Have you thought about a career in podiatry?
What is podiatry?
Podiatry is the study of the lower limb. For a career in podiatry you need to study an undergraduate degree, and attain a Bachelor of Science (BSc). In the UK we are part of the Allied Health Professionals. https://www.england.nhs.uk/ahp/role/
You will work with people’s feet and legs. You’ll diagnose and treat abnormalities and offer professional advice on care of feet and legs to prevent foot problems.
Career in podiatry – what areas can I work in?
Podiatrists work in a number of areas from the NHS, private practice to surgical teams and sporting facilities. We have podiatrists that were part of the Olympic Support Team in 2012, and podiatrists that run international private clinics.
Podiatry is recognised internationally and many countries are keen to employ UK taught podiatrists.
Who does a podiatrist treat?
A podiatrist diagnose and treat a range of conditions:
- In multidisciplinary teams focusing on diabetes, rheumatology and wound care.
- Musculoskeletal areas look at injuries, rehabilitation and gait, and the use of orthotics for activities. Sport Podiatry.
- Children’s development.
- Dermatology focuses on skin lesions and treatments available.
- Ingrown nails with nail surgery and the use of local anaesthetic.
- Podiatric surgery which requires further study.
Do I need to do a podiatry degree?
Podiatry is taught at an undergraduate degree level, it is a science based degree (Bachelor of Science BSc). There are 12 universities that offer Podiatry, you apply through ucas.
For a career in podiatry there are a few routes into studying, from A-levels, Access courses and launched in 2020 the apprenticeship scheme.
Information on the UCAS site for podiatry career can be found at : https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs/job-profile/podiatrist
A two year course now available
All information you need about studying podiatry at the University of Buckingham https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/medi…/bsc/podiatric-medicine/
Can I do a podiatry apprenticeship?
Degree apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience with a full degree-level qualification. This style of university-level study means you gain a full honors degree, earn a wage, and gain valuable work-experience at the same time.
This is an ideal route if you are a school leaver looking for an alternative to a full-time university course, or if you’re an existing employee seeking to benefit from this higher-level training, but not able to enroll in traditional study. There are many routes for your career in podiatry.
Plymouth university offer this now: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships/students
What do I need to study podiatry? career in podiatry
In order to be accepted onto the podiatry course you will need to meet the academic requirements and also have experience and knowledge of the profession. We would advise you to gain this by:
- Shadowing and work experience in podiatry
- Contact NHS podiatry departments and private practice clinic
- Visit the Zest Podiatry career page
Develop your career in podiatry further
What is podiatric surgery?
Podiatric Surgery is a specialist field of practice within the Podiatry. Podiatric Surgeons are Podiatrists who have had extensive postgraduate training in the surgical management of foot and ankle problems.