How to Become a Podiatrist in the UK
Podiatrists assess, diagnose and treat problems with the feet, ankles and lower legs. On a typical day you might treat ingrown toenails under local anaesthetic, manage foot ulcers in people with diabetes, assess walking and running with gait analysis, prescribe orthotics, or carry out nail surgery. You can work in NHS community clinics and hospitals, private practice or sports settings, often alongside physiotherapists.
Podiatrist and chiropodist are protected titles in the UK. To use them, you must complete an approved degree or degree apprenticeship and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £31,049 (NHS Band 5)
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £50,000
- Senior salary
- £55,000 - £80,000
- Work environment
- Hospital, clinic or community setting
- Time to entry
- 3 years (BSc)
- Degree required
- Often required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, Stable careers, Career change.
What a Podiatrist does
Diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and lower limb.
- NHS Podiatry - Routine and high-risk foot care in the NHS.
- Diabetic Foot - Specialist diabetic foot clinics.
- Sports Podiatry - Biomechanics and gait for athletes.
- Podiatric Surgery - Surgical podiatry in specialist centres.
How to become a podiatrist in the UK
The main route is a three-year BSc (Hons) in Podiatry approved by the HCPC, which includes clinical placements. You can also join a Level 6 Podiatrist degree apprenticeship with an employer, or take an accelerated pre-registration master's if you already have a relevant degree. After qualifying, you must register with the HCPC before you can practise. Many podiatrists join the Royal College of Podiatry, the professional body. In England, eligible podiatry students can apply for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which includes a non-repayable training grant. Podiatric surgery is a further specialism that takes many years of postgraduate training.
- Take A levels or equivalents including biology or another science, which most HCPC-approved podiatry degrees ask for.
- Shadow a podiatrist in an NHS clinic or private practice, or work as a podiatry assistant, to understand the clinical work before you apply.
- Apply through UCAS for an HCPC-approved BSc Podiatry, or look for Level 6 podiatrist degree apprenticeships advertised by NHS trusts.
- If you study in England, check your eligibility for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which offers a non-repayable training grant on top of student finance.
- Register with the HCPC once you graduate, then apply for Band 5 podiatrist posts on NHS Jobs or roles in private clinics.
- Choose a specialism such as diabetic foot care, musculoskeletal and sports podiatry, or podiatric surgery, and keep up the CPD you need for HCPC registration.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) Podiatry | 3 years | Tuition fee loan, plus Learning Support Fund in England | School leavers and career changers |
| Level 6 Podiatrist degree apprenticeship | Around 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | Podiatry assistants and NHS staff |
| Accelerated pre-registration master's | About 2 years | Postgraduate fees or loan | Graduates with a relevant degree |
How long it takes
Expect around 3 years to qualify through a full-time BSc in Podiatry, followed by HCPC registration before your first post. Degree apprenticeships and part-time study take longer.
Podiatrist salary in the UK
NHS podiatrists start on Band 5, given in our data as £31,049. Check the current Agenda for Change pay scale, because NHS rates are updated each year. With experience, pay rises to around £35,000 to £50,000, and advanced, specialist or consultant podiatrists earn around £55,000 to £80,000. Podiatric surgeons and podiatrists with busy private clinics are at the top end. Private practice income depends on your fees, location and caseload, and you cover your own premises, insurance and HCPC registration costs.
Key skills
- Clinical assessment
- Manual dexterity
- Patient comms
- Biomechanics
- Business basics
Podiatrist FAQs
How do I become a podiatrist in the UK?
Complete an HCPC-approved podiatry degree or a Level 6 podiatrist degree apprenticeship, then register with the HCPC. You can then apply for Band 5 NHS posts or private practice roles. Graduates in a related subject can take an accelerated master's instead.
Do I need a degree to be a podiatrist?
Yes. Podiatrist is a protected title, so you need an HCPC-approved degree, degree apprenticeship or master's, plus HCPC registration. Without one, you can work as a podiatry assistant or foot health practitioner, but you cannot call yourself a podiatrist.
How much does a podiatrist earn in the UK?
NHS podiatrists start on Band 5, listed in our data at £31,049, though current rates may be higher. Experienced podiatrists earn £35,000 to £50,000, and advanced or specialist podiatrists £55,000 to £80,000.
What is the difference between a podiatrist and a chiropodist?
There is no difference in the UK. Both are protected titles for the same profession, regulated by the HCPC. Podiatrist is now the more commonly used name, and the professional body is called the Royal College of Podiatry.
Is Podiatrist right for you?
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Not sure podiatrist is the right career for you? A good career test narrows the field before you spend money retraining.