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How do I Become a Chiropodist?

Carol Francois
Carol Francois

There are three steps required to become a chiropodist: post-secondary education, clinical experience, and completing the license requirements. A chiropodist is also known as a podiatrist. This type of medical doctor specializes in the foot and treatment of mobility issues related to the foot and ankle.

A chiropodist can find employment opportunities in a hospital, fracture clinic, private practice, or a health services clinic. Patients are typically referred to a chiropodist by their family physician or by the hospital. The foot is critical to mobility and the appropriate treatment can allow patients with injuries, diseases, or foot pain to maintain normal, active lives.

A chiropodist is a medical doctor who specializes in mobility issues.
A chiropodist is a medical doctor who specializes in mobility issues.

The first step to become a chiropodist is to attend medical school. All chiropodists are fully trained medical doctors. Admission to the chiropody program is based on marks obtained in the undergraduate degree, letters of recommendation, and an entrance examination. This type of program is not available at every medical school. Take the time to review the different schools that offer this degree before making your selection.

A chiropodist can perform medical treatment on feet.
A chiropodist can perform medical treatment on feet.

Courses in the first year of the chiropody program include the anatomy of the foot, locomotion, biomechanics of the foot, foot diseases, and treatments. People who want to become a chiropodist are usually detail oriented, have an interest in biomechanics, and are excellent observers. Many gait or movement irregularities are related to foot problems.

Chiropodists treat not only the foot, but also the ankle and lower leg.
Chiropodists treat not only the foot, but also the ankle and lower leg.

Clinical experience is part of the training program to become a chiropodist. The work terms are coordinated by the medical school and allow the student to work under the supervision of a chiropodist in both hospital and clinical practice settings. The variety of experiences available varies greatly by school. Take the time to review the different programs available and the different links and associations that the school has cultivated before making the school selection.

During the first year of a chiropathy program, students typically learn about foot anatomy and biomechanics.
During the first year of a chiropathy program, students typically learn about foot anatomy and biomechanics.

In order to become a chiropodist, a license from the state medical board is required. The license is granted after a review of academic credentials, a specific number of clinical hours, and the successful completion of a written examination. A separate license is required to practice in each state, although many states have reciprocal licensing arrangements, so that candidates do not have to write the same exam in multiple locations.

Training to become a chiropodist involves a large amount of hands-on clinical practice.
Training to become a chiropodist involves a large amount of hands-on clinical practice.

People who have the greatest enjoyment from a career as a chiropodist enjoy helping people, are naturally outgoing, and gain personal satisfaction from problem solving. Foot problems are notoriously complex and have a huge impact on patient quality of life. A chiropodist can make a difference in the lives of children, adults, and seniors with foot and mobility issues.

Discussion Comments

anon260917

I think this article is very good. This has helped me realize that this is the path I want to go down. Before I read this, I had no clue concerning the situations I would be in.

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    • A chiropodist is a medical doctor who specializes in mobility issues.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      A chiropodist is a medical doctor who specializes in mobility issues.
    • A chiropodist can perform medical treatment on feet.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A chiropodist can perform medical treatment on feet.
    • Chiropodists treat not only the foot, but also the ankle and lower leg.
      By: Monika Wisniewska
      Chiropodists treat not only the foot, but also the ankle and lower leg.
    • During the first year of a chiropathy program, students typically learn about foot anatomy and biomechanics.
      By: MAST
      During the first year of a chiropathy program, students typically learn about foot anatomy and biomechanics.
    • Training to become a chiropodist involves a large amount of hands-on clinical practice.
      By: Andrea Arnold
      Training to become a chiropodist involves a large amount of hands-on clinical practice.
    • A chiropodist should understand the risks of excessive pronation and supination, and be able to spot warning signs.
      By: GVictoria
      A chiropodist should understand the risks of excessive pronation and supination, and be able to spot warning signs.
    • Chiropodists can recommend exercises for dealing with foot pain.
      By: Jacek Chabraszewski
      Chiropodists can recommend exercises for dealing with foot pain.