How do I become a Podiatrist?

Podiatry is a profession of health sciences concerned with the research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of deformities, pathologies, and injuries of the foot and associated structures – in relation with the body as well as the manifestations of systemic diseases – by all appropriate systems and technologies using scientific and professional specialised knowledge. They improve people’s mobility, independence and quality of life for their patients.

Podiatrists complete a 4 year BSc degree in Podiatric Medicine, which includes at least 1,000 hours of clinical placement.

CORU, the regulatory body will provide you with further information on approved qualifications.

Additional information on the profession can be found on the Podiatry Ireland website and Careers Portal .

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

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with CORU, the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) including Podiatry. Find out more on the CORU Website

Podiatrists are part of a clinical workforce called Health & Social Care Professionals , who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.

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. An example of the areas within podiatry includes 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

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

  • Become a senior Podiatrist
  • Specialise in a specific area, like diabetes, orthopaedics, rheumatology, renal

Career Progression Pathway:

  • Podiatrist
  • Senior Podiatrist
  • Clinical Specialist Podiatrist

Management Pathway: 

  • Podiatrist Manager
  • Podiatrist Manager in Charge III

There are also opportunities available for education roles (Education Pathway) across the Health and Social Care Professions.

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE. For more information please click here

HSeLanD is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on www.hseland.ie.

Other examples of professional development activities include 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.