How do I become a Podiatrist?

Podiatry, as a career, can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling, giving immense job satisfaction.

It is a profession of health sciences concerned with the research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of deformities, pathologies, and injuries of the foot. Podiatrists improve people’s mobility, independence and quality of life for their patients.

There are multiple entry routes to the podiatry profession. CORU, the regulatory body, will provide you information on approved qualifications. Additional information on the profession can be found on the Podiatry Ireland website or by visiting Careers Portal.

If you have qualified outside of Ireland, you will find further information here.

Your role within the HSE

Within the HSE, podiatrists can work independently, as part of a larger podiatry service, in specialist teams or as part of a multidisciplinary teams across community or hospital services.

Podiatrists can work alongside many other health professionals such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, orthotists, occupational therapists and other Health and Social Care Professionals to name a few.

The scope of practice of a podiatrist ranges from management of skin and nail pathologies, management of patients with disease that can compromise the viability of the foot and lower limb eg diabetes, vascular disease and wound care, biomechanical and gait analysis, sports injuries, paediatrics, and minor surgical procedures. This is not an exhaustive list.

Career progression

Podiatry offers different ways for you to progress in your career, such as staff grade podiatrist, senior podiatrist, clinical specialist, podiatry discipline manager or In Charge III Manager. You can specialise in specific areas, like diabetes, orthopaedics, rheumatology, renal or progress into further education, academia.

The current Career Progression Pathway within the HSE is as follows: Podiatrist; Senior Podiatrist; Clinical Specialist Podiatrist; Podiatrist Manager; Podiatrist Manager in Charge III

The HSCP office is currently progressing the development of advancing podiatry practice.

Further training and development

There are many ways of deepening your skills pertinent to your role as a podiatrist within a specific setting. This can be achieved, for example, through postgraduate training or clinical courses. These are delivered by various bodies and can be free, fully or partially funded by the organisation you work for, Podiatry Ireland or the HSE HSCP Office.

Information on education and development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on HSELanD, the HSE’s training portal.

CORU, the regulatory body for the profession, also offers guidance and support to a podiatrist’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Other examples of professional development activities are access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest information about the profession through specialised newsletters, blogs, and podcasts.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.