A Career in Podiatry

BY KIM CHAPMAN, BSc Hons Podiatry
CHIROPODIST/PODIATRIST

Podiatrists (once known as chiropodists) specialise in maintaining feet in a healthy condition. Working as a podiatrist can be both exciting and rewarding because the scope of practice is much wider than most people realise.

For useful information on a career in podiatry, the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists provides information on career options in podiatry .

A career can fall into four key categories. Most people begin their careers in General Clinics and go on to specialise in Biomechanics, High Risk Patient Management or Surgery.

Biomechanics is concerned with the preservation, restoration and development of the function of the foot and its associated structure and refers to the use of mechanical methods in diagnosis and treatment.

Many podiatrists also specialise in working with patients who are classed as being high risk because they have an underlying illness or condition that puts their legs and feet at increased risk of injury and disability.

Finally, most podiatrists are involved with surgery at some point in their career including nail and minor soft tissue surgery. Some practitioners go on to develop this interest and train as a podiatric surgeons who surgically manage bone and joint disorders within the foot.

In order to practice, candidates must undertake and pass an ordinary degree in Podiatry.  All Universities in the UK offer an Honours degree (three years in England and four years in Scotland.) However, Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh offers both an ordinary degree after three years or an Honours degree in four years.

The degree programme includes both theoretical and clinical modules with practical experience beginning, in the majority of cases, from the first year of the degree. While course content is consistent between the schools, the delivery of the material can very considerably with some sessions taking place in the classroom, whilst others will be held in a clinic or laboratory. Students also spend time on work or observational placements, which add to their experience at an early stage.

Studying podiatry requires considerable dedication because each student is required to take part in 1,000 clinical hours before they can graduate. This means that hours must be spent both at college and on private study. The entry level qualifications vary from school to school and it is recommended that students contact each School of Podiatry individually to find out the latest requirements. However, applicants are generally required to hold three Highers, including one science based subject, preferably biology or chemistry.

Finally, podiatry is one of the caring professions so an appropriate personality is a must.

A career in podiatry can offer you the ultimate in flexible working. Both your career path and hours can be very flexible, depending on the area that you choose to work in. This is particularly attractive for those with family commitments.