Mariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Mariah St. John Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Written By Mariah St. John Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Mariah St. John Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Education Writer Brenna Swanston Deputy EditorBrenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol.
Brenna Swanston Deputy EditorBrenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol.
Brenna Swanston Deputy EditorBrenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol.
Brenna Swanston Deputy EditorBrenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol.
Updated: Apr 24, 2024, 1:39pm
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Podiatrists, or doctors of podiatric medicine, play an integral role in healthcare. These professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating the foot, ankle and lower leg.
Whether you need relief for a short-term issue—such as an acute injury or sudden onset pain—or you need ongoing care to manage a chronic condition like diabetic foot complications, podiatrists provide comprehensive and tailored treatment solutions. Through their work, these doctors relieve symptoms, alleviate pain and improve their patients’ mobility and quality of life.
Becoming a podiatrist involves several years of education and training, including undergraduate studies, podiatric medical school and residency. This guide provides an overview of how to become a podiatrist, including podiatrist education requirements, training, licensing and certification requirements.
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A podiatrist specializes in treating the foot, ankle and lower leg. These healthcare professionals diagnose, treat and prevent various conditions, including foot and ankle injuries, infections, deformities, dermatological conditions and chronic issues. Podiatrists work to alleviate pain, restore proper foot function, monitor the healing process and prevent further complications.
Podiatrists play a vital role in the medical field, providing comprehensive care for foot- and leg-related issues, such as arthritis, arch problems, bone spurs, shortened tendons, calluses, ingrown toenails and ulcers. They also treat complications associated with diabetes, obesity and other health conditions.
These professionals provide preventative foot care to maintain foot and ankle health, including screenings for diabetic foot complications, routine foot exams and education on proper foot care practices.
A podiatrist’s day-to-day responsibilities can include:
Podiatrists can pursue more focused areas of practice within the broader field of podiatry. Common specializations include orthopedics, surgery and public health. In addition to these certified specialties, podiatrists may practice a subspeciality, such as pediatrics, sports medicine, diabetic foot care, geriatrics, dermatology or radiology.
Podiatrists practice in diverse healthcare settings, including:
Podiatrists participate in interdisciplinary patient care and frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as podiatric physicians, physical therapists and surgeons, to provide comprehensive patient treatment.
Below, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to become a podiatrist. Research state-specific requirements for your jurisdiction, as each state has its own residency and licensing stipulations.
Students seeking admission to podiatric medicine programs typically need a bachelor’s degree. Many applicants major in fields like biology, physical science or a closely related field, though some schools accept learners from other areas of study.
Specific undergraduate degree requirements vary among podiatric medicine programs, but generally, applicants must complete prerequisite courses in laboratory sciences, such as chemistry, biology and physics.
After completing the required undergraduate education, aspiring podiatrists must complete a four-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) through an accredited program. Currently, the Council on Podiatric Medicine Education accredits nine colleges of podiatric medicine. Many podiatric medicine programs require students to submit scores for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
D.P.M. programs include classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The curriculums typically require science coursework in subjects like anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, pathology, biochemistry and microbiology. Some programs offer courses in specialized areas, such as biomechanics, sports medicine and pediatric podiatry.
During the final two years of a D.P.M. program, students complete clinical rotations under supervision to gain field experience.
Upon graduation from a D.P.M. program, students must complete a residency, where they gain specialized training and hands-on clinical experience in podiatric medicine and surgery. Podiatric residencies take place in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities under the supervision of an experienced podiatrist.
Before podiatrists can start practicing independently, they must obtain state licensure, which involves passing a state licensing exam and meeting other state-specific requirements. Research the stipulations for the jurisdiction where you plan to practice to ensure you fulfill all requirements.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), podiatrists earned a median annual salary of $141,650 in 2023. A podiatrist’s salary varies depending on experience level and scope of practice. For example, a podiatrist working in a private or group practice might earn more than a podiatrist working in a hospital or healthcare organization.
Location can also affect a podiatrist’s salary. For instance, the BLS reports Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Hawaii and North Carolina offered the highest average wages for podiatrists in 2023. The states that employed the largest numbers of these medical professionals in 2023 include New York, California, Florida, Michigan and New Jersey.
The BLS projects 1% growth in podiatrist jobs from 2022 to 2032, which equates to 300 annual openings in the field.
Podiatrists can obtain certifications to demonstrate their expertise in specific podiatric medicine and surgery areas. Common credentials for podiatrists include:
The American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) offers board certification in podiatric medicine. To obtain board certification, candidates must pass an exam that covers various aspects of podiatric medicine. Candidates can sit for the exam during their final residency year. The ABPM charges a $250 application fee and a $1,750 exam fee.
The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS)® offers board certification in foot surgery. To obtain this certification, podiatrists must hold a valid podiatric license, maintain active surgical privileges at a hospital or surgical center and pass an exam. Candidates must pay a $225 application fee and a $425 exam fee.
ABFAS also offers board certification in RRA surgery. Certification requirements include holding a valid podiatric license, having active surgical privileges at a hospital or surgical center and passing an exam. ABFAS charges a $225 application fee and a $425 exam fee.
Professional organizations offer opportunities for networking, advocacy, continuing education, practice support and credentialing for podiatrists. Becoming a member can aid in professional development.
The American Podiatric Medical Association‘s 53 state component locations represent 18,000 podiatrists across the U.S. This organization provides resources, advocacy and continuing education opportunities for podiatrists.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons focuses on advancing the surgical and medical treatment of foot, ankle and lower leg issues. The group works to address the concerns of podiatric surgeons and improve the standards of surgical skills and education.
Both podiatry and medical doctor career paths require significant dedication and effort, including challenging coursework in multiple science fields. It’s vital to carefully consider your interests, career goals and the specific requirements of each profession to determine which job is right for you.
Podiatrists earn higher-than-average salaries due to the demand for their specialized knowledge. Factors like location, employer and specialization also impact earning potential.
Podiatrists attend podiatrist medical school, which offer specialized programs focusing on the study of the foot, ankle and lower leg. Due to the specific demands of their work, podiatrists need education centered on the diagnosis, treatment and management of foot and ankle conditions.
Before attending podiatry school, aspiring podiatrists in the U.S. need a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years. Once accepted to a podiatric medicine program, students typically take another four years to earn a D.P.M. degree. Students in podiatry schools undergo comprehensive podiatric medicine and surgery training during these four years.
