Podiatrist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You'll need to complete a degree in podiatry approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .

If you already have a degree in a healthcare or science subject, you can apply for an accelerated degree in podiatry.

You might be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do the Podiatrist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 4 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a podiatry assistant and study part time for a degree to qualify as a podiatrist.

Volunteering

You'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare before you apply for jobs or training.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of medicine and how the body works
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to learn through your work
• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• excellent verbal communication skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to read English
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of English language
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• administration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• maths skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems to improve people's mobility and quality of life.

As a podiatrist you could:

• assess patients' feet and lower legs and discuss treatment options
• diagnose conditions and treat injuries from sport or dance
• carry out treatments and minor surgery using scalpels, chemicals and local anaesthetics
• screen children for foot problems
• work with other health professionals like GPs and physiotherapists
• keep records, manage appointments and supervise podiatry assistants

Location : You could work at a GP practice, at a client's home, at a health centre or in an NHS or private hospital.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is weekends

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• specialise in an area like sports injuries or working with children
• do training in areas like nail surgery, diabetes and wound care
• work part time in the NHS and set up your own practice
• study for a master's or PhD and move into teaching or research