Chiropodists, also known as podiatrists, diagnose and treat a wide range of problems on the foot and lower leg. They seek to determine the cause of ailments, diseases and deformities of the foot. They discuss treatment options with patients and give advice on how to stop the problem from recurring. If a complete cure is not possible, the patient is kept comfortable and preventative measures are taken to stop the condition from worsening.

Patients can include:

• children with athlete’s foot and verrucae
• elderly people with ulcers, arthritis and problems caused by diabetes
• athletes with sports injuries
• pregnant women with problems brought on by weight gain.

Treatment can involve the use of scalpels and occasionally local anaesthetic. With advanced training, it is possible to carry out minor surgery such as removing bunions.

Chiropodists play an important part in educating the public about the importance of healthy feet. This can involve talking to patients and addressing groups, such as the parents of young children. They work with other health professionals including orthopaedic specialists, GPs and health visitors.

Chiropodists are known as podiatrists in most English speaking countries including the USA and Australia, and this name is now becoming more frequently used in the UK.

Hours and Environment

A chiropodist in the NHS will usually work 37.5 hours a week, over five days, with the possibility of some extra hours.

Self-employed or private practice chiropodists may work unsocial hours to accommodate patients wanting treatment outside their own working hours.

Chiropodists usually work in a clinic, which might be attached to a hospital, health centre, or GP surgery, but may also treat patients in their homes. School visits and attendance at sporting events are sometimes required. A driving licence is useful.

Skills and Interests

To be a chiropodist, you should:

• have an interest in science
• keep up to date with new developments in the profession
• have strong written and verbal communication skills
• be able to reassure patients and deal calmly with all types of people
• be able to use your own initiative, and be part of a team
• have practical skills to carry out delicate treatments
• be well organised
• have business management awareness if you wish to become self-employed.

Entry

To become a chiropodist/podiatrist you need a degree in podiatry approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC). This will make you eligible for state registration and membership of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists (SCP), the professional body and trade union for podiatrists.

Details of approved degree programmes are available from both the HPC and SCP websites; check the Further Information section for contact details.

The minimum academic entry requirements for a degree in podiatry are usually five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), including maths, English, and biology or human biology, plus two or three A levels/H grades including a biological science. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Entry requirements for mature applicants may vary, however, it is likely you will need to show evidence of recent science-based academic study.

If you already have a degree in a subject such as biology, nursing, physiology or zoology, you may be able to gain some examination exemptions on a podiatry course.

Some people work solely in private practice as Foot Health Practitioners (FHPs), delivering routine foot care to the general public. Many FHPs undertake a Diploma in Foot Health Practice and join the Voluntary Register of Foot Health Practitioners, administered by The Alliance of Private Sector Chiropody and Podiatry Practitioners. The HPC recognise The Alliance as a professional body in this field; check Further Information for contact details.

Training

There are 14 approved degree courses available in the UK. Most podiatry degree courses take three years of full-time study to complete and include subjects such as:

• pathology
• therapeutic sciences
• surgery
• dermatology
• pharmacology 
• anatomy.

Some sessions will be classroom based, others may be clinic or laboratory based. Practical clinical placements form an important part of the course from the first year onwards.

Most places on approved degree courses are funded by the NHS.

Qualified chiropodists are obliged to undertake 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) each year. They are encouraged to maintain, develop and enhance their knowledge and skills by taking part in a range of activities. The SCP can provide information and advice on workshops and other related events that will help with this.

Some chiropodists use their CPD activities to work towards a Masters or PhD qualification. Others use this time to focus on developing a specialism, perhaps in surgery or orthotics.

Opportunities

Most newly qualified chiropodists work within the NHS to gain experience and develop further skills. Some may choose to work in private practice; this is usually on a part-time basis as setting up a surgery can be expensive.

Chiropodists who remain in the NHS can choose to specialise in a particular type of chiropody or move into NHS management.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

The starting salary of a chiropodist in the NHS is between £19,200 and £25,000 a year.
A podiatric specialist can earn around £31,000.
Podiatric team managers can earn up to £36,400.
Podiatric consultants can earn between £49,000 and £88,400.

Additional allowances may be payable to those living in or around London, the South East and other high cost areas.

A chiropodist in private practice may charge from £25 to £45 a session.

Further information

1 Fellmonger's Path
Tower Bridge Road
London
SE1 3LY
Tel: 020 7234 8620 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655 Park House
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866