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To practice as a podiatrist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). In order to register with the HCPC, you need to study for an approved degree level qualification in podiatry. Degree courses take three or four years, either full time or part time. If you have a relevant first degree, you can apply for a 2-year Masters programme in podiatry. A degree standard apprenticeship in podiatry has also been approved.

Most podiatrists in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may work some evenings. Your starting salary will be band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay rates. Some podiatrists have to travel between client appointments.

Skills needed include being happy to handle other people’s feet, being good listeners, understanding good manual (hand) skills and organisation skills

You may choose to specialise in a particular area of practice such as sports injuries, diabetes, forensic podiatry or working with children. Other options include teaching or research. You could also move into management, either within podiatry services or general management. As head of a local podiatry service you would be responsible both for a team of staff and for managing a budget. Some podiatrists do further training to become podiatric surgeons. Others may decide to set up their own clinics, on their own or with other professionals.

There are three entry points into haematology (1) with at least two if not three A-levels including science subjects (or equivalent level-3 qualifications) and a good spread of GCSEs at A-C grade, to take an accredited BSc degree in healthcare science (blood sciences) for the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP); (2) through the NHS Scientist Training Programme for which you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a relevant pure or applied science. If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable; or (3) after gaining postgraduate qualifications and/or considerable relevant experience as a clinical scientist through Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST).

NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern, especially as blood laboratories operate 24/7. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. Your salary in haematology would typically be between AfC Bands 5 and 9, depending on your role and level of responsibility. As a healthcare science practitioner, you’d usually start on band 5, with opportunities to progress to more senior positions. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, including Higher Specialist Scientist Training, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

An interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, attention to detail and able to work as part of a team.

With further training or experience or both, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.