Podiatrist

You'll need to complete a degree in podiatry approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .

If you already have a degree in a healthcare or science subject, you can apply for an accelerated degree in podiatry.

You might be able to get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do the Podiatrist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This usually takes 4 years to complete as a mix of workplace learning and academic study at an approved university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could start as a podiatry assistant and study part time for a degree to qualify as a podiatrist.

You'll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare before you apply for jobs or training.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Royal College of Podiatry for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about how to become a podiatrist from Health Careers and the Royal College of Podiatry .

As a podiatrist you could:

• assess patients' feet and lower legs and discuss treatment options
• diagnose conditions and treat injuries from sport or dance
• carry out treatments and minor surgery using scalpels, chemicals and local anaesthetics
• screen children for foot problems
• work with other health professionals like GPs and physiotherapists
• keep records, manage appointments and supervise podiatry assistants

You could work at a GP practice, at a client's home, at a health centre or in an NHS or private hospital.

You may need to wear a uniform.