Becoming a Podiatrist
Learn about podiatry as a career in Surrey, including what podiatrists do, where they work, how to train for the profession, and the opportunities available across the county.
Podiatry is a rewarding healthcare career focused on helping people stay mobile, active and independent. Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs, supporting patients with pain, injury and long-term conditions such as diabetes. Across Surrey, podiatrists work in hospitals, community clinics and specialist healthcare teams, helping people improve their health and quality of life.
What You’ll Do as a Podiatrist
As a podiatrist, you will assess, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs, helping patients stay mobile and live without pain. Your responsibilities may include:
- Assessing patients with foot and lower limb problems
- Diagnosing conditions affecting mobility and foot health
- Treating nail and skin conditions such as ingrown nails and corns
- Supporting people with diabetes to prevent serious complications
- Treating wounds and infections
- Carrying out biomechanical assessments to understand how people walk
- Providing treatment plans to improve mobility and reduce pain
- Working with other healthcare professionals such as GPs, nurses and surgeons
No two days are the same, and podiatrists work with a wide variety of patients and conditions.
Where You Can Work as a Podiatrist in Surrey
Podiatrists work in a variety of healthcare settings across Surrey.
Hospitals
Hospital podiatrists work with multidisciplinary teams treating patients with complex foot conditions, injuries and diabetic complications. Hospitals across Surrey include:
- Royal Surrey County Hospital
- Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals
- Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Community Services
Community podiatrists provide care closer to home, supporting patients in clinics and community settings. These services are often delivered by organisations such as:
- CSH Surrey
Community podiatrists help patients manage long-term conditions and maintain their mobility.
Specialist Clinics
Some podiatrists work in specialist services focusing on areas such as:
- Diabetic foot care
- Biomechanics and gait analysis
- Wound care
- Nail surgery
These roles often involve working alongside surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists.
Entry Requirements and Training to Become a Podiatrist
Podiatry is a regulated healthcare profession. To work as a podiatrist in the UK, you must complete approved training and register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Training Routes
Most people become a podiatrist by completing:
- University podiatry degree
A three-year degree combining academic study with hands-on clinical placements. During your course you will gain experience working with patients in clinics and healthcare settings.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary by university but typically include:
- GCSEs in English and Maths
- A-levels, access course or equivalent qualifications
- Science subjects such as biology are often helpful
- An interest in healthcare and helping people
Universities look for people who are motivated, compassionate and interested in health and wellbeing.
Working Life as a Podiatrist in Surrey
Working as a podiatrist is varied and hands-on.
You will work with patients of all ages, from children to older adults, helping them manage pain, injuries and long-term conditions. A Typical Day A podiatrist’s day may include:
- Assessing patients and diagnosing conditions
- Treating foot and lower limb problems
- Supporting people with diabetic foot care
- Performing minor procedures such as nail surgery
- Providing advice on footwear and mobility
- Working with healthcare teams to coordinate patient care
Podiatrists work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the best possible care.
Pay, Benefits and Career Progression
A career in podiatry offers opportunities to develop and specialise.
Pay
Podiatrists working in the NHS are usually paid under the Agenda for Change pay system.
- Band 5 – Newly qualified podiatrists
- Band 6–7 – Specialist or senior podiatrists
- Band 8+ – Advanced clinical or leadership roles
Additional pay may be available for evenings, weekends or specialist roles.
Career Progression
Podiatry offers many opportunities to specialise, including:
- Diabetic foot specialist
- Musculoskeletal podiatry
- Paediatric podiatry
- Surgical podiatry
- Research and education roles
- Leadership and service management
With experience, podiatrists can move into senior clinical, specialist or management positions.
Explore a Career in Podiatry
As demand for foot health services continues to grow, there is an increasing need for skilled podiatrists across Surrey and the wider NHS. If you are looking for a healthcare career where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, podiatry offers a rewarding and meaningful path.
Take the first step and explore a career in podiatry today.