Chiropody
Student chiropodists/podiatrists take a three year course which leads to a degree approved by the chiropodists board of the Health Professions Council (HPC). This is essential for employment in the NHS.
You can take a Bachelor of Science (BSc) course at a university or college of higher education. This degree is offered at only 13 institutions in the UK, so each year the number of places is limited.
The structure of the degree programme awarding a BSc (Hons) in chiropody/podiatry is modular. This means that you will study each area of the course in small sections (modules) which are assessed separately. Every year of the course comprises both theoretical and clinical modules. Clinical work will normally begin in the first year of the course. Some sessions will be based in the classroom and others will be clinic or laboratory based.
A podiatrist/chiropodist assesses, diagnoses and treats a range of problems of the foot and lower limb below the knee. Their specialist skills are used to treat minor infections/ailments, defects and injuries, as well as conditions and symptoms relating to other major health disorders e.g. diabetes. Podiatrists also provide preventative care and advice to patients and groups.
The title podiatrist has replaced the title chiropodist although both titles are interchangeable in terms of the scope of the role fulfilled. Since 2003 both 'podiatrist' and 'chiropodist' have been protected titles and anyone wishing to practise under either title must register with the .
Podiatrists provide short-term treatment for the relief of painful symptoms of dermatological and other foot-related problems, for example:
- corns and calluses;
- verrucae (warts);
- in-growing nails;
- bunions.
Treatment regimes provided by podiatrists, particularly for more in-depth and intense problems include the prescription of orthoses, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, ultrasonics, specialised dressings, and exercise therapies.
Typical work activities include:
- providing vascular and neurological assessment in the long-term management of chronic disorders and specialist high risk patient groups;
- treating ulcers, providing wound management, advice and referral as appropriate;
- using therapeutic techniques, such as carrying out minor surgery using local anaesthesia;
- prescribing, producing and fitting orthotics and other aids and appliances;
- delivering foot health education, particularly to more vulnerable groups in society such as the homeless, the elderly, children and those with general medical problems such as osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis;
- working closely with other medical practitioners such as doctors, nurses, health visitors, physiotherapists in the provision of multidisciplinary team delivery of healthcare;
- using a range of equipment, such as surgical instruments and dressings, treatment tables, orthotic (inner sole) materials, grinders and shaping equipment for making orthotics, and X-ray and video gait-analysis equipment (which consists of a running machine and video camera that allows a frame-by-frame analysis of patients' walking or running problems).
Dietetics
Dietetics is the interpretation and communication of the science of nutrition to enable people to make informed and practical choices about food and lifestyle, in both health and disease. A dietitian will have trained in both hospital and community settings as part of their course. Most dietitians are employed in the NHS, but may also work in the food industry, education, research and on a freelance basis. It is necessary to have a recognised degree, MSc or post graduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics to work as a dietitian.
Registered dietitians translate the science of nutrition into everyday information about food.
They undertake the practical application of nutrition with both individuals and population groups to promote the well being of individuals and communities to prevent nutrition related problems. They are also involved in the diagnoses and dietary treatment of disease.
Dietitians work with people who have special dietary needs, inform the general public about nutrition, give unbiased advice, evaluate and improve treatments and educate clients, doctors, nurses, health professionals and community groups.
Dietitians can work in a variety of areas, many of these are in the NHS within hospitals or in the community as dietitians, health educators or as managers. Both hospital and community dietitians educate people who need special diets as part of their medical treatment, for example patients with/in:
- kidney disease
- food allergies
- eating disorders
- diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- oncology
- gastroenterology
There are also opportunities for dietitians to work outside of the NHS in a variety of different areas such as:
- food industry
- education
- research
- business
- charities
- media
- freelance work
Dietitians have special skills in translating scientific and medical decisions related to food and health to inform the general public. They also play an important role in health promotion.
A registered dietitian needs to have an interest in science, people and food, be able to communicate with people from all areas of the community, an ability to explain complex things simply, a positive and motivating attitude and an understanding, non-discriminatory approach as well as patience and a sense of humour.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapy is the assessment and treatment of physical and psychiatric conditions using specific, purposeful activity to prevent disability and promote independent function in all aspects of daily life.
Occupational therapists work in hospital and various community settings They may visit clients and their carers at home to monitor their progress. When a course of therapy is completed, the therapist will analyse how effective it has been.
