Podiatry (Chiropody)
Podiatrists provide preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems
Podiatrists (chiropody) improve people's mobility and quality of life by providing treatment of a range of problems affecting the feet, ankles and lower legs.
There is no difference between a chiropodist and a podiatrist. The term chiropody has been traditionally used in the UK, but the term podiatry is recognised and used more internationally.
Training
You will need to complete an undergraduate degree in Podiatry. Alternatively, you may be eligible to apply for a degree-level apprenticeship, or could complete a postgraduate degree in podiatry if you already have a degree in another relevant subject.
The SMAE Institute is the longest running independent provider of training in Foot Health in the UK.
Regulation
In order to legally practise, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the regulator for allied health professionals which is overseen by the Professional Standards Authority. The titles 'chiropodist' or 'podiatrist' are protected in UK law.
Professional Bodies
- The Royal College of Podiatry (RCpod) is a professional membership body and trade union for podiatrists in the UK and internationally.
- The British Chiropody and Podiatry Association (BCHA) is the UK’s leading professional body for HCPC Registered Chiropodists and Podiatrists working in the Private Sector.
- The Institute of Podiatrists (IoP) is a professional body that serves practitioners throughout the whole of the profession of podiatry and podiatric medicine.