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Podiatrist

Also called Chiropodist.

Podiatrists diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems to improve people's mobility and quality of life.

Potential salary
£32,000 starter to £48,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
37 to 40. Working pattern: weekends on a rota.
Career area
Health and care
Where they might work
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.
A typical task
assess patients' feet and lower legs and discuss treatment options
Subjects that may help
2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
Typical route
You'll need to complete a degree in podiatry approved by the Health and Care Professions Council .
Interest area used here
Health and laboratory science, Helping and teaching

Career actions

What you might do

  • 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

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • knowledge of biology and how the body works
  • customer service skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to learn through your work
  • sensitivity and understanding
More skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Routes into this career

University route

  • 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 .
  • You'll usually need:
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Podiatry

    Direct qualifying route. Registration follows an approved podiatry degree.

Explore university routes

Apprenticeship or vocational route

  • 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.
  • You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • guide to apprenticeships
Career progression
  • With experience you could:
  • specialise in an area like sports injuries or working with children
  • do training in areas like nail surgery, diabetes and wound care
  • work part time in the NHS and set up your own practice
  • study for a master's or PhD and move into teaching or research

Registration and requirements

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

pass enhanced background checks

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

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

What you could do next