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Podiatry: Podiatry SXD24S2

Code: SXD24S2

Degree:
Bachelor of Social Services and Health Care

Degree title:
Podiatrist

Credits:
210 ects

Duration:
3.5 years (210 cr)

Start semester:
Autumn 2024

Descriptions

A podiatrist is a highly educated specialist for the promotion of foot health and multifaceted evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of the lower extremities. Decreased physical activity, aging, increasing obesity and diabetes increase exposure to various types and long-lasting lower extremity problems, so there is a significant demand for the know-how of a podiatrist.
A podiatrist encounters various overuse and acute lower extremity injuries, changes in lower extremity biomechanics, complex skin and nail pathologies as well as complications of certain illnesses, like diabetes and rheumatism.

The foundation of a podiatrist’s assessment competency is formed by strong knowledge of locomotion and especially lower extremity biomechanics, lower extremity pathologies, as well as causes and consequences of the abnormalities. A podiatrist creates a lower extremity therapy plan that meets the personal goals, individual needs, and resources of the client. The skills to instruct individuals and groups are also emphasized in the work of a podiatrist (prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation) as well as multi-professional collaboration with other health care professionals.

Core competencies of treatment and rehabilitation methods include guidance for promoting foot health and function, treatment of skin and nail pathologies, wound care in feet, orthotic therapy, custom foot orthosis and therapeutic foot-wear, therapeutic exercise, and manual therapy.

Content of the education

Podiatry education is distributed into 3,5 years. It is full-time studying including contact teaching (theory and practice), independent study, clinical practice periods, laboratory studies and project learning. The curriculum for the Degree Programme in Podiatry is based on national and international core competencies of podiatry.

The core competences of podiatry are lower extremity evaluation and assessment, promotion of lower extremity health, instructional and advisory work, independent study, therapy and treatment competences in podiatry, special needs population podiatry, entrepreneurship, and societal knowledge as well as development, innovation and technology competences in podiatry.

The curriculum utilizes innovative learning environments in teaching. The modern movement laboratory allows multifaceted observation and analysis of movement for different client groups. Orthotic therapy extensively utilizes CAD-CAM technology as a learning tool. Evidence-based knowledge, practical evaluative and developing work methods, learning in projects and clinical practice at the university (service unit), and clinical practice sites are emphasized in the curriculum. Online and simulation pedagogy and the newest technology are utilized in the studies. The student can complete study units of the curriculum in international student exchanges.

The curriculum for the Degree Programme in Podiatry is based on national and international recommendations defining the core competencies in podiatry. Working at the Metropolia Innovation Centre increases and advances research, development, and innovation competencies of the students.

The clinical practice included in the studies/curriculum is partially completed as a laboratory study and clinical practice at the university service unit and partially as a clinical practice outside the university. Clinical practice sites include health clinics, hospitals, private podiatry clinics and businesses manufacturing orthotics. Clinical practice opportunities are also available outside the Helsinki Metropolitan area.

The competence-based curriculum and its learning objectives describe the type of competences students are expected to achieve and help students to assess their own existing competence and future learning. Students’ individual choices and recognition of prior learning, complete with flexible implementation models, allow students to build their own individual learning pathways. Each student’s own learning pathway is described in their individual study plan.

Career opportunities
A podiatrist works in primary and specialized health care, as a business owner, self-employed practitioner, in consulting, sales, and project jobs in businesses, manufacturing prosthetics and orthotics. A podiatrist works often with high risk clients affected by conditions like diabetes and rheumatism. The clients of a podiatrist may present various lower extremity over-use injuries and biomechanical changes, challenging skin or nail pathologies, or complications caused by diabetes. A podiatrist operates as a specialist in multi-professional health care teams with physicians, diabetes and rheumatism nurses, physiotherapists, and prosthetist-orthotists.

Qualification
A podiatrist is a protected professional title. Upon completing the degree National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, Valvira, provides a license to use the professional title, podiatrist.

