Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine

Podiatrists have a varied and interesting job caring for the lower limbs. Foot pain affects the young and old, sedentary and active people alike and can cause pain in the lower back and other joints by changing how you stand, walk and run. Foot problems also occur in association with many chronic diseases and podiatrists increasingly play an important role in addressing chronic conditions such as diabetes and rheumatology. Podiatry is a rewarding and flexible career. You could find yourself correcting sports injuries, addressing paediatric gait complications, supporting elderly mobility, or treating chronic illnesses. Due to current national occupation shortages, Podiatrists are expected to be in demand in the future (as indicated on the Australian Government Skills Priority List).

The University of Newcastle Student Podiatry Clinic at Wyong and Newcastle Hospital offers students the opportunity to gain real-life experience treating patients under the supervision of experienced podiatrists, in all areas of podiatry practice. Students gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art clinics utilising the latest evidence based technologies to diagnose and treat a wide variety of pathologies. We also offer opportunities to participate in community health events, specialist cadetships within the local hospitals and to apply for government initiatives, such as the ‘Colombo Mobility plans’ to volunteer in supervised clinics in the Philippines.

Over the program students complete clinical placements in the university teaching clinic and in a range of external facilities across Australia and abroad, including hospitals, community centres, private practices, and sports medicine centres. We have also established a ‘Burija Clinic’ where First Nation patients receive free podiatric care supervised by Indigenous podiatrists.

The Joint Podiatry Program is delivered jointly by Western Sydney University and the University of Newcastle. Podiatry subjects are taught jointly with the supporting clinical and practical work conducted at each university. The biomedical and health science subjects are taught at each university. Students will have the opportunity to apply for the program component in year 4 which focuses on administering medicine to patients.

Areas of study

Anatomy, biomechanics, pharmacology, physiology, and podiatric medicine.

Career opportunities

Private and/or public podiatry practice e.g., sports podiatry, paediatric, diabetes high risk foot care, podiatric surgeon, researcher, footwear technical representative and health promotion officer.

Professional recognition

This degree is pending accreditation by Australia and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Committee. This degree is approved as an accredited program by the Podiatry Board of Australia. After graduating, students will be eligible to apply for registration with the Podiatry Registration Board of Australia via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Practical experience

Podiatry students complete more than 1,000 hours of practical clinical experience in different local hospitals, and work alongside experienced podiatrists, researchers, and podiatric surgeons. Our state-of-the-art teaching facilities include orthoses, clinical skills and research laboratories. We also have a fully equipped university-run clinic where students are given opportunities to learn and practise on real patients at Wyong and Newcastle Hospital.

Travel, accommodation, and related expenses for professional placement will be the responsibility of the student.

Honours

Available to high achieving students. Honours students can graduate at the end of the four-year period with a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine (Honours).

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.