BSc (Hons) Podiatry (Podiatrist Degree Apprenticeship)

Program Overview

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The BSc (Hons) Podiatry (Podiatrist Degree Apprenticeship) program at the University of Salford combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for a career as a podiatrist. Through a unique apprenticeship route, students gain hands-on experience while earning, developing foundational knowledge in anatomy, movement, and foot disorders. The program emphasizes reflective thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice, equipping graduates for diverse career paths in healthcare settings and beyond.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This program focuses on developing foundational knowledge and practical skills to treat podiatric conditions effectively. Students will learn about anatomy, movement, foot and lower-limb disorders, diagnosis, management, and patient care through a combination of lectures, workshops, patient case studies, and clinical sessions. The degree emphasizes reflective thinking and problem-solving skills within a professional context. This program provides a unique route for those interested in becoming podiatrists while remaining employed. Graduates will possess the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the NHS, private practice, or pursue further study.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Integrated Life Science 1:
Covers the anatomy and function of major joints and muscles in the lower limb.
• Professional Studies:
Introduces basic foot problems, skin and nail care, inflammatory processes, wound management, and evidence-based practice.
• Integrated Life Science 2:
Explores the anatomy and physiology of the heart, blood vessels, and lymphatic system in the lower limb.
• An Introduction to Gait:
Explains the concepts of lower limb motion, normal gait, and joint examination principles.

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Year Two:

• Musculoskeletal Conditions 1:
Focuses on managing musculoskeletal conditions in the lower limb, including foot orthoses prescription, modification, and fitting.
• Applied Clinical Medicine:
Discusses disease etiology, clinical features, and risk factors related to chronic diseases.
• Prescription Only Medicine:
Explores the use of medicine in relation to disease, development of care plans, monitoring, and legal/professional considerations.
• Musculoskeletal Conditions 2:
Encourages contemporary research exploration and design principles for research projects.
• Local Anaesthesia:
Provides theoretical and practical knowledge of local anaesthetics in preparation for minor surgery.
• Contexts of Clinical Practice:
Examines the context of clinical practice within the healthcare system.

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Year Three:

• Diagnosis and Management:
Develops skills in diagnosis and management of lower limb pathology, focusing on complex and long-term conditions, patient-centered consultation, and application of knowledge in clinical placements.
• Enterprise in Podiatry:
Equips students with basic enterprise knowledge and skills for diverse career pathways.
• Methods of Enquiry (Project):
Students undertake a critical review of literature as a foundation for potential small-scale research projects.
• Patient Management in Practice:
Focuses on holistic management of patients with complex and long-term conditions, including health behavior change and positive health interventions.
• End Point Assessment:
Comprehensive assessment involving a portfolio of evidence, a presentation on practice, and a scenario-based judgment test.

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Assessment:

This program utilizes a diverse assessment approach, which includes:

• Coursework for each module
• Patient case studies
• Presentations
• Portfolio of evidence
• Scenario-based judgment test

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Teaching:

The program employs various teaching strategies to cater to individual learning styles and backgrounds. These include:

• Lectures
• Problem-based learning workshops
• Tutorials
• Interactive patient case studies
• Clinical sessions with supervised practice in-house and within the NHS
• Guest lectures from renowned experts in the field
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Podiatry Clinic, Clinical Gait Analysis and Research Facilities, and the Human Performance Laboratory.

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Careers:

Graduates will be equipped to pursue diverse career paths in:

• Hospitals
• GP clinics
• Community settings
• Private practice
• Industry
• Commerce
Specialized areas of practice include:
• Wound care
• Pediatrics
• Diabetology
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Rheumatology
• Sports-related problems

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Other:

• The apprenticeship route allows students to earn while learning and gain valuable support from experienced professionals.
• The program emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and real-world impact.
• The curriculum is informed by the latest research and incorporates evidence-based practice.
• The program fosters close collaboration with healthcare organizations and industry professionals.
• Students have access to extensive clinical placements within the NHS and other reputable institutions.