Qualification: Podologist
Code of the study programme: 41722
Length of studies: 2 years, 120 ECTS
Studies on budget resources provided by the state
Level of Education: short cycle of professional higher education
Studies take place: Jūrmala (Vidus prospekts 38, Bulduri), Rēzekne (N. Rancāna iela 23a, Rēzekne)
Mode of studies: full time studies
Previous education: secondary education
Head of study programme: Mg.sc. educ. Aelita Koha
Description of speciality
Podologist is a medical practitioner with 1st level of the professional higher education who takes part in healing, rehabilitation, education and health promotion process. A podologist performs podologic examination of a patient, which includes: examination and assessing the level of damage risk of joint system of foot bones, blood circulation, sensory feelings and soft tissue atrophy; foot-care, prevention work, mainly whilst working with high-risk patients.
Main professional tasks of a Podologist
Goal of the study programm
To prepare highly qualified, contemporarily educated, competent and well-trained specialists in podology, able to compete in the labour market.
Implementation of the study programme is carried out through various forms of studies and different learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, practical work both individually and in groups, as well as analysis of practical problems and situations.
In learning practices, which are carried out both in college primary-care consulting rooms as well as healthcare institutions, the lecturer works with groups of students (6-8 students each). In learning practices students reinforce their knowledge and skills while working with different groups of patients under the guidance of a teacher.
Study courses to be acquired
The study programme offers a chance to acquire general education, vocational training and professional study courses.
General education courses:
Psychology and Andragogy, Forming of Professional Competences in Entrepreneurship, Applied Information Technology in Medicine, Foreign Tongue, e.g.
Vocational study courses include:
Human Anatomy and Physiology, Pathological Physiology, General Medicine, Endocrinology, Dermatology, Orthophaedics and Basic Knowledge on Structuring of Prosthesis, e.g.
Professional study courses, such as:
Medical Foot Care, Methods of Nail Correction, Practical Skills in the Field of Podology, e.g. are targeted to ensure development of professional competences.
Collaboration partners
Collaboration is realised:
In labour market there is a demand for services provided by podologists. Professional activity of a podologist influences health condition of each individual, as well as the health of the society as whole. Podologist performs his/her professional duties independently or as part of care provider team in various medical institutions (out-patient clinics, health care centres, private medical practices) or in other institutions (social care centres, sports centres, Samaritans Association).
Further study opportunities
The graduates of the study program “Podology” have the opportunity to continue education in business and health care study programs.