Thinking of Studying Podiatry?

Thinking of becoming a podiatrist?  The profession is recognised as leading the way for professional foot, ankle and lower limb care and treatment.  There are a number of types of podiatry that you can work in:

• Public sector health, where you are mainly employed in the public hospitals or in health care services
• Private practice, working with the community in a private practice setting
• Aged care working with seniors and the aged in aged care facilities and in their homes
• Research and teaching, working with the universities to research foot conditions, treatments and training

To become a podiatrist a practitioner must complete an accredited Bachelor’s Degree and be registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia (www.ahpra.gov.au)

Until 1977, Australian podiatrists were known as chiropodists. The official name change to podiatry reflected the upgrading of education levels and an expansion in the scope of practice by the profession.

The only university currently accredited to offer podiatry as a degree is the University of Western Australia and you can contact them for further information on ATAR entrance scores and entry pathways. www.uwa.edu.au. The course is offered in other states and a simple search on Google for “podiatry studies”will return a number of links to guide your search further.

For Podiatry Students

Western Australian Podiatry Students are eligible for free student memebrship to Podiatry WA. To find out more, go to out member website at JOIN US

How do podiatrists stay informed?

Podiatrists must complete 20 hours every year of professional development which is governed by the Podiatry Board of Australia. The professional development must be across a range of areas and must be in addition to the completion of a First Aid (or refresher) annually. Podiatric surgeons have a higher requirement for professional development which must include areas specifically relate to surgery and clinical care. They must complete advanced resuscitation in addition to their First Aid requirements annually.

For more information on the requirements for podiatrists to stay informed, check the Podiatry Board of Australia website www.podiatryboard.gov.au