Podiatrist

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

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

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

You can get into this role through a degree apprenticeship in podiatry.

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

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

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in the health or care sector before you apply for a course.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.

Registration

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

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join organisations for professional development and networking opportunities, like:

• The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
• British Chiropody and Podiatry Association
• College of Podiatry

Further information

You can find out more about careers in this area from Careers in Podiatry.

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As part of your day-to-day tasks, you could:

• diagnose and treat sports injuries
• talk to patients about foot health, and give talks to groups
• share information with other health professionals like GPs
• discuss treatment options with patients
• carry out treatments and minor surgery using scalpels, chemicals and local anaesthetics
• screen children for foot problems
• keep patient records
• supervise assistants

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.