Podiatrists

What the job really is

Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-1081
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 11
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.
• Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
• Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
• Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
• Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
• Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
• Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
• Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
• Perform administrative duties, such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, or keeping records.
• Educate the public about the benefits of foot care through techniques such as speaking engagements, advertising, and other forums.
• Treat deformities using mechanical methods, such as whirlpool or paraffin baths, and electrical methods, such as short wave and low voltage currents.

Tools and technology

Facebook, Microsoft Access, Advantage Software Podiatry Advantage, Allis forceps, Automated external defibrillators AED, Bandage scissors, Biopsy punches, Bone chisels, Bone curettes, Bone forceps, Bone rasps, Bone ronguers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
• Pediatric Surgeons
• Dermatologists
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians
• Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Urologists
• General Internal Medicine Physicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Podiatrists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.