Internationalization
The student has an opportunity to participate in exchanges at international partner institutions located (for example) in Belgium and Spain. They may also complete clinical practice periods abroad. During their studies, students participate in lectures and other teachings provided by international experts and visiting lecturers. Participation in brief international congresses, may be included as a part of the studies. Freemover exchanges are also possible with other institutions besides the ones of the programme’s partner institutions.

Collaboration with other organizations
The key collaborative partners of the degree programme are the City of Helsinki, City of Vantaa and City of Espoo, HUS (Hospital district of Helsinki and Uusimaa), Suomen Jalkojenhoitaja- ja Jalkaterapeuttiliitto ry (Finnish Podiatric Nurse and Podiatrist Association), Footbalance Ltd, Respecta Ltd, Klaveness Footwear, Fysioline Ltd, various footwear manufacturers and importers, as well several associations and organisations.

Postgraduate study opportunities
After the completion of the degree programme, it is possible to study in master’s degree programmes (University of Applied Sciences or University).

Objective

The graduates of the Degree Programme in Podiatry are creative, innovative, and professional experts in podiatry who also have strong communication and client service skills. The objective of the Degree Programme in Podiatry is to produce expertise in the promotion of foot health and functional capacity in a future oriented manner to meet societal needs.

Show study timings by semester, study year or period

Code Name Credits (cr) 2024-2025 2025-2026 2026-2027 2027-2028 Autumn 2024 Spring 2025 Autumn 2025 Spring 2026 Autumn 2026 Spring 2027 Autumn 2027 1. / 2024 2. / 2024 3. / 2025 4. / 2025 1. / 2025 2. / 2025 3. / 2026 4. / 2026 1. / 2026 2. / 2026 3. / 2027 4. / 2027 1. / 2027 2. / 2027
SXD24S2-1001
Basics of Podiatry practise

(Choose all )

40
SX00FP45 Learning and Study Skills 5
SX00FP49 Working as a Professional in the Social and Healthcare Sector 5
SX00FP48 Professional Communication and English 5
SX00FP72 Basics of Podiatry Profession 5
SX00FO41 Anatomy and Physiology 5
SX00FP73 Anatomy and Physiology 2 5
SX00FP47 Professional Swedish and Customer Oriented Approach 5
SX00FP74 Health Promotion in Podiatry 5
SXD24S2-1002
Assessment skills in podiatry

(Choose all )

20
SX00FO37 Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation 5
SX00FO38 Biomechanics and Assessment of Functional Ability 5
SX00FO40 Collaboration in Rehabilitation 5
SX00FQ29 Skin and Nail Disorders of the Lower Extremities 5
SXD24S2-1003
Treatment and rehabilitation skills in podiatry

(Choose all )

75
SX00FQ34 Treatment Skills of Skin and Nail Disorders 10
SX00FO36 Basic Medical Studies in the Rehabilitation Sector 5
SX00FQ30 Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 1 5
SX00FQ31 Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 2 5
SX00FQ32 Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 3 10
SX00FQ33 Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 4 5
SX00FQ35 Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 1 5
SX00FQ36 Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 2 10
SX00FQ37 Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 3 5
SX00FO39 Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures 5
SX00FQ38 High Risk Foot Disorders and Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment 10
SXD24S2-1004
Podiatry clinical practise

(Choose all )

30
SX00FQ39 Clinical Practise 1 5
SX00FQ40 Clinical Practise 2 5
SX00FQ41 Clinical Practise 3 5
SX00FQ42 Clinical Practise 4 5
SX00FQ43 Clinical Practise 5 10
SXD24S2-1005
Podiatric development, innovation and technology skills

(Choose all )

