How to become a podiatry assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
College
You could do a college course to help you to become a podiatry assistant.
Most health and social care courses include work placements and this can be a good way of getting experience.
You could do a Level 2 Diploma in Skills for Health and Care Professions or a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could do a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, which has a training option for podiatry assistants.
When recruiting, employers might choose apprentices who have experience as a support worker.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a healthcare assistant and learn on the job. You could then move into podiatry through training and promotion.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get some paid or voluntary work experience in health or social care.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for advice.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for podiatry assistant roles if you've got relevant skills and experience.
You might need a qualification in a health related subject and experience of working with people.
Other Routes
You could be self employed and provide foot care to the general public, rather than in the NHS.
You'll need to take a Diploma in Foot Health Practice.
You'll then need to become a member of The Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners and work as a foot health practitioner.
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Further information
You can find out more about becoming a podiatry assistant from The Alliance of Private Sector Practitioners and Health Careers.