A career in podiatry

Podiatrists use their skills to assess, diagnose and treat foot and lower limb conditions, helping to keep us mobile and pain-free. They are in high demand in the UK. People from all walks of life, with differing skills and qualifications, find podiatry a fulfilling and fascinating career

Find out where you can train as a podiatrist

How do I train for a career in podiatry?

There are a number of ways in which you can train for a career in podiatry depending on your background, experience, skills and qualifications.
 
Whilst some train for a career in podiatry via the traditional undergraduate route, many take up podiatry after careers in the armed forces or in professional sports. Others move across to podiatry from other allied health professions. We also have the increasingly popular apprenticeship route into the profession.

Find out more below
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School leavers entering podiatry

If you are just leaving school and thinking about a career, podiatry offers almost certain employment and endless opportunities. 

As a school leaver, there are a few different ways in which you can study and qualify as a podiatrist.

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The undergraduate route

To become a qualified podiatrist in the UK, you need to complete an undergraduate degree that has been approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.

Degree courses typically span three to four years and equip students with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to practise as a podiatrist.

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Podiatry as a second career

Many people entering podiatry do so following successful careers elsewhere, such as in the armed forces or as other allied health professionals. Many bring highly transferable skills and experience to their new profession.

There are many benefits to choosing podiatry as a second career. 

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The apprenticeship route

Apprenticeships are paid jobs that allow you to learn and work at the same time.

In recent years the apprenticeship route has been a popular way to enter the profession, learning alongside more experienced members of our profession.

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International entry into UK podiatry

In recent years, international recruitment has proved to be a successful means of filling the gaps in the UK podiatry workforce. Recruits from outside the UK often bring their own knowlege, skills and expertise to benefit the existing workforce and to enhance the level of care we offer to our patients.

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Support worker pathways

If you are already working in a podiatric setting as a support worker - maybe as a foot care assistant, foot health practitioner, or assistant practitioner - there are pathways available to you to become an HCPC registered podiatrist.

Find out more here

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Podiatry after professional sport

A career in professional sports brings with it skills in teamwork, communication, discipline, and leadership, as well as an understanding of anatomy and body movement. Find out how you can transfer your skills to a new career in podiatry.

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Career opportunities for podiatrists

There are a suprising number of ways you can use your podiatry training, depending on which sector you chose to work in, and whether you wish to specialist in a particular clinical area.

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Podiatry within the NHS

Working as a podiatrist within the NHS means you'll be helping people with a range of conditions helping to keep patients active and pain-free.

You will also have the opportunity to work with other healthcare professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians and GPs.

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Independent practice

Prefer to be your own boss and find the of work/life balance that works for you? Then think about setting up in private practice, whether clincic-based or as a domiciliary practitioner.

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PodiatricSurgery

Podiatric surgery


Podiatric Surgeons are highly skilled clinicians who work with the surgical management of the bones, joints and soft tissues of the foot and associated structures. 

Podiatric Surgeons undertake rigorous academic and practical study to qualify to perform foot and ankle surgery.

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Science

Research and academia

Podiatry is a evolving profession, contantly researching and developing new ways and better solutions for our patients. If you loved the academic side of your career path, then there are careers opportuities in research, academia and education available to you.

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