Bachelor of Podiatry - Graduate Entry

Overview

• Gain highly sought after skills and knowledge in: sports medicine, podiatric medicine and surgery, pharmacology and paediatrics.
• Ideal for professionals working in health, sports science and biomedical science, seeking to fast-track their career progression.
• Be in high demand with hands-on learning and clinical experience in the on-campus QUT Podiatry Clinic, followed by extensive placement throughout the course.
• Excellent job prospects and careers in private practice, clinics, sports podiatry and rehabilitation. Learn more.
• Graduate eligible for registration with the Podiatry Board of Australia.

Details

Why choose this course?

Podiatrists are in high demand and are expertly skilled to diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions that are a result of foot or lower limb problems. Podiatrists are able to interpret body movements to treat conditions and alleviate pain in the knees, lower back and hips. They can also design orthotic devices that align feet and assist with walking difficulties, or assist with the rehabilitation of sports injuries using physical therapy techniques. Podiatrists may also work alongside other health professionals in the management of chronic disease such as diabetes. With hands-on experience in the QUT Health Clinics and other community settings, this course prepares you for a variety of interesting careers.

Course summary

Offered on a full time basis over 2.5 years, the Bachelor of Health Science (Podiatry) - Graduate-entry is a smart choice for professionals working in health, sports science and biomedical science, seeking to fast-track their career progression.

This course provides you with expert skills to diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions that are a result of foot or lower limb problems.

Integral to the practice of podiatry is an understanding of human anatomy, biomolecular science, pharmacology, dermatology and clinical medicine and surgery. QUT Podiatry students enjoy close engagement with our clinical and academic staff and the qualified podiatrist to student ratio is often 1 to 10, ensuring all students receive quality hands-on training under expert supervision in QUT’s multimillion dollar purpose-built community Health Clinics. Our students participate in biomechanics/musculoskeletal clinics, sports clinics, diabetes foot complication clinics, paediatrics (children) clinics and general podiatry clinics.

After attending the compulsory 5 day on-campus program of study, as part of the requirements for the foundation unit PUB442 Podiatric Medicine and Clinical Practice in the week prior to the commencement of semester two, you’ll complete advanced podiatry studies in a wide range of areas including:

• pharmacology
• paediatrics
• sports medicine
• podiatric medicine and surgery

All of the clinical requirements for registration as a podiatrist are met during your course of study at QUT and we provide you with approximately 1000 hours of clinical placement to meet registration requirements. The majority of this experience is provided to you in our on-campus Health Clinics, which exposes you to all aspects of professional podiatry practice, including: podiatric surgery; physical therapy; rehabilitation; and counselling, to prepare you for your career as a podiatrist.

Hepatitis B vaccination and the attainment of a current First Aid Certificate is required before beginning clinical placements.

Please see the Entry Requirements section for more important information.

Career outcomes

Podiatrists are responsible for diagnosing and treating foot and lower limb disorders, including sports and other injuries. Podiatrists use a range of clinical, surgical, and therapeutic techniques to treat patients. A podiatrist may work as a member of a medical team to deliver the best overall care for a patient with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, sports injuries, or walking difficulties.

Most general podiatry practices have a significant caseload of patients with conditions such as heel pain, running injuries, footwear problems/corrections, corns, callouses and tendon and joint injuries. Some practices specialise in geriatrics, whilst podiatry treatment for people with chronic diseases such as arthritis and diabetes, is an increasing area of specialisation.

National and international employment opportunities for graduates are excellent. In recent years the number of positions available exceeded the number of graduates. Student surveys have also indicated that virtually all graduates are fully employed within three months of graduation.

Podiatrists can work with other health professionals in hospital settings, establish a private practice, or complete training as a podiatric surgeon. Graduates may also build a career in paediatric podiatry, sports podiatry, forensic podiatry, community health, or research.

Student registration

QUT automatically registers students enrolled in this course with the Podiatry Board of Australia in accordance with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. Details about student registration are available from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Professional recognition

Graduates are eligible for registration with the Podiatry Board of Australia, and are eligible for membership of the Australian Podiatry Association and Sports Medicine Australia.

Units

Entry requirements

Minimum academic requirements

Did you complete secondary school in Australia?

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

View all scholarships