Podiatry support workers work alongside registered podiatrists providing general foot treatments, applying dressings, assisting in minor surgeries, and advising patients on foot and nail care.

The Work

You could be:

• carrying out simple tasks such as cutting toenails and applying dressings
• making templates for insoles
• checking feet for diabetic ulcers or other circulation problems
• giving advice to patients on foot and nail care
• assisting podiatrists with minor surgical procedures
• advising patients on footwear
• cleaning and sterilising treatment room and equipment between patients.

Pay

Under NHS Agenda for Change, podiatry support workers start on Band 2, £21,814 to £23,820 a year. With promotion your salary would rise to Band 3, £23,914 to £25,808 a year. The current pay scales are from April 2022.

Conditions

• You may be based in a hospital, health centre, community centre or GP practice.
• You could work in a care home.
• You may be based in a private practice.
• You would work under the supervision of a registered podiatrist.
• Working hours are normally regular but there may be occasional weekend and evening work.

Getting In

• A good general education is useful including English and Maths.
• You can enter through a Modern Apprenticeship in Healthcare Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6.
• You may need to sit an entrance test.
• Previous experience in a paid or voluntary role in a health care setting would be an advantage.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

What Does it Take?

You need to have:

• good communication skills
• excellent listening skills
• the ability to work as part of a team
• patience and understanding
• good organisation skills
• the ability to stay calm when working under pressure.

Training

• Training is on the job. You would work towards Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) Healthcare Support (Clinical) at SCQF Level 6.
• You will follow a supervised programme of training including record keeping; skin and nail pathology; microbiology; anatomy and physiology; foot conditions; and nail operations.

Getting On

• This could be the first step towards becoming a qualified podiatrist.
• Podiatry assistant practitioners can join the Royal College of Podiatry as associate members.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.