Podiatrist

Alternative titles for this job include Chiropodist

Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems in people to improve their mobility and quality of life.

Average salary (a year)

£32,000 Starter

to

£48,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

weekends on a rota

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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 a postgraduate master's degree in podiatry. These usually take 2 years to complete.

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Podiatrist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Work

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

Volunteering

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get work experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

More Information

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career tips

You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would impact your work, if applying for jobs in the NHS.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Royal College of Podiatry for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can learn more about a career in podiatry from Health Careers and the Royal College of Podiatry.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of biology 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
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a podiatrist, you could:

• assess patients' feet and lower legs and diagnose issues
• discuss treatment options with patients
• manage foot conditions, like those caused by diabetes
• treat foot and toe injuries
• do minor surgery using scalpels, chemicals and local anaesthetics
• run clinics and screen children for foot and ankle problems
• work closely with other health professionals like GPs and physiotherapists
• keep records, manage appointments and supervise podiatry assistants

Working environment

You could work at a GP practice, at a client's home, at a health centre or in an NHS or private hospital.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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
• support forensic investigations, for example gait analysis - how people walk or run
• move into training or research

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a podiatrist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE - Health Science

• Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
• Start date: 01 September 2027
• Location: Halesowen

Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions)

• Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
• Start date: Flexible
• Location: Not known

Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Not what you're looking for?

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