Why Podiatry?

Dec 2

Hello, my name is Róisín! I am a qualified Podiatrist and currently in the final year of my Masters in the Theory of Podiatric Surgery. I am passionate about widening participation and encouraging people to consider a career in healthcare!

Podiatry is a fantastic career that encompasses various elements of medicine and is a great option for those with a keen interest in high patient contact and a grounding in the sciences.

Podiatrists specialise in lower limb health with a particular focus on the foot and ankle. A podiatrist is there for people throughout their life with involvement from paediatric to geriatric medicine and all the stages in-between. You have the opportunity to work with patients living with a multitude of conditions, aid in improving quality of life and support them through maintaining their independence.

Study Options

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, 14 universities offer podiatry degrees and further training. During this process, you will develop the core clinical skills required as a podiatrist in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics and pharmacology. As well as developing your diagnostic and communication skills with patient contact from early stages within most degree formats. Following qualification, you are required to be registered on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register and are audited by this governing body regularly with necessary continued professional development to ensure high-quality and evidence-based care is delivered.

There is an increasing number of routes into this profession with the introduction of degree apprenticeships or you can explore the traditional route of a 3-4 year university degree (depending on location). There are various health access courses from colleges across the country to help school leavers and mature students gain university places. You can also explore the role of Podiatry Assistant, who are hugely valuable members of the team utilised across the health service. If you are a compassionate person with good team working skills then this could be the right course for you.

As the undergraduate course continues to develop there is an increasing number of competencies and expansion in the scope of practice. Many podiatrists have the annotation on the HCPC register as Prescription Only Medicine holders from graduation and can also complete post-graduate training for Independent Prescribing. Please see the Royal College of Podiatry for further information on prescribing rights as a podiatrist.

Career Opportunities

Beyond your initial training, there is a vast array of opportunities and areas for career progression with the ability to specialise within podiatric medicine education, musculoskeletal services, wound care and rehabilitation services among others. You would be a valued member of the multidisciplinary team both in acute and community services with involvement in vascular, diabetes or orthopaedic specialities. These lists are not exhaustive and only provide a snapshot of the areas you can possibly pursue.

You can also consider post-graduate training to become a Consultant Podiatric Surgeon - please see the HCPC website for further details on standards and expectations of qualifications.

Podiatry opens up a phenomenal array of opportunities and is an integral part of the National Health Service. There is also the opportunity to explore private practice with working as an associate or for those interested in business, you can open your own clinical practice. A podiatry degree from the UK and Ireland can also open doors into international work with recognition in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and certain provinces in Canada.

Podiatry plays a pivotal role within the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and as an Allied Health Profession it needs dynamic, enthusiastic and caring individuals to take on the challenge!

If you have any questions or wish to learn more about a career in podiatry then please visit:

The Royal College of Podiatry

Health Careers NHS