Occupation Profile for Podiatrists

Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.

Podiatrists must be licensed, requiring 3 to 4 years of undergraduate education, the completion of a 4-year podiatric college program, and passing scores on national and State examinations.
While the occupation is small, job opportunities should be good for entry-level graduates of accredited podiatric medicine programs.
Opportunities for newly trained podiatrists will be better in group medical practices, clinics, and health networks than in traditional, solo practices.
Podiatrists enjoy very high earnings.

Core — Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet.
Core — Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
Core — Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
Core — Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, and abscesses.
Core — Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.