Do you want to be a...

Podiatrist

Podiatrists look after the health of people's feet by diagnosing, treating and preventing foot abnormalities, and educating the public about good foot health.

Podiatrists may develop a special interest in dealing with particular client groups, such as children, the aged or sportspeople.

They may also work in a particular area, such as occupational health, or with general medical conditions that result in foot and leg problems.

TASKS

Podiatrists may perform the following tasks:

examine patients' feet to diagnose any disorders or infections and decide on an appropriate treatment
give advice about foot health and the prevention of foot disorders
treat deformities such as flat feet and foot imbalance by using corrective devices such as orthoses
work with patients suffering from diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, peripheral vascular disorders and other neuropathies
perform surgical procedures on feet
treat abnormalities of bones, joints, skin and nails such as bunions, toe deformities, ingrown toenails, corns, warts and other infections
recommend footwear for specific foot conditions
prescribe orthotic devices for protection and correction of a wide range of foot and leg irregularities

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

desire to work with people on a one-on-one basis
independent and highly motivated
interest in health care
good communication skills
good with hands

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a podiatrist you usually have to complete a degree in podiatry at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics are normally required. You may also need to demonstrate your suitability for, and interest in, podiatry by providing additional information, including details of relevant paid and unpaid work experience. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in podiatry.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

Before undertaking clinical placements required by courses, students will need to obtain a National Police Certificate, a Provide First Aid Certificate, immunisations and a Working with Children Check (NSW) or a Working with Vulnerable People Check (ACT). Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

It is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia before practising as a podiatrist in any state or territory in Australia. For full details, visit the board's website.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Most podiatrists work in private practice as a sole proprietor, partner or employee. An increasing number are employed in community health centres, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, specialist high-risk clinics and sports medicine clinics. Some obtain teaching and research positions.

Podiatrists may also work in aged-care services, such as day care centres for the elderly, nursing homes and hostels, which they visit to treat residents. Many podiatrists also provide treatment in patients' homes.