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Hi everyone,

Newbie to the forums! I hope some of you good folks on here can help me. I'm currently looking at various healthcare professions and was at one point seriously going into nursing but am now moving towards podiatry for a number of reasons. I've got places for access to science course, however I'm also considering going for a podiatry assistant role which trains you up to a band 4 position. I thought that if I were to get this role it would be good experience and then apply to uni for podiatry.

With these options in mind, can anyone advise what you think might be the best route? I have read a thread on here about the assistant role which many ppl didn't seem to keen on. Would just going straight onto the access course then uni be the best way?

I understand that I need to do some shadowing also and with that in mind would any of you good selves on here consider a 'mature' (only 29) lady to shadow for a day, few days or a week? I live in Leicester, however have a car so can travel to coalville, loughborough derby etc

If anyone can give advice and welcome a future podiatrist to shadow it would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

 

A lot will depend on your academic background currently, the access year is tough but will get you where you want to be and maybe you could do some part time pod assistant whilst at uni

 

oh yeah welcome to the forum :)

ben

 

Hello there

I wonder if you've looked at the Foundation Degree in Podiatry at New College Durham? Its aimed at Podiatry Assistants - 2 years and you then have a foundation degree in Podiatry. Then - if your successful, you can apply to transfer onto their degree programme (which would be a further 2 years). I am doing this course at present and working on a volunteer basis as in assistant in a private practice. I have a background in pathology but after having my children wanted to get out the laboratory, and work in a interesting, challenging field - it definitely ticks that box!

The only thing is that an access course would help you whatever you decide to do - whereas this is obviously very specific!

Best of luck with whatever you decide!

 

I would wholeheartedly recommend an adult access course prior to university. As far as HCA is concerned dont know cos' they weren't invented when I started. My own career has gone like this:
2000 Garage manager stress
200O 2001 Adult access v hard work
2001 2004 Podiatry at University of Brighton
2004-5 Clinical lecturer at the above
2005-6 Podiatrist (generic)
2006-2010 Podiatrist (specialist MSK)
2010 to present ESP in foot and ankle MSK

I was 43 when I started and had 5 old fashioed "O" levels, adult access allowed to achieve all the above including an MSc in Podiatry with Biomechanics. I would tell you "go for it" you do not realise your own potential until you try but be prepared to work your socks off.

Best of British