What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Podiatrists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating foot and ankle issues, using medical and surgical methods. They address foot deformities, injuries, and problems related to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis and, and they refer patients to other specialists as needed. Podiatrists use x-rays, blood tests, and physical exams for diagnosis and may prescribe medications, physical therapy, or perform surgeries. They also fit patients with casts or orthotics. Some podiatrists specialize in surgery, orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatrics, geriatrics, or diabetic foot care.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Most podiatrists work in offices of podiatry, either their own or with other podiatrists or health practitioners. Podiatrists also work in hospitals, Veterans Administration hospitals, health clinics, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
The salaries of podiatrists vary by setting and employment status. Podiatrists who are self employed earn more than those who are employed by other podiatrists or who are employed by hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes.
Annual median salary: $106,606
Entry-level salary: $64,530
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Podiatrists are expected to grow statewide by 29% between 2022 and 2032, with 135 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Podiatrists obtain a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree after completing a bachelor’s degree with science courses like chemistry and biology. Applicants typically take the MCAT, though some schools accept the DAT or GRE. Podiatry education lasts four years and includes classroom and clinical training. After earning the DPM, students must complete a three-year residency, with additional training required for those who choose to specialize.
For More Information:
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine: https://aacpm.org/colleges/
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed as a podiatrist in New York State, an individual must be a graduate of an accredited podiatry school, and complete at least one year of postgraduate training in an approved podiatry residency program or supervised postgraduate hospital with training in podiatry. New York licensed podiatrists must also pass comprehensive licensing exams. While New York does not require a podiatrist to be board certified, a podiatrist may seek board certification from either the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery or the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. Board certification in podiatry includes successfully passing written and oral examinations and a review of clinical cases.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/podiatry/license-requirements
American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination: https://www.apmle.com/about-the-exam/
American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery: https://www.abfas.org/become-board-qualified
American Board of Podiatric Medicine: https://podiatryboard.org/board-examinations/
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
For More Information:
Advancing Foot and Ankle Medicine and Surgery Educational Foundation:
https://www.apma.org/about-apma/relationships-partnerships/apma-educational-foundation/scholarships/
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New York College of Podiatric Medicine | DPM | New York City | New York City | Visit |