35
SX00FP50 Entrepreneurship and Management in the Social and Healthcare Sector 5
SX00FP51 Basic Skills for Research and Development Work 5
XX00DZ39 Multidisciplinary Innovation Project 10
XX00EL75 Planning of the Thesis Work 5
XX00EL76 Execution of the Thesis Work 5
XX00EL77 Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test 5
SXD24S2-1006
Elective Module and Elective Studies

(Choose ects: 10)

10
Total 210 60 60 60 20 30 30 30 30 30 30 20 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 10 10

Due to the timing of optional and elective courses, credit accumulation per semester / academic year may vary.

amk::amk-tutkintojen kieliopinnot

AMK-tutkintoon johtavien opintojen tavoitteena on, että tutkinnon suorittaneella on riittävä viestintä- ja kielitaito oman alansa tehtäviin sekä kansainväliseen toimintaan ja yhteistyöhön. (Valtioneuvoston asetus ammattikorkeakoulusta 1129/2014, 4 §).

Professional English

Vieraan kielen kirjallinen ja suullinen taito, joka ammatin harjoittamisen ja ammatillisen kehityksen kannalta on tarpeellinen.

Professional Communication and English
Second language (Finnish)

No attached course units

Second domestic language (Swedish)

Ruotsin kielen taito, joka julkisyhteisöjen henkilöstöltä vaadittavasta kielitaidosta annetun lain (424/2003) mukaan vaaditaan korkeakoulututkintoa edellyttävään virkaan kaksikielisellä virka-alueella ja joka ammatin harjoittamisen ja ammatillisen kehityksen kannalta on tarpeellinen.

Professional Swedish and Customer Oriented Approach
Not grouped
Learning and Study Skills
Working as a Professional in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Basics of Podiatry Profession
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Health Promotion in Podiatry
Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation
Biomechanics and Assessment of Functional Ability
Collaboration in Rehabilitation
Skin and Nail Disorders of the Lower Extremities
Treatment Skills of Skin and Nail Disorders
Basic Medical Studies in the Rehabilitation Sector
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 1
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 2
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 3
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 4
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 1
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 2
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 3
Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures
High Risk Foot Disorders and Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment
Clinical Practise 1
Clinical Practise 2
Clinical Practise 3
Clinical Practise 4
Clinical Practise 5
Entrepreneurship and Management in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Basic Skills for Research and Development Work
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Planning of the Thesis Work
Execution of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test

STRUCTURE Bachelor (A18.12.2014/1129)

Asetuksen 18.12.2014/1129 mukainen rakenne. 2 § Opintojen rakenne Ammattikorkeakoulututkintoon johtaviin opintoihin kuuluu: 1) perus- ja ammattiopintoja; 2) vapaasti valittavia opintoja; 3) ammattitaitoa edistävää harjoittelua; 4) opinnäytetyö.

Professional Studies
Working as a Professional in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Professional Communication and English
Basics of Podiatry Profession
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Professional Swedish and Customer Oriented Approach
Health Promotion in Podiatry
Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation
Biomechanics and Assessment of Functional Ability
Collaboration in Rehabilitation
Skin and Nail Disorders of the Lower Extremities
Treatment Skills of Skin and Nail Disorders
Basic Medical Studies in the Rehabilitation Sector
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 1
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 2
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 3
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 4
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 1
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 2
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 3
Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures
High Risk Foot Disorders and Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment
Entrepreneurship and Management in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Work Placement
Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation
Biomechanics and Assessment of Functional Ability
Treatment Skills of Skin and Nail Disorders
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 2
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 3
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 4
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 1
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 2
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 3
Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures
High Risk Foot Disorders and Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment
Clinical Practise 1
Clinical Practise 2
Clinical Practise 3
Clinical Practise 4
Clinical Practise 5
Bachelor´s Thesis
Planning of the Thesis Work
Execution of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Core Requirement Studies
Learning and Study Skills
Entrepreneurship and Management in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Basic Skills for Research and Development Work
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Elective Studies

