Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating problems related to the feet, ankles, and lower limbs. They help patients with a wide range of issues, from ingrown toenails and corns to sports injuries and diabetic foot complications. Podiatrists can work in the NHS, private practice, sports clinics, or even visit care homes and community settings. Their work often involves examining patients, carrying out minor surgical procedures, prescribing orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts), and advising on foot care and rehabilitation. To become a podiatrist in the UK, you need a degree in podiatry approved by the HCPC, and clinical placements are a key part of the training.
Newly qualified podiatrists in the NHS typically earn between £28,407 and £34,581 per year (Band 5). With experience, salaries can rise to between £35,392 and £42,618 (Band 6), and advanced podiatrists can earn up to £50,056 (Band 7) or more.
There are over 13,000 registered podiatrists in the UK according to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Demand for podiatrists is expected to grow by around 5 percent over the next five years, partly due to an ageing population and increasing rates of diabetes.
A podiatrist who specialises in diagnosing and treating foot and lower limb problems related to sports injuries and athletic performance.
A podiatrist with expertise in caring for patients with diabetes, focusing on the prevention and treatment of foot complications and ulcers.
A podiatrist who works specifically with children, helping to diagnose and treat foot and lower limb conditions in young patients.
Obtain strong GCSE results, especially in science subjects, and progress to relevant A-levels such as biology or chemistry.
Most university podiatry courses require at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 including English, maths and science, along with two or three A-levels, preferably including biology or another science. Good results in these subjects will help you meet university entry requirements and provide a strong foundation for further study.
Apply for and complete a BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatry approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
A full-time podiatry degree usually takes three years to complete. These courses include both academic study and clinical placements, where you gain practical experience working with patients. Universities offering podiatry degrees may have slightly different requirements, so check their individual entry criteria.
Once you have completed your degree, register with the Health and Care Professions Council to practise as a qualified podiatrist.
The HCPC is the regulatory body that ensures podiatrists meet professional standards. Registration is legally required to work as a podiatrist in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of your qualifications and may have to renew your registration periodically.
Begin your career in the NHS, private practice, or community health, working with patients to assess and treat foot and lower limb conditions.
Entry-level positions may be available in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. You might also have opportunities to work in sports medicine, care homes, or specialise in areas such as diabetic care or biomechanics. Building experience early on will help you develop your professional skills.
Attend training courses and workshops to keep your skills up to date and learn about new treatments.
The field of podiatry constantly evolves with advances in medicine and technology. By taking part in CPD (Continuing Professional Development), you can enhance your knowledge, maintain your registration, and offer the best care to your patients.
Consider specialising in areas such as diabetic foot care, biomechanics, or podiatric surgery for further career progression.
Specialist training can lead to more advanced roles and responsibilities, such as consultant podiatrist, researcher, or lecturer. Some podiatrists also choose to open their own practices or move into management roles. Additional postgraduate qualifications may be required for certain specialisms.
Physiotherapists help people affected by injury, illness, or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education, and advice.
Orthotists design and fit devices such as braces and splints to support or correct problems with muscles, bones, and joints.
Chiropodist is an alternative title for a podiatrist in the UK, but some professionals use the term to describe those focusing more on routine foot care as opposed to advanced interventions.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Podiatrist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
You can get into this job through:
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:
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:
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.
You could join the Royal College of Podiatry for professional development and networking opportunities.
You can find out more about how to become a podiatrist from Health Careers and the Royal College of Podiatry.
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