How to become a Podiatrist

£22,000/y

avg. starting salary

Thinking about becoming a Podiatrist? Best foot forward… Podiatrists (also known as Chiropodists) diagnose and treat conditions which affect the feet, ankles and lower legs. They can be found working in hospitals, health centres and private clinics, helping to provide preventative care for a range of foot-related ailments. Common afflictions treated by a Podiatrist include fungal infections, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses, verrucas, athlete’s foot, sports injuries, sprains and fractures, and diseases associated with circulation problems (such as diabetes). Day-to-day duties for a Podiatrist may include:

Making appointments and consulting with clients
Carrying out clinical assessments and physical examinations
Performing x-rays and blood tests to help determine the problem
Diagnosing and treating conditions, where possible
Prescribing and fitting orthotics
Following up with patients that require regular care
Referring patients to specialists, or recommending them for surgery

To become a Podiatrist, you’ll need to be passionate about working with people, providing them with the best care possible - whatever their affliction. The patients you work with will have a variety of different issues, ranging from nail conditions which may be easy to treat, through to those at affected by conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, who may be at risk of amputation. It will take excellent problem-solving skills to get to the root of the cause, not to mention a strong constitution. Those who are easily made squeamish (and/or can’t deal with feet) need not apply… Other key skills for a Neurologist include:

Manual dexterity
Sensitivity
Tact
Excellent interpersonal skills
Attention to detail
Good eyesight

Assistant Podiatrist

Up to £22,000

Podiatrist

Up to £30,000

Lead Podiatrist

Up to £40,000

"One thing I can say about working as a Podiatrist: it’s never boring. I work in a hospital, which means I get to see patients from various different backgrounds, and help improve their general health and wellbeing. A typical day could be anything from diagnosing fungal nail conditions, through to helping rehabilitate people with physical trauma, such as sports or motor accidents. The days can be quite long, and some things you see are pretty horrific, but as long as I’m helping people, I’m happy. Hopefully one day I’ll even be able to start up my own private practice."

Get qualified

To become a Podiatrist, you will need to have completed a degree in podiatry, and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

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Podiatry Diploma: Learn Foot Care Techniques

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...excellent earning potential in the UK. According to data, the average salary for a podiatrist in the UK is around £28,000 to £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Senior podiatrists can earn up to £70,000 or more per year, while those who work in private …
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Online Foot Care Practitioner Diploma

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...pursued from home. Please note that this Course does not entitle you to join the HCPC register or be recognised as a Podiatrist. This course will not make you a podiatrist but you will come across all the basic guidelines of foot care for further studies. If you are looking to take up …
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