Podiatrists are healthcare professionals that have been trained to diagnose and treat foot and lower limb conditions. Podiatrists provide assessment, evaluation and foot care for a wide range of patients, which range from low-risk to long-term acute conditions. Many patients fall into high risk categories such as those with diabetes, rheumatism, cerebral palsy, peripheral arterial disease and peripheral nerve damage.
100% of actual salary plus defined on-costs, up to the maximum reimbursable amount of £63,792 over 12 months.
This video was created by Health Education England.
Provide treatments for patients of all ages whilst autonomously managing a changing caseload as part of the PCN’s MDT team.
Assess and diagnose lower limb conditions and foot pathologies, commence management plans, deliver foot health education to patients and colleagues.
Liaise with PCN colleagues, community and secondary care staff, and named clinicians to arrange further investigations and onward referrals.
Use and provide guidance on a range of equipment including surgical instruments, dressings, treatment tables, and orthotics.
Provide treatment for high-risk patient groups such as the elderly and those with increased risk of amputation.
Use therapeutic and surgical techniques to treat foot and lower leg issues (e.g. carrying out nail and soft tissue surgery using local anaesthetic).
Prescribe, produce, and fit orthotics and other aids and appliances.
Undertake continued professional development to understand the mechanics of the body in order to preserve, restore and develop movement for patients.
Undertake a range of administrative tasks such as ensuring stock levels are maintained and securely stored, and equipment is kept in good working order.
Essential
Has a BSc in podiatry under a training programme approved by the College of Podiatry
Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration
Able to operate at an advanced level of clinical practice
Desirable
Pre-reg MSc in Podiatry under a training programme approved by the College of Podiatry
Post registration training in Diabetes
Non-medical prescribing qualification
Working towards advanced clinical practitioner status
The Podiatrist will be skilled in biomechanics, casting, footwear and orthotic provision. The podiatrist will work as part of a multi -disciplinary team within the PCN.
e-Learning for Healthcare
The following resources can be accessed via e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH). E-LfH provides free e-learning programmes which can support you in your professional development.
If you do not already have an account, click here to register using your NHS email address. If you already have an account, please use the same link to firstly log in to access the following resources.
The below resources are available to support Allied Health Professionals in their understanding and their development:
Allied Health Professional Careers Resource: The AHP Careers Resource takes eight potential areas for career development, the resource provides a wealth of information to highlight the wide range of available option, all whilst continuing to work clinically if desired. AHP colleagues taking different career journeys from across the 14 disciplines appear on film and share what has helped, what barriers they have overcome, and what they enjoy most about their work.
The Wow Show: A video resource that introduces you to individuals in AHP roles within the NHS to give an understanding of their roles and their experiences.
Resources for AHP in a primary or community setting This package provides training materials and resources useful to Allied Health Professionals working in a primary care or community setting during the current COVID-19 pandemic. It covers a comprehensive set of topics including breathlessness, fatigue, mobility and function, and includes resources for paramedics.
The below resources are specific to supporting a podiatrist in their current responsibilities or areas in which they may be wishing to develop:
This list is not exhaustive and the programmes available are regularly updated, so we recommend visiting the e-LfH portal and reviewing the available resources via using the “View full catalogue” function, or the “Search the e-learning" function.
To ensure the role is supported within primary care, the podiatrist will have access to appropriate clinical supervision and an appropriate named individual in the PCN to provide general advice and support on a day to day basis. Clinical Supervision of Podiatrist can be conducted by:
Experienced Podiatrist
GP
ACP (3+ years)
Please see below guidance on supervision provided by NHSEI and HEE.
Podiatrists are required to complete an approved podiatry degree and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The HCPC Register provides approved education and training programmes.
Must have a BSc to work as a podiatrist in all settings.
HEE Primary care FCP training must be completed as the minimum threshold for entry to primary care and be supported by appropriate governance and indemnity.
HEE primary care FCP training can begin 3-5 years after the completion of a postgraduate degree
Please click here to see a full list of national courses.
Apprenticeships
A degree apprenticeship with a healthcare provider is another way to become a podiatrist. Your employer and the government will pay the tuition fees, so apprenticeships aren’t eligible for student grants.
The Royal College of Podiatry outlines the benefits of the apprenticeship route and the universities that currently offer this. You can view the apprenticeship standards here.
100% of actual salary plus defined on-costs, up to the maximum reimbursable amount of £63,792 over 12 months.
This document provides a roadmap of education for practice when moving into First Contact Practitioner (FCP) roles, and onward to Advanced Practice (AP) roles in Podiatry.
Jobs
If you are looking for a new position related to this role, we recommend checking both NHS Jobs and HealthjobsUK.
