Six reasons to study Podiatry

1. Improve people’s quality of life

As a professional podiatrist or chiropodist, you’ll help people to be more mobile and independent. From sports injuries to diabetes, you can treat many different issues through podiatry. If you like caring for people and easing their pain, this could be the degree for you.

2. A very vocational course

After studying Podiatry, you’ll graduate equipped with the specialist skills needed to work right away as a healthcare professional. Graduate data show that most podiatry students enter into professional employment or continue their studies within 15 months of graduation.

3. Lots of practical learning

Podiatry courses mix theoretical learning, practical teaching and clinical placements. Many universities have on-site facilities such as clinics, surgical theatre suites and orthotics laboratories. You’ll probably be on placements every academic year in an NHS clinic or private practice, where you gain real-life experience working alongside different healthcare professionals.

Most students complete 1,000 hours of clinical practice. After completing these hours, you become eligible to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and register as a podiatrist.

4. Good work/life balance

Most medical professions demand hospital shift work in the evenings and weekends. Podiatry, on the other hand, tends to offer more flexibility in hours and environment. You can choose to work in a hospital or private practice and find a work-life balance that's best for you.

5. Global opportunities

Courses are usually to the standard of the HCPC, with whom you register as a podiatrist after you graduate. These qualifications are widely recognised in Europe and across the world. Many podiatrists find work overseas.

6. Career progression

There are several areas to explore as a professional podiatrist. You could specialise in surgery, orthotics, designing appliances, fitting aids, nails, diabetes or wound care, for example.

Many graduates work towards becoming a forensic podiatrist, podiatric surgeon or podiatry advanced practitioner. Others continue their studies as a postgraduate and become a researcher or educator.

Like the sound of being a podiatrist? You can register your interest with the NHS to receive further information about a career as a podiatrist and see what benefits the NHS offer.