Occupational therapists work with young children, adolescents, adults and older people.
In these areas:
- physical rehabilitation
- mental health services
- learning disability
- primary care
- paediatrics
- environmental adaptation
- care management
- equipment for daily living
- research posts
In these places:
- community centres
- education establishments
- GP practices / primary care
- hospitals
- housing associations
- clients homes
- industrial and commercial organisations
- prisons
- residential and nursing homes
- social services and council departments
- schools
- charities and voluntary agencies
They work with people of all ages to help them overcome the effects of disability caused by physical or psychological illness, ageing or accident. The profession offers enormous opportunities for career development and endless variety.
Being a registered occupational therapist takes patience, ingenuity, determination, common sense, a sound knowledge base and enthusiasm. Most of all, it requires an interest in working closely with people to enable them to lead full and satisfying lives as independently as possible.
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists help and treat people of all ages with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing.
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession which sees human movement as central to the health and well-being of individuals. Physiotherapists identify and maximise movement potential through health promotion, preventive healthcare, treatment and rehabilitation.
The core skills used by physiotherapists include manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and the application of electro-physical modalities. Physiotherapists also have an appreciation of psychological, cultural and social factors which influence their clients.
The following are just a few of the areas physiotherapists work:
- outpatients
- intensive care
- womens health
- care of the elderly
- stroke patients
- orthopaedics
- mental illness
- learning difficulties
- occupational health
- terminally ill
- paediatrics
Many physiotherapists work within hospitals. Here they are needed in virtually every department, from general out-patients to intensive care, where round-the-clock chest physiotherapy can be vital to keep unconscious patients breathing.
Hospitals often have physiotherapy gyms, hydrotherapy and high-tech equipment so that specialist therapy can be carried out.
Today's physiotherapist is just as likely to work in the local community as within a hospital. There is also a need for physiotherapists in many other places.
These places are:
- industry
- special schools
- the private sector (for example, private practice)
- education
- leisure & sport
In fact wherever people are at risk of injury from their occupation or activity.
Nowadays, more and more physiotherapists work outside the hospital setting, in the community where a growing number are employed by GP fundholders. Treatment and advice for patients and carers take place in their own homes, in nursing homes or day centres, in schools and in health centres.
Being a physiotherapist in any setting is all about teamwork. As well as being able to build up a rapport with your patients, it is equally important to maintain communication with their relatives or carers as well as , , , and .
Physiotherapy is a ''hands on'', physical career in every sense. The personal qualities needed for this rewarding role are tolerance, patience and compassion, you will also need to be level-headed, practical and have good communication skills.
Psychologist
Psychology is a science based profession. It is the study of people: how they think, how they act, react and interact. It is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivation underlying such behaviour.
Psychology can be studied at GCSE and at Post 16 level.
GCSE psychology courses are designed to provide students with a basic level introduction to the subject. Each course is different, but all include some simple practical work and an opportunity to explore some of the main areas of psychology. A-level courses aim to provide a basic knowledge of the main areas of psychology. Students look at how the ideas and theories involved in each area have developed, and explore some psychological questions of their own by undertaking practical research.
Psychologists deal in the way the mind works and motivation, and can specialise in various areas such as; mental health work and educational and occupational psychology.
It is useful to remember that psychologists are not usually medically qualified and only a small proportion of people studying psychology degrees will go on to work with patients.
There are a number of areas that holders of psychology degrees can move into these include:
- clinical psychology
- counselling psychology
- educational psychology
- forensic psychology
- health psychology
- occupational psychology
- teaching and research in psychology
Language therapist
Speech and language therapists (SLTs) work closely with infants, children and adults who have various levels of speech, communication or swallowing difficulties. The therapist assesses clients' needs and problems before developing individual treatment programmes to enable each client to improve as much as possible. Treatment plans often also involve those with whom the client has a close relationship, including family, carers or teachers.
A speech and language therapist usually works as part of a multidisciplinary team, alongside other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The therapist may also liaise with professionals in education and the social services.
