Chiropody Assistant
What is the work like?
Chiropody assistants (also known as foot care assistants or podiatry assistants) work under the supervision of registered chiropodists to provide general foot treatments and nail care to clients.
As a chiropody assistant, your duties would often include:
- cutting toe nails and applying dressings
- providing advice on foot and nail care
- treating patients who have already been assessed by a chiropodist/podiatrist
- preparing patients for treatment
- supporting a chiropodist during a procedure
- carrying out general clerical tasks and making appointments
- organising your time to manage a caseload of clients.
Your clients would include older people, those recovering from injury or surgery, and individuals with circulation problems or diabetes.
You could also work as a self-employed Foot Health Practitioner (FHP), delivering routine foot care to the general public.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may not need any formal qualifications to become a chiropody assistant, however, many employers will prefer you to have a good general standard of education, possibly including four or more GCSEs (A-C) in subjects such as maths, English and a science.
You may have an advantage if you have paid or unpaid experience of working in a caring role or as a receptionist in a medical practice. Contact the voluntary services coordinator or manager at your local NHS Trust for further advice.
Another way to get experience would be through a two-year Cadet Scheme or Apprenticeship. Schemes vary between NHS Trusts, but will usually include clinical placements and a studying towards an NVQ Level 3 in Health. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. You could also contact your local NHS Trust for details of cadet schemes.
You could work in the private sector as a self-employed Foot Health Practitioner (FHP), delivering routine foot care and dealing with common foot disorders experienced by the general public. You can prepare for this role by completing a Diploma in Foot Health Practice and joining the Voluntary Register of Foot Health Practitioners. Contact the Alliance of Private Sector Chiropody and Podiatry Practitioners for details.
You may need a driving licence and access to your own transport for some posts that involve visiting clients in their own home.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working as a chiropody assistant you will receive on-the-job training from your employer. This will usually involve around 500 hours in clinic, and studying a range of subjects such as:
- skin and nail pathology
- microbiology
- anatomy
- circulation
- podiatric conditions.
Your training could also include preparing a treatment room (for example, sterilising instruments and getting equipment ready for use) and learning the techniques you need to support a chiropodist during a procedure. You will have theoretical and practical tests during your training.
You may also be encouraged to take:
- relevant external courses, such as those run by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists
- NVQ Level 3 in Health: Allied Health Profession Support (General) – this includes units specific to the assessment, care, maintenance and treatment of feet.
With experience, you could apply for an assistant practitioner post and study for a foundation degree in a subject such as health care (associate practitioner), health and social care, or assisting professional practice. With this level qualification, you may be able to join year two of a degree leading to registration as a chiropodist (this may be part of a secondment, with financial support from your employer).
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 150850Tower Bridge Road
London
SE1 3LY
Tel: 020 7234 8620
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries for chiropody assistants in the NHS can be between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.
- With experience and relevant qualifications, this could rise to around £21,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 37.5 hours a week as a full-time chiropody assistant. There may also be opportunities for part-time work and job sharing.
You could be based in a local clinic, health centre or hospital, and you may also visit some patients in their own homes. In the private sector you may be based in a private clinic or the chiropody department of a retail outlet (such as a large pharmacy chain).
You will usually wear a uniform for this work.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to relate to a range of people
- a caring and understanding manner
- good hand-eye coordination
- strong spoken and written communication skills
- good practical skills
- the ability to work well in a team
- the ability to organise your time and manage your workload.
What opportunities are there?
You will find jobs within the NHS, in private practice and occasionally within retail, for example in a footwear chain or pharmacy setting.
Experience as a chiropody assistant gives you valuable insight into the work of a chiropodist. You may also have an advantage if you decide to go on to train and qualify as a state registered chiropodist, however, you will still need to complete the same qualification as those without relevant experience (check the Chiropodist job profile for details).
Jobs may be advertised in industry press, such as the British Journal of Podiatry and Podiatry Now. You may also find the following useful for vacancies: (links open in new window)
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