Requirements

Podiatrist - requirements

Podiatrists are the specialists who diagnose and treat healthcare issues relating to the feet, ankles, and the lower limbs. They work with people who have specific ailments or injuries or those with physical disabilities requiring specialist help. Podiatrists will have undergone a journey of training which equips them with the tools necessary to identify problems and carry out the relevant treatment. Read more if you’re interested in a career in podiatry and find out what it’ll take.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

What qualifications do you need to be a podiatrist?

You can become a podiatrist through a university course or a degree-level apprenticeship, or working towards the role from a podiatry assistant and part-time study.

For most degree courses, you’ll need to show that you have two or three A levels, or equivalent, including a science.

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Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a podiatrist?

You won’t need a postgraduate qualification to be a podiatrist, although many will go on to specialise or further their training through postgraduate education.

Examples of this are:

Advance podiatric practise
Podiatric surgery

What skills do you need to be a podiatrist?

Formal training is required to call yourself a podiatrist, though there are other skills in which you’ll need to master to be successful.

Hard skills usually include:

Thorough knowledge of medicine and the way the body works
Computer and hand-held device competencies

Soft skills include:

Listening, thinking, and reasoning skills
Understanding, sensitivity, and ability to use your initiative

Do you need work experience to be a podiatrist?

Work experience is not a necessary part of becoming a podiatrist, although it’s really helpful for both your application into a podiatry course, and to gain an understanding of what life as a podiatrist will be like. We strongly recommend you try out paid or voluntary work experience if you are considering podiatry as a career. Your local NHS trust will be able to guide you on where to find voluntary positions.