Requirements for Podiatrists

Any doctor that specializes in conditions of the foot, ankle or lower leg is known as a podiatrist. This particular practice was first recognized in the United States during the early 20th century.  Today, doctors who specialize within the field of podiatry focus on podiatry issues in sports medicine, bio-mechanics, geriatrics and pediatrics.

Educational Requirements

The educational requirements for podiatrists are much like those for any other specialty doctor.  A person who wants to be a podiatrist must graduate from high school.  He or she will need to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree in a science field such as biology or chemistry.  Earning good grades will allow the student to pursue post-graduate study in an accredited college of podiatry.  This study is another four years.  In order to be licensed as a podiatrist, a person must complete a full two-year residency program at a hospital.  It is common for doctors in podiatry to complete at least 10 years of education beyond high school.

Certification Requirements

Earning a degree and completing a residency is not the only things a person must do to earn certification as a podiatrist.  Though each state may vary, people wanting to become certified to practice podiatry must pass written and oral exams, have experience and be board certified in orthopedics, surgery or primary medicine.  If a podiatrist wants to be certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, he or she must have graduated from a podiatric medical school, completed a two-year residency program, obtained practical experience and passed all written and oral exams.

Additional Requirements

With the increase of diabetes and obesity in the nation, the need for podiatrists has increased.  Someone wanting to practice podiatry would need to develop communication skills, as listening to patients is extremely important in diagnosing and treating problems in the foot.  If a podiatrist wanted to have a private practice, he or she would also need additional skills in marketing and business management.