Podiatrist



What's the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?

There's no difference between a podiatrist and chiropodist, but podiatrist is a more modern name.


Podiatry

Podiatrists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the feet and legs.


As a podiatrist you'll enhance people's independence and quality of life through helping them improve their mobility. You'll provide preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems affecting the feet, ankles and lower legs. This can include infections, defects and injuries, as well as foot and nail conditions related to other major health disorders such as diabetes.

You could be based in a hospital, GP surgery or within private practice and may work with a team of people including nurses, physiotherapists and doctors.

Podiatrists are also known as chiropodists and both are protected titles. If you want to practise under either title you need to complete an approved undergraduate or postgraduate (pre-registration) degree programme and register with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).


Qualifications

To work as a podiatrist, you must be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to register you'll need to complete an HCPC-approved undergraduate or postgraduate (pre-registration) podiatry degree.

You'll typically need three A-levels or equivalent qualifications, including a biological science, as well as five GCSEs (minimum grade 4/C), including English language, maths and science.

If you already have a degree in a healthcare or science-related subject such as biology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or sports science, you could apply for an HCPC-approved pre-registration Masters degree. Entry requirements vary between courses, so contact course providers for details.

Courses are a combination of theory and practice and will include around 1,000 hours of clinical work with patients.

It's also possible to take a degree apprenticeship in podiatry. Degree apprenticeships combine a paid apprentice job with study at degree level. Search the Find an apprenticeship or NHS Jobs websites for opportunities.

You'll usually be required to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check - Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) membership scheme in Scotland - and occupational health clearance.

For a list of HCPC-approved courses, search the HCPC Register of approved education and training programmes.

On successful completion of an approved programme, you can apply for registration with the HCPC. You will then be able to practise under the protected title of podiatrist.


University

Examples of courses :

https://www.northampton.ac.uk/courses/podiatry-bsc-hons/

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/bsc-podiatry

https://www.salford.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/podiatry


Personal statement examples:

https://www.studential.com/personal-statement-examples/medicine-personal-statement-35


Interview Help

Common questions could include:

  • Why do you want to be a podiatrist?

  • What do you know of the roles and responsibilities of a podiatrist?

  • What do you think the public expect from a podiatrist?

  • Tell us about your work experience. What did you learn from it? Was it a daunting experience?

  • Why have you chosen to apply to this university; what do you know about our course; have you been to an Open Day?

  • What current issues in the sector are of concern to you?

  • What do you know about the https://cop.org.uk/?


http://www.podiatristclinic.co.uk/podiatry-school-university.html

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/school-of-health-professions/podiatry-interviews-with-the-faculty-of-health-and-human-sciences


Employers

You're likely to gain your first position and initial experience in the NHS working in a hospital department or clinic, health centre or GP surgery. Outside of the NHS, expansion of the private sector means that you could also work within:

  • high street podiatry services

  • complementary therapy clinics

  • sports clubs

  • private clinics

  • nursing homes

  • occupational health centres.

With experience, you may decide to set up your own private practice. It's also possible to go into research or teaching where you could be employed by universities, hospitals and clinics.

Look for job vacancies at:

Specialist recruitment agencies such as Maxxima also advertise vacancies.

Career Videos

Working as a podiatrist

Life as a podiatrist

Podiatrist - Is it for me?

Podiatry BSc(Hons) | University of Brighton