No attached course units

Not grouped

ARENE 2022::UAS shared competences::Bachelor’s degree

Replaces the Metropolia's Generic Competences::Bachelor's Degree, UAS” -matrix.. Heidi Rontu/31.8.2022

Ethics

The graduating student adheres to the ethical principles and values of their field of profession, taking the principles of equality and non-discrimination into account.
- Is able to take responsibility for their own actions and their consequences and reflects on them in accordance with the ethical principles and values of their field.
- Takes others into account and promotes equality and non-discrimination.
- Take into account the realisation of diversity and accessibility in their actions.
- Understands the principles of responsible conduct of research and adheres to them.
- Is able to influence society based on ethical values.

Learning and Study Skills
Working as a Professional in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Professional Communication and English
Basics of Podiatry Profession
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Professional Swedish and Customer Oriented Approach
Health Promotion in Podiatry
Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation
Biomechanics and Assessment of Functional Ability
Collaboration in Rehabilitation
Treatment Skills of Skin and Nail Disorders
Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures
High Risk Foot Disorders and Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment
Clinical Practise 1
Clinical Practise 2
Clinical Practise 3
Clinical Practise 4
Clinical Practise 5
Basic Skills for Research and Development Work
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Planning of the Thesis Work
Execution of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Proactive development

The graduating student is able to develop solutions that anticipate the future of their own field, applying existing knowledge and research and development methods.
- Solves problem situations creatively and reforms operating methods together with others.
- Is able to work in projects in cooperation with actors of different fields.
- Is able to apply existing knowledge in the field in development and utilises research and development methods.
- Is able to seek customer-oriented, sustainable and economically viable solutions, anticipating the future of their field.

Professional Swedish and Customer Oriented Approach
Health Promotion in Podiatry
Biomechanics and Assessment of Functional Ability
Collaboration in Rehabilitation
Skin and Nail Disorders of the Lower Extremities
Treatment Skills of Skin and Nail Disorders
Basic Medical Studies in the Rehabilitation Sector
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 1
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 2
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 3
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 4
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 1
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 2
High Risk Foot Disorders and Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment
Entrepreneurship and Management in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Basic Skills for Research and Development Work
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Planning of the Thesis Work
Execution of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Internationality and multiculturalism

The graduating student is able to operate in multicultural and international operating environments and networks.
- Is familiar with the impacts of their cultural background on their activities and is able to develop operating methods that take multiculturalism into account in their work community.
- Is able to monitor and utilise the international development of their field in their work.
- Is able to communicate internationally in their work tasks.

Professional Communication and English
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Professional Swedish and Customer Oriented Approach
Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation
Skin and Nail Disorders of the Lower Extremities
Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures
Sustainable development

The graduating student is familiar with the principles of sustainable development, promotes their implementation and acts responsibly as a professional and a member of society.
- Is able to use information related to their field in finding, implementing and establishing sustainable solutions and operating models.
- Understands sustainability challenges, their interdependencies and the various aspects of issues and problem

Learning and Study Skills
Working as a Professional in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Professional Communication and English
Basics of Podiatry Profession
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Health Promotion in Podiatry
Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation
Collaboration in Rehabilitation
Treatment Skills of Skin and Nail Disorders
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 1
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 1
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 2
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 3
Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures
High Risk Foot Disorders and Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment
Clinical Practise 1
Clinical Practise 2
Clinical Practise 3
Clinical Practise 4
Clinical Practise 5
Entrepreneurship and Management in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Learning to learn

The graduating student recognises the strengths and development areas of their competence and learning methods, and they utilise the opportunities communities and digitalisation provide in their learning.
- Assesses and develops their competence and learning methods in different learning environments.
- Is able to acquire, critically assess and appropriately apply the national and international knowledge base and practices of their field.
- Also takes responsibility for group learning and sharing what has been learned.

