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Podiatrist

Alternative titles for this job include Chiropodist

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

Average salary (a year)

£30,000 Starter

to

£53,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

weekends

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 an accelerated degree in podiatry.

You might be able to get additional 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

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

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

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.

More Information

Registration

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a podiatrist 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 medicine and dentistry
  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

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 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

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
  • study for a master's or PhD and move into teaching or research

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Podiatry apprentice

  • Wage: £24,071 a year Annually
  • Location: OXFORD
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Access to Health Science (Blended)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Selby

Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions)

  • Provider: CALDERDALE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 08 September 2025
  • Location: Halifax
Find courses near you

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