Podiatrist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Although humans depend on general practitioners to treat them in the case of an emergency situation or illness, the best doctors are the ones that have chosen to specialize in one area of the body. These specialists are preferred for most complicated medical situations because they have dedicated their lives to the study of one area of the body and the related medical technology and treatment methods. The podiatrist is a doctor of medicine that has chosen to specialize in all health issues related to the foot. Podiatrist is responsible for examining, diagnosing and treating injuries, diseases and infections that happen in relation to the feet. Podiatrists are expected to work closely with general practitioners, surgeons, orthotists, and physical therapists to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$103,100
Salary Range
$79,700 - $161,000

Work Environment

As is the case with most doctors who choose to specialize in treatment of one area of the body, podiatrists are most commonly found working in their own private practices. In some cases, podiatrists are also employed by hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes and government health programs.

High School Preparation

Those individuals that are interested in pursuing a career as a podiatrist are encouraged to spend their high school career advancing their knowledge of anatomy, biology, and emergency medicine. Supporting courses for this line of work include chemistry, social studies, geometry, humanities, speech skills and communications, psychology, and computer skills.

Requirements

After graduation from high school, students interested in pursuing the career of a podiatrist are required to complete at least ninety hours of an undergraduate degree in pre-medical science at an accredited college or university. Following completion of these ninety hours, students are eligible to take the Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT. If they receive satisfactory marks on this exam, the student is eligible to apply to colleges of podiatric medicine. These programs are similar to medical school and usually last about four years. Following graduation from podiatry school, students must complete the required number of hours in a medical residency program and must pass certain written and oral examinations in order to receive their license.

Career Outlook

Over the next ten years or so, it is believed that the demand for well trained podiatrists will expand by at least ten to twenty percent. This increase in demand will be caused by the fact that more elderly persons will be seeking medical care well into their eighties and nineties, and this aging population is more likely to experience problems with the bones and joints in their feet and ankles.

Professional Organizations

American Podiatric Medical Association
9312 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: (800) ASK-APMA
www.apma.org