Tasks typically involve:
- identifying children's developmental speech and communication difficulties/disorders;
- assessing/treating swallowing and communication difficulties which may arise from a variety of causes, e.g. congenital problems (such as cleft palate) or acquired disorders after a stroke or injury;
- devising, implementing and revising relevant treatment programmes;
- advising carers on implementation of programmes and training other professionals in therapy delivery;
- assessing communication environments;
- monitoring and evaluating clients' progress;
- working with clients on a one-to-one basis, and in groups, to deliver therapy;
- writing and maintaining confidential client case notes and reports, as well as information for clients, carers and other professionals;
- managing a caseload taking account of priority cases, waiting lists, successful outcomes, referral and discharge of service users;
- working with others to improve the effectiveness of service delivery.
Therapists operating at more senior levels may be involved in the following:
- conducting personal development reviews with colleagues;
- supporting/supervising newly qualified speech and language therapists and speech and language therapy assistants;
- setting organisational and personal objectives;
- planning and delivering training sessions;
- contributing to the implementation and evaluation of projects and developments;
- undertaking clinical audit through the collation of statistical, financial and other data relating to service delivery;
- participating in research projects.
Nurses
If you want to work in an environment that's interesting, rewarding and challenging, a career in nursing will give you plenty of scope to do exactly that. Nurses form the largest group of staff in the NHS and are a crucial part of the healthcare team. Nurses work in every sort of health setting from accident and emergency to working in patients' homes, with people of all ages and backgrounds.
So, if you've got an interest in caring for people, you'll find a role that suits you in nursing. Some nurses begin their career by working their way up from support roles, which require no set qualifications, and go on to train for a registered nursing degree or diploma, which qualifies them to work as a nurse. Others apply straight to university to undertake their studies.
Whatever route you take, you'll need to gain a degree or diploma in nursing, during which the NHS will support you. For instance, your tuition fees will usually be paid and you will be eligible for a bursary.
Once you are part of the NHS, you'll benefit from flexible working arrangements, excellent benefits and a wealth of opportunities to help you fulfil your ambitions and progress up the career ladder. There are few professions that offer so much in terms of job satisfaction and support, while giving you the chance to enhance people's lives during their times of need.
Sports coach
Sports coaches help people participating in sports to work towards achieving their full potential. They may support professional sportspeople, sports teams, community teams or school groups. Whatever the context, coaching involves ensuring the best physical, psychological and practical conditions to allow participants to give their best performance.
Sports coaches work closely with individuals and groups, developing ability by identifying needs and planning and implementing suitable training programmes. The role demands good interpersonal skills, a strong interest in helping others to succeed, and an awareness of the moral, ethical and legal obligations to the athlete.
Many instructors/coaches combine coaching with other, often full-time, jobs.
Coaching roles can vary hugely according to context, but typical work activities are likely to include:
Performance management:
- evaluating performance and providing suitable feedback, balancing criticism with positive comments;
- assessing strengths and weaknesses in a participant's performance;
- adapting to the needs and interests of the group or individual you are coaching;
- developing knowledge and understanding of fitness, injury, nutrition and sports science;
- communicating instructions and commands using clear, simple language;
- demonstrating an activity by breaking the task down into a sequence;
- encouraging participants to gain and develop skills, knowledge and techniques;
- ensuring that clients train and perform to a high standard of health and safety at all times;
- inspiring confidence in the athletes you coach;
- working with IT-based resources to monitor and measure performance;
- acting as a role model, gaining the respect and trust of the people you work with.
Planning:
- producing personalised training programmes;
- maintaining records of client performance;
- co-ordinating clients' attendance at meetings;
- planning and running programmes of activities for groups and/or individuals;
- managing marketing and promotional activities, if self-employed;
- working to a high legal and ethical standard at all times.
Personal management:
- seeking and applying for sponsorship agreements;
- finding appropriate competitions for clients;
- transporting sportspeople to and from training sessions and sports events;
- planning your own time.
Nutritionist
Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how nutrients are used in the body, and the relationship between diet, health and disease.
Major food manufacturers and retailers employ nutritionists and food scientists but opportunities also arise in research, education and journalism. You could also be employed by Primary Care Trusts, health promotion agencies, government departments, or work for a charity.
Traditionally, nutrition and dietetics departments of have only employed state registered dietitians (SRD). However, they are increasingly employing registered nutritionists (RNutr) to take up posts which have no clinical component to them or to work in posts under the supervision of a state registered dietitian. If nutritionists want to work with patients unsupervised then they must train as a dietitian through the approved routes.
