Podiatrist

Podiatrists treat and care for people whose feet and legs have been affected by injury or illness.

You will help people deal with a range of mobility issues, relieve pain, and treat infections of the feet and lower legs. You will be helping patients with a variety of different issues. This can include infections, defects and injuries, as well as foot and nail conditions related to other major health disorders such as diabetes. You will enhance people's independence and quality of life through helping them improve their mobility.

Podiatrist is also known as Chiropodist.

Role Characteristics

Assess, diagnose, treat and prevent diseases related to the foot and lower limb in people of all ages
Provide treatment for high-risk patient groups such as the elderly
Give advice and make referrals to other health and care professionals
Use therapeutic and surgical techniques to treat foot and lower leg issues
Prescribe, produce and fit orthotics and other aids and appliances
Understand the mechanics of the body in order to preserve, restore and develop movement

Skills

Advice giving
Operating equipment
Resilience
Using technology
Observation
Communication

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out more about being a Podiatrist.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

A-Levels

An apprenticeship

BTEC

Undergraduate degree

T-Level

How to become

You will normally need 5 GCSEs including English, maths and sciences, or equivalent.

You will normally need either A-Levels, BTEC or T-Levels depending on your preference in learning. However, volunteering and work experience is valued by employers. You will need an A-Level in Biology for a Podiatry Degree.

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

To practice as a Podiatrist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC).

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

You may choose to specialise in sports injuries, diabetes or work with children. You could move into teaching or management in Podiatry services where you’d be responsible for a team and manage budgets. Or you could also continue your training to become a Podiatrist Surgeon.