What is a Podiatrist?
Career Description Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
A Day in the Life of a Podiatrist
- Educate the public about the benefits of foot care through techniques such as speaking engagements, advertising, and other forums.
- Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
- Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
- Treat deformities using mechanical methods, such as whirlpool or paraffin baths, and electrical methods, such as short wave and low voltage currents.
- Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
- Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
Featured schools near , edit
Skills Needed to be a Podiatrist
Below is a list of the skills most Podiatrists say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles
- Orthopedic Podiatrist
- Doctor of Podiatry
- Foot Roentgenologist
- Foot Doctor
- Doctor Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
Job Outlook for Podiatrists
In the United States, there were 11,000 jobs for Podiatrist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,200 new jobs for Podiatrist by 2026. There will be an estimated 700 positions for Podiatrist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Podiatrist are Utah, Maryland, and Nebraska. Watch out if you plan on working in Mississippi, Kansas, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Podiatrists Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Podiatrists ranges between about $52,060 and $208,000 a year.
Podiatrists who work in Nebraska, Rhode Island, or Wisconsin, make the highest salaries.
How much do Podiatrists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $148,010 |
| Arizona | $143,620 |
| Arkansas | $183,190 |
| California | $120,750 |
| Colorado | $119,190 |
| Connecticut | $95,610 |
| Delaware | $171,800 |
| District of Columbia | $152,520 |
| Florida | $136,170 |
| Georgia | $125,390 |
| Illinois | $180,270 |
| Indiana | $182,030 |
| Iowa | $173,370 |
| Kansas | $122,390 |
| Kentucky | $111,780 |
| Louisiana | $157,690 |
| Maryland | $159,950 |
| Massachusetts | $173,250 |
| Michigan | $131,780 |
| Minnesota | $184,280 |
| Missouri | $135,760 |
| Montana | $119,040 |
| Nebraska | $219,670 |
| Nevada | $109,560 |
| New Jersey | $132,320 |
| New Mexico | $124,660 |
| New York | $156,960 |
| North Carolina | $186,510 |
| Ohio | $155,870 |
| Oklahoma | $132,420 |
| Oregon | $93,930 |
| Pennsylvania | $136,780 |
| Rhode Island | $226,030 |
| South Carolina | $195,380 |
| Tennessee | $139,880 |
| Texas | $139,070 |
| Utah | $147,770 |
| Virginia | $144,330 |
| Washington | $136,330 |
| West Virginia | $175,530 |
| Wisconsin | $201,060 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Podiatrists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Podiatrists:
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
How to Become a Podiatrist
What education is needed to be a Podiatrist?
What work experience do I need to become a Podiatrist?
Where Podiatrists Work
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Podiatrist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Internet Archive Book Images; Joseph, Alfred via No known copyright
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |