A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) who diagnoses, treats, operates, and prescribes for any disease, injury, deformity, or other condition of the foot. Podiatrists can treat any condition of the foot, such as the following:
- injuries to bones (including fractures), tendons, and soft tissue
- foot problems resulting from illness such as diabetes, arthritis, AIDS, and cardiovascular diseases
- bacterial and fungal infections, as well as skin and nail disorders
- benign and cancerous tumors
- congenital and acquired deformities
Salary and Projected Growth
Median salary: $134,398
Salary range: $84,037-$190,599
Projected growth: faster than average
Where Could I Work?
Hospitals and clinics
Private and community practice
Nursing homes
Rehabilitation facilities
Colleges and universities
Your Interests and Abilities
Preparation in the sciences
Planning and performing medical procedures
Professional Skills
Concern for others
Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Communication
Education
At least 60 semester hours of college study from a Department registered program, or equivalent, including courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology or zoology, and physics
AND
Receive the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from a Department-registered podiatry licensure program, or equivalent.
Experience
At least one year of supervised postgraduate hospital training in podiatry approved by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education.
Examination
Parts I, II, and III of the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) examination.
What Interests You?
Match your interests and personality to career options! Explore a free career tool at mynextmove.org/explore/ip
Tip: try searching for mentoring programs—talk to a podiatrist about what they do and how they got started!
