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Orthotist
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Osteopath
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Paramedic
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Physiotherapist
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Podiatrist
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Prosthetist
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Speech and language therapist
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Therapeutic radiographer
How do I become an Allied Health Professional?
Many allied health professions require a degree level education either through a university degree or through a degree apprenticeship.
This degree-level education will give you hands-on experience in a AHP role and can include:
- going on work placements
- meeting and working with other healthcare specialists in your field
- working with other members of the multidisciplinary teams
- exploring how the role works in different health and care settings.
Depending on the course you choose, your studies can last 2 to 5 years. You may be able to do a degree full time or part time.
To find out more about different allied health professions and required degrees and training, visit the NHS Health Careers website.
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How do I become an Allied Health Professional in cancer care?
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How do I become a Macmillan Allied Health Professional?