Podiatrists

Career summary

Podiatrists treat foot problems that can make walking painful or create other problems in the body. For example, they treat:

• Corns, bunions, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, and poor arches
• Ankle and foot injuries, such as a sprained ankle or a broken toe
• Deformities of the foot that cause problems with walking
• Foot problems related to diseases such as diabetes

Podiatrists ask patients questions to learn about the problems they are experiencing and to learn about their medical history. They examine patients and, if necessary, order x-rays to diagnose a broken bone or lab tests to test for other serious conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Podiatrists explain test results and review treatment options with patients and their families. If more than one treatment is available, they help patients decide which option to choose.

Podiatrists use a variety of methods of treatment, including:

• Medication
• Surgery to set bones
• Orthotics
• Physical therapy

Podiatrists consult with and refer patients to other health care providers when they see symptoms of these disorders such as heart disease or diabetes.

Podiatrists share similar tasks with other types of physicians, they:

• Assign tasks to nurses and other health care workers
• Consult with other health care professionals
• Oversee the business aspects of running an office
• Keep detailed records about each patient
• Write reports for insurance companies and government agencies

Some podiatrists specialize in surgery, orthopedics (treatment of bones and joints), primary care, or public health. They can also specialize in sports medicine, geriatrics (treatment of older people), or diabetic foot care.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Acupuncturists
• Chiropractors
• Dentists
• Family and General Practitioners
• Occupational Therapists
• Optometrists
• Orthotic and Prosthetic Specialists
• Physical Therapists
• Registered Nurses
• Surgeons

Military careers

• Physicians and Surgeons

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to podiatrists.

• Treat corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, bunions, heel spurs, and arch problems.
• Treat ankle and foot injuries, deformities, and infections. Treat foot complaints related to diseases.
• Prescribe drugs and order physical therapy. Set broken bones and perform surgery.
• Fit orthotics. Design plaster casts to correct deformities. Prescribe or design corrective shoes.
• Use x-rays and laboratory tests to diagnose foot problems.
• Consult with and refer patients to other health care providers.
• Keep records, hire employees, order supplies, and perform other administrative tasks.
• May educate the community about the benefits of foot care through speeches and advertising.

Common work activities

Podiatrists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Process information
• Perform for or work with the public
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform administrative tasks
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Analyze data or information
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Use computers
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Teach others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Develop goals and strategies
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Schedule work and activities
• Monitor and control resources

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, podiatrists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction with others. Physicians work closely with patients and other health care workers.
• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are responsible for the work done by the health care workers they supervise.
• Are often placed in conflict situations in which they must deal with patients and family members who might be angry or unpleasant.
• Communicate daily by phone, letters, memos, and in person. They use e-mail, but much less frequently.
• Usually work as part of a team of medical professionals.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are often exposed to diseases or infections from their patients. There is some possibility of moderate injury from this exposure.
• Sometimes wear a special uniform.
• Sometimes wear protective attire such as gloves and masks.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants and radiation from x-rays.
• Come into close physical contact with patients.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are complete. Errors or omissions could seriously endanger the health and safety of patients.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that substantially impact patients and their families.
• Make nearly all their decisions and set their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere where they must meet daily deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work evenings and weekends to meet the needs of their patients.
• May work more than 40 hours each week.
• May travel to nursing homes or hospitals for emergencies or surgery.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Podiatrists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for podiatrists to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for podiatrists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.

Skills and abilities

Podiatrists need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand spoken information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Podiatric Medicine

Other programs of study to consider

• Medicine
• Pre-Medicine

Training

To work as a podiatrist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete at least 90 semester hours of college and preferably a bachelor's degree;
• graduate from an accredited podiatry program;
• complete a residency; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Podiatry programs take four years to complete. They grant a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. In these programs you study basic science, anatomy, and pharmacology. You also learn to take a podiatric history and perform physical exams. During the final two years of the program you work in clinics and get experience working with patients. An experienced podiatrist supervises your work.

You need at least two years of college courses before entering a podiatry program. A pre-medicine or science major is good preparation. If you study a liberal arts major, be sure to take courses in physics, biology, and chemistry. Most podiatric students have at least a bachelor's degree.

On-the-job training

Most graduates complete a hospital residency program that lasts one to three years. Residents learn about surgery, internal medicine, and radiology.

Military training

The military provides advanced training for podiatrists. However, it does not provide the initial training to become a doctor. Scholarships for advanced medical training are available in return for a required period of military service.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Podiatrists need a strong background in math and science. If possible, take math through Trigonometry and science through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Health Education
• Introduction to Health Care
• Nursing

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Podiatrists must have scientific aptitude and manual dexterity. Employers look for applicants who have good interpersonal skills and good business sense. Many managed care providers are more likely to reimburse for treatment by a board-certified podiatrist. Thus, some employers may seek podiatrists with board-certified specialties.

Many podiatrists start their own private practice and never seek employment with employers. These podiatrists must be able to attract patients to their practice. Good interpersonal skills are essential.

Costs to workers

Most post-graduates have substantial educational loan obligations. Starting up a private practice is expensive. Podiatrists who join professional associations must pay membership fees and annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Podiatrists must be licensed by the Washington State Podiatric Medical Board. To become licensed, podiatrists must:

• graduate from an approved school of podiatric medicine and surgery;
• complete at least one year of postgraduate clinical podiatric medical training in a program approved by the board;
• respond to personal data questions;
• pass Part I, Part II and Part III of the national exam prepared by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners;
• complete seven-clock hours of HIV/AIDS education; and
• 100 hours of continuing education every two years is required for license renewal.

Podiatrists must pay state application, state and national examination, and annual renewal fees.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Health Systems Quality Assurance
Podiatric Medical Board 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504
360.236.4700

#2/10/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Podiatrists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages for podiatrists vary widely in different parts of the country.

Full-time podiatrists who are not self-employed generally receive benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Podiatrists' offices
• Doctors' offices

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be strong. As the elderly population grows, more people will turn to podiatrists for foot care. The increasingly active lifestyles of people of all ages will result in injuries that will spur the need for care by podiatrists. Demand will also increase because more people are diagnosed with diabetes. People with diabetes have circulatory problems that create the need for them to seek the aid of podiatrists.

Opportunities will be best for board-certified podiatrists, since many managed care providers require board certification. Job prospects are very good because there are very few schools of podiatry.

Other resources

American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine 
15850 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 320
Rockville, MD 20855
301.948.9760

American Medical Association 

American Podiatric Medical Association 
9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
800.275.2762
301.581.9200

American Society of Podiatric Medical Assistants 
109 1st Street
Itasca, IL 60143-2114

California School of Podiatric Medicine (closest school to Washington state) 
Samuel Merritt College Campus
3100 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
800.607.6377
510.869.6511

Careers in Podiatry 

Explore Health Careers: Podiatrist (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) 

The Student Doctor Network 

Washington State Medical Association 
2001 Sixth Avenue, Suite 2700
Seattle, WA 98121
800.552.0612
206.441.9762

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Podiatrists (29-1081.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupation

• Podiatrist (079.101-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Social/Realistic

COPSystem

• Service Professional