Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

The Work

A podiatrist is a highly qualified healthcare professional who provides preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems affecting the feet, ankles and legs.

In the HSE Physiotherapists are part of a clinical workforce called Health & Social Care Professionals, who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.

Podiatry is a profession of health sciences concerned with the research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of deformaties, pathologies, and injuries of the foot and associated structures - in relation with the body as well as the manifestations of systemic diseases. They improve people's mobility, independence and the quality of life for their patients.

The scope of practice of a podiatrist ranges from management of skin and nail pathologies, management of patients with disease that can compromise the viability of the foot and lower limb e.g. diabetes, vascular disease and wound care, biomechanical and gait analysis, sports injuries, paediatrics, and minor surgical procedures. 

Many people have a problem with their feet at some time, often in later life. The work Podiatrists do to overcome or prevent foot problems is an important part of healthcare services. Being able to help people so directly makes a Podiatrist's career very rewarding.  
 
The centre of your clinical work is to assess, diagnose and treat diseases and abnormalities of the foot. Your patients will be of all ages - from infants to the elderly. Health promotion is another important aspect. 
 
The Podiatrist's work can vary greatly from patient to patient, depending on the individual problem and the plan you have drawn up to treat it. The aim is to cure the patient's problem, whenever possible, and to prevent it recurring - or any new one developing.  
 
Unfortunately, not all problems can be cured or prevented, especially in older people. In these cases, the aim of the treatment is to keep your patients as free of pain as possible, enabling them to remain mobile, and to stop matters becoming worse.

Where Will I Work

Within the HSE, podiatrists can work independently, as part of a larger podiatry service, in specialist teams or as part of a multidisciplinary team across community or hospital services.

Podiatrists can work alongside many other health professionals such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, orthotists, occupational therapists and other Health and Social Care Professionals to name a few.

The HSE is the biggest employer in Ireland for this occupation. Further information from the HSE on the duties and skills for this occupation can be found here.

Apart from the HSE you may work in private healthcare and clinics, in GP practices, with sports clubs and specialised services such as Diabetes Ireland. There are opportunities in teaching, clinical education and supervision. Many podiatrists set up a private practice. 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
• Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
• Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
• Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
• Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.
• Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
• Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
• Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
• Perform administrative duties, such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, or keeping records.
• Educate the public about the benefits of foot care through techniques such as speaking engagements, advertising, and other forums.

Further Information

• Podiatrist / Chiropodist - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Podiatrist / Chiropodist - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Training & Development Pathways

CAO Higher Education entry: Podiatric Medicine at NFQ level 8 search CAO courses

Study in Northern Ireland: Podiatry Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 Search UCAS courses

Postgraduate study: Podiatry Medicine - Research, Podiatry Medicine - Structured at NFQ level 9-10

Professional Development 

Once qualified you are expected to keep up to date with new techniques and treatments by CPD (continuing professional development).

SOCIETY OF CHIROPODISTS & PODIATRISTS IRELAND

Last Updated: March, 2025

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €42k - €93k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
HSE/ Indeed

Last Updated: August, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment levels have fluctuated over the five-year period, with numbers employed in 2024 broadly in line with that of 2021. Three-quarters of persons employed were women, with a lower than average share who were non-Irish citizens.

New employment permits were issued across a range of job titles including radiographers, cardiac physiologists, dieticians, audiologists, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists, and psychologists.

There was a fall in the share of OJAs for this occupation between 2023 and 2024, mostly related to a fall in health services and public health managers and directors.

Although demand is evident and the Government is committed to increase training places and recruitment for many of these roles, the extent to which shortages are occurring is difficult to determine due to the relatively small number of persons employed in each speciality. A workforce plan for the healthcare sector should assist in shedding further light on the issues facing this occupation.

Shortage:

Inconclusive

• CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals

  • Infinity Building, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y
  • (01) 293 3160
  • [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Society of Chiropodists/Podiatrists of Ireland

  • 77 Lower Camden Street Dublin 2 Ireland D02 XE80
  • 086 4672046
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health Service Executive (HSE)

  • Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
  • 041 685 0300
  • Click Here

• Chiropody Podiatry Ireland

  • The Irish Chiropodists/Podiatrists Organisation Ltd. Registered Office: I.CP.O. Ltd, Avondale House, The Square, Ballincollig, Co Cork, Ireland
  • 021 4874560
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here