Queensland Health is bolstering podiatry services across Queensland with the launch of a new trainee program for students enrolled in an accredited Australian university undergraduate podiatry course.
The initiative will introduce part-time podiatrist trainee positions at select Queensland Health facilities to help meet the growing demand for podiatry services.
As a vital allied healthcare service, podiatry is a critical service in managing foot health issues, particularly in regional and remote areas where such problems can significantly affect quality of life.
The new podiatrist trainee program will allow students to study closer to home while gaining paid, practical experience as a podiatrist trainee within a local Hospital and Health Service (HHS).
Queensland Health Chief Allied Health Officer Liza Jane McBride said the program would be available in nine HHSs, which demonstrated Queensland Health’s commitment to ensuring Queenslanders have access to appropriately skilled podiatry care close to home.
"The Podiatrist Trainee Program is not just about supporting today’s students, it’s about securing the workforce Queensland will need tomorrow,” she said.
“Traineeships help us attract, grow and retain future podiatrists, guaranteeing a viable and resilient workforce long-term.”
Queensland Health Statewide Podiatry Network Chair Trent Johnston said the program directly addressed current podiatry workforce challenges in the state.
"As of March this year, podiatry vacancy rates across Queensland Health were 10 per cent, approximately double that of other allied health professions,” Mr Johnston said.
"This has been compounded by declining student enrolments and graduates, with most university programs traditionally based in major cities. This program offers prospective students the chance to study remotely while gaining paid, hands-on clinical experience locally."
The program is open to students who are enrolled in an undergraduate podiatry degree at CQ University, Queensland University of Technology and Charles Sturt University.
Recently established is Charles Sturt University’s new hybrid Bachelor of Podiatry Medicine which is the first of its kind in Australia that enables predominantly remote delivery.
This course offers remotely delivered learning tailored for regional and rural students, making university accessible to those who cannot relocate.
"Having the option of remote study opens the profession to a whole new demographic, including people seeking a career change or those who previously couldn’t relocate due to family or personal reasons” Mr Johnston said.
"We want more students to choose podiatry.
“This new podiatrist trainee program offers students the chance to study and work across Queensland, from Cairns and Mackay to Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Townsville, Brisbane and more.”
Queensland Health encourages all students, including First Nations students, to take this opportunity to learn valuable clinical skills in podiatry while remaining connected to their local communities.
Applications for entry into the trainee program close on 24 October 2025.
For more information visit Podiatrist Trainee Program | Queensland Health.