How to become a Podiatrist
Registered AHP specialising in foot, ankle and lower-limb health — including high-risk diabetic and vascular care. National shortage of new entrants.
Entry routes
- From Healthcare Assistant: BSc Podiatry (HCPC-approved) (~3 yrs)
What you'll need
Qualifications
Admin
- UCAS / university application (degree route)
Funding
- Funding or apprenticeship sponsorship
Registration
- HCPC registration (allied health professional)
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Qualifications, cost & duration
BSc (Hons) Podiatry
Level 6 · ~36 months · ~£9,535
Tuition via student finance + NHS Learning Support Fund. Shortage subject — bursaries common.
A typical path
£25,272 now → £32,073 in 3 yrs
- £25,272
Healthcare Assistant
Year 0 · Band 2 · entry
- £32,073
Podiatrist
Year 3 · Band 5 · entry
- £34,592
Podiatrist
Year 5 · Band 5 · intermediate
- £39,043
Podiatrist
Year 7 · Band 5 · top
Common questions
How long does it take to become a Podiatrist?
3 years (degree) — see the step-by-step timeline above for a typical path.
See what you'd earn as a Podiatrist
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Indicative — England 2026/27 Agenda for Change basic pay, excludes High Cost Area Supplements, unsocial-hours and overtime. Typical timings are national averages, not guarantees. Not financial advice. See data sources.