Learning and Study Skills
Working as a Professional in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Professional Communication and English
Basics of Podiatry Profession
Anatomy and Physiology
Professional Swedish and Customer Oriented Approach
Health Promotion in Podiatry
Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation
Biomechanics and Assessment of Functional Ability
Collaboration in Rehabilitation
Skin and Nail Disorders of the Lower Extremities
Treatment Skills of Skin and Nail Disorders
Basic Medical Studies in the Rehabilitation Sector
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 1
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 3
Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures
High Risk Foot Disorders and Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment
Entrepreneurship and Management in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Basic Skills for Research and Development Work
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Planning of the Thesis Work
Execution of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Operating in a workplace

The graduating student has versatile working life skills and is able to operate in work communities of their field.
- Is able to work constructively in a work community and promotes their own and their work community’s well-being.
- Is able to act professionally in communication and interaction situations at a workplace.
- Utilises the opportunities offered by technology and digitalisation in their work.
- Understands the complexity of changing working life and their own resilience in changing working life situations
- Has capabilities for an entrepreneurial approach.

Working as a Professional in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Professional Swedish and Customer Oriented Approach
Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation
Biomechanics and Assessment of Functional Ability
Collaboration in Rehabilitation
Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 4
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 3
Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures
Clinical Practise 1
Clinical Practise 2
Clinical Practise 3
Clinical Practise 4
Clinical Practise 5
Entrepreneurship and Management in the Social and Healthcare Sector
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project
Not grouped

Code Name Credits (cr)
SXD24S2-1001
Basics of Podiatry practise

(Choose all)

40
SX00FP45 Learning and Study Skills 5
SX00FP49 Working as a Professional in the Social and Healthcare Sector 5
SX00FP48 Professional Communication and English 5
SX00FP72 Basics of Podiatry Profession 5
SX00FO41 Anatomy and Physiology 5
SX00FP73 Anatomy and Physiology 2 5
SX00FP47 Professional Swedish and Customer Oriented Approach 5
SX00FP74 Health Promotion in Podiatry 5
SXD24S2-1002
Assessment skills in podiatry

(Choose all)

20
SX00FO37 Basics of Functional Ability Evaluation 5
SX00FO38 Biomechanics and Assessment of Functional Ability 5
SX00FO40 Collaboration in Rehabilitation 5
SX00FQ29 Skin and Nail Disorders of the Lower Extremities 5
SXD24S2-1003
Treatment and rehabilitation skills in podiatry

(Choose all)

75
SX00FQ34 Treatment Skills of Skin and Nail Disorders 10
SX00FO36 Basic Medical Studies in the Rehabilitation Sector 5
SX00FQ30 Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 1 5
SX00FQ31 Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 2 5
SX00FQ32 Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 3 10
SX00FQ33 Biomechanics and Rehabilitation of Lower Extremities 4 5
SX00FQ35 Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 1 5
SX00FQ36 Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 2 10
SX00FQ37 Podiatric Orthotic Therapy 3 5
SX00FO39 Promotion of Functional Ability and Accessibility through Prosthetic and Orthotic Devices and Accessibility Measures 5
SX00FQ38 High Risk Foot Disorders and Foot Ulcer Management and Treatment 10
SXD24S2-1004
Podiatry clinical practise

(Choose all)

30
SX00FQ39 Clinical Practise 1 5
SX00FQ40 Clinical Practise 2 5
SX00FQ41 Clinical Practise 3 5
SX00FQ42 Clinical Practise 4 5
SX00FQ43 Clinical Practise 5 10
SXD24S2-1005
Podiatric development, innovation and technology skills

(Choose all)

35
SX00FP50 Entrepreneurship and Management in the Social and Healthcare Sector 5
SX00FP51 Basic Skills for Research and Development Work 5
XX00DZ39 Multidisciplinary Innovation Project 10
XX00EL75 Planning of the Thesis Work 5
XX00EL76 Execution of the Thesis Work 5
XX00EL77 Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test 5
SXD24S2-1006
Elective Module and Elective Studies

(Choose ects: 10)

10