To help meet the shortfall of podiatrists in regional and rural Australia, more local students are wanted for Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) new podiatry course offered for the first time this year.

With the first intake of students into the podiatry degree now being finalised, the University is keen to hear from regional people interested in studying the four-year course at the Albury-Wodonga Campus.

"Demand for podiatric services nationally is growing about twice as quickly as population growth and this demand is unable to be met in regional and rural areas," the Head of CSU’s Albury-Wodonga Campus, Professor David Battersby, said.

Professor Battersby said through its recent expansion in allied health and medical courses, including podiatry, CSU is delivering on its commitment to provide courses relevant to the regions it serves.

Lecturer in podiatry, Harriet Farquhar, said this latest course underlined the University’s commitment to "train and retain" students in regional and remote areas of Australia to help address a significant shortage of trained health care professionals.

The degree course in podiatry provides students with an extensive grounding in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biomechanics, health promotion and the social sciences.

"Practical skills are also very important. Throughout the course, students receive extensive training in practical assessment and treatment techniques," Ms Farquhar said.

"While some people often see podiatrists as people who cut toenails and corns, the scope of practice is significantly wider. Podiatrists treat people of all ages, from the early walking child to the oldest adult. They perform minor surgical procedures and have a special role in helping people with diabetes manage their feet."

Local HSC graduates or mature age people interested in pursuing a career in podiatry may contact Harriet Farquhar on (02) 6051 6933 or Andree Pender (02) 6051 6820 for more information.