The main differences between nutritionists and dietitians are as follows:
Dietitians:
- fulfilling both a therapeutic and preventative role;
- working with 'ill' people and healthy people;
- work in one-to-one and group settings;
-
must be registered with the .
Nutritionists:
- fulfilling a mainly preventative role;
- working with healthy people;
- mainly working with groups;
-
are not Health Professions Council (HPC) registered, but can register voluntarily with .
It is acknowledged that many dietitians working in community settings have a wide remit and are able to and do undertake the nutritionist roles listed above, as well as those listed under dietitian. There is likely to be some overlapping of roles, therefore, between nutritionists and community-based dietitians.
Within the NHS, roles may include community nutritionist, public health nutritionist and food for health adviser.
Sports therapist
A sports therapist helps injured athletes return to full functionality, regardless of their age, sport or ability. Injuries treated vary according to the sport or activity involved. Clients include professional and amateur sportspeople, people who keep fit for fun, and accident victims. A qualified sports therapist advises on prevention of injuries and can examine, assess and treat those that do occur, as well as helping with the rehabilitation process.
Many therapists combine working in this discipline with other sports-related roles. They may have a range of clients and workplaces, rather than being employed by one organisation.
Sports therapists' roles depend upon their qualifications, their work setting and any specialist areas they may develop. Although some physiotherapists focus on sports related cases, sports therapy is a separate profession, concerned with musculo-skeletal conditions arising from sporting activity, not with general healthcare. Disorders are treated within a dedicated sports environment. Sports therapy centres on: understanding and preventing sports injuries; dealing with the effects of physical and emotional trauma surrounding sports injuries; the clinical process of returning athletes to peak fitness in the relevant sport. The sports therapist could be involved in any or all of the following activities:
Prior to a fixture/event:
- conducting an assessment of the players' or athletes' readiness;
- testing joints for ease and range of movement;
- strapping, taping, offering massage and preparing players or athletes physically and mentally;
- advising on stretching, warming up and cooling down exercises.
During a fixture/event:
- providing first aid;
- examining and assessing injuries and determining whether the athlete can continue.
After a fixture/event:
- examining and assessing injuries and dealing with traumas, e.g. cuts, bruises and blisters;
- deciding whether athletes or players need extra treatments and co-ordinating referrals to other practitioners;
- advising players or athletes on diet and nutrition (when therapists are appropriately trained);
- working alone or with coaches, trainers and/or fitness advisers to implement exercise, conditioning, core stability and injury prevention programmes, so that athletes reach and maintain peak performance;
- liaising with other health professionals in the sports sector and in mainstream medicine.
In addition, a sports therapist offering rehabilitation programmes would typically be involved in:
- examining and assessing injuries;
- treating injuries, alleviating pain, mobilising injuries, giving various types of massage;
- rehabilitating injuries by using manipulative techniques, apparatus and electrotherapy;
- designing and monitoring rehabilitation programmes appropriate to the injury and the sport.
The line between sports therapy and sports rehabilitation is often blurred and many practitioners offer a full range of therapy and rehabilitation services.
Sports bio mechanist
Biomechanics is the application of mechanics and physics to a biological system, such as the human body. Because the field requires a combined educational background in both mechanics and anatomy, the course of study can be diverse. Typically, biomechanical engineers have a technical background from an engineering program (mechanical, biomedical) with additional education in either biological science or the biological sciences.
Sports scientist
Sport and exercise scientists help clients to improve their sporting performance and general health by applying knowledge from scientific areas such as physiology, biomechanics and psychology.
Sports science is concerned with supporting athletes and sports clubs. Exercise science involves improving health, preventing illness and helping recovery from illness through programmes of physical activity.
As a sport and exercise scientist your work could include:
- working alongside other staff such as sports coaches and sports therapists to assess individuals and teams and help to improve their performance
- working with doctors to help people improve their health through physical activity
- working with hospitals and Primary Care Trusts in areas such as cardiac rehabilitation and health promotion
- taking part in research projects
- contributing to the design and production of sports equipment.
You would need a degree, usually in sports science. Alternatively, you could do a degree in a related subject, such as physical education, physiology or psychology, followed by a postgraduate course.
Visit the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) website for a list of courses and advice on choosing the right one.
When you have completed your degree it may improve your career prospects if you get some practical experience by taking a job at a fairly basic level, for example as a fitness instructor, leisure assistant, lifeguard or coach.
