I am a recently qualified Sports Therapist that previously studied at Hartpury University. Since qualifying the class of 2020 have had to deal with the covid pandemic when searching for jobs but even more demoralising than this is the lack of recognition from the NHS for our qualification. As a Sports Therapist we are trained to work both pitchside and clinic based. Many of my classmates have wished to pursue the clinical route but have come up against the lack of recognition by the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). This is the main governing body for health care professionals and without this the NHS and other employers cannot employ us with our qualification. 

We have spent 3 years working towards a degree that allows us to assess, diagnose and treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, yet, when applying for jobs, often Sports Therapist is a degree recognised to allow us to apply. Yet we could complete the same job role as a self employed individual and this needs to change, for us and also to enable us to support the NHS and share our knowledge which is unique to us as Sports Therapists. 

The Society of Sports Therapists (SST), have asked for governance by the HCPC 3 times (March 2006, May 2006 and Feb 2011), to be rejected. The fact that as Sports Therapists we are not recognised as medical professionals is absurd. 

I am asking you to sign our petition so we can make a change and we can be recognised for our hard work, our knowledge and we can treat those that need it, not just privately but also within the hospitals. We can further your treatment by being a part of the NHS. We need to be placed on the HCPC register. 

Thank you for you time and support. Our profession cannot thank you enough. 

Em