Podiatry
Why work in Podiatry?
As a podiatrist, you’ll help people deal with a range of mobility issues, relieve pain and treat infections of the feet and lower legs.
The podiatry and foot health service at SCHT provides care for adults and children with clinical and medical-related foot problems that mean they are unable to safely or effectively look after their own foot care.
You’ll work autonomously and with other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, GPs and nurses and in a range of settings from hospitals and community clinics to the homes of patients.
AHP Careers Podiatry
What sort of work can you do in Podiatry at SCHT?
Depending on your role and level of responsibility you may assess, diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases affecting the feet and lower limbs. Following assessment and diagnosis, treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and maintaining functional independence.
As a member of the podiatry team you would carry out a comprehensive foot examination and a full medical history of your patient. The treatment offered will be assessed against a patients foot condition (podiatric need). Following triage, those falling within the following criteria shall be considered eligible for assessment and treatment.
New patients need to be referred via their GP, all our referrals are sent via the Referral assessment Service. We provide treatment for toenails that are assessed as pathological, e.g. painful or infected ingrown toenails or painful thickened toenails.
Types of patients we may see:
- Acute diabetic foot care
- Children’s gait clinics
- Diabetic foot screening
- Dermatological foot conditions
- Musculoskeletal podiatry
- Neurological assessment of the foot
- Vascular assessment of the foot
- Wound care
What Qualifications do I need in Podiatry?
- To enter into Podiatry as a podiatrist you need a BSc in Podiatry.
- Podiatry assistant or technician you need a NVQ Health and Social care level 4 or 5, Foundation degree in Health and Social care, College of Podiatry Assistant practitioner course.
- Podiatry Assistant you need a NVQ Health and Social care level 3 or 4, College of Podiatry Assistant practitioner course
The NHS Health Careers website has information about training requirements for becoming a Podiatrist.
How can I find a job in Podiatry at SCHT?
All vacancies at SCHT are advertised on the NHS Jobs website.
Can I get Work Experience or Shadowing in Podiatry at SCHT?
Yes, Work Experience or shadowing is not just for external students; staff can enquire with other teams to experience work in a different area from your own.
What other ways can I further develop my career in Podiatry at SCHT?
The Skills for Health Online website details the apprenticeship standards for podiatry.
SCHT supports our Podiatrists to develop into Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Consultant Podiatrists, and develop their carers in research. Please see the factsheet below for further information on the Podiatry Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Salford.
You may also be interested in the Assistant Practitioner in Healthcare Higher degree which aims to develop Assistant Practitioners in Healthcare with an Allied Health Professional focus.
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