Studying podiatry develops your skills and clinical reasoning to work as a podiatrist in both the private and public sectors. AUT is the only university in New Zealand where you can study a podiatry degree.
Podiatry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of common conditions affecting the lower limb and foot. After successfully completing AUT's podiatry degree, you can apply to register as a podiatrist in New Zealand and overseas.
Clinical placements in hospitals, primary health organisations, private practices and AUT’s on-campus podiatry clinic are a key part of this programme. These placements are your chance to experience all aspects of a podiatrist’s caseload, and a great networking opportunity. You can practise and perform minor surgical procedures in AUT’s purpose-built surgical theatre.
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Applicants with English as a second or other language who have not completed at least three years of secondary schooling in NZ will be required to meet IELTS requirements.
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You develop an in-depth understanding of general healthcare, learning alongside other health science students.
In Semester 2, you're introduced to clinical practice in the AUT podiatry clinic, involving a mix of practical and academic work, in preparation for working with patients in your second year.
You undertake clinical practice, focusing on clinical podiatry techniques, and under supervision begin to treat patients at AUT Integrated Health’s podiatry clinic. You explore contemporary concepts in pathology, and the management of paediatric and sports conditions, expanding on the theory introduced in Year 1 including anatomy, physiology and clinical musculoskeletal assessment.
In the final year you study rheumatology, diabetes management and podiatric imaging. You develop clinical decision-making skills to become an independent practitioner. Clinical placements provide you with the opportunity to explore chronic podiatric medical conditions, lower limb musculoskeletal conditions and podiatric surgery.
Clinical placements in hospitals, primary health organisations, private practices and AUT’s on-campus podiatry clinic are a key part of this programme.
Your final year ends with an extended placement in private practice, the public sector and AUT’s clinical facility, exposing you to a wide range of interprofessional clinical environments.
Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.
To work as a podiatrist you need to hold a degree in podiatry and be registered by the Podiatrists Board of New Zealand. Qualified New Zealand podiatrists are able to practise in Australia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
Podiatrists practise privately or in public health, and in specialised areas. Podiatrists work with a range of people and issues:
The information on this page was correct at time of publication. For a comprehensive overview of AUT qualifications, please refer to the Academic Calendar.