A podiatry assistant is a person who takes care of other people’s feet. Podiatry assistants are also sometimes known as chiropody assistants. A podiatry assistant is employed to assist the qualified podiatrist. The podiatry assistant may have taken this role as part of his or her training to become a fully qualified podiatrist.

A main part of the podiatry assistant’s job is to cut toe nails and apply dressings and bandages to a patient's feet. The podiatry assistant may be assigned patients of his or her own who have already been seen by the podiatrist. This helps the podiatrist keep his or her workload free for new patients and also contributes to the assistant's training.

A podiatry assistant may also act as a clerical assistant as part of his or her duties. Updating client records, invoicing and contacting clients may also be part of the role. A podiatry assistant may also visit clients in their home if they are not able to travel.

There are no formal qualifications required to become a podiatry assistant. Training is usually given on the job. Regulations regarding the hours required to become trained as a podiatrist differ from state to state. The expected on-the-job training is usually around 500 hours.

The 500 hours training includes actual patient time in the clinic with the podiatrist. The podiatry assistant is also subject to routine assessments from time to time in the form of oral and theoretical exams. Practical work is an important part of becoming a qualified podiatrist.

The podiatry assistant must be fully aware of all forms of foot hygiene. He or she must also undertake intensive study on a range of foot related subjects, including the pathology of skin and nails, microbiology and anatomy. The podiatry assistant must also have an awareness of circulatory problems. Proper sterilization of instruments and operating procedures will also be studied.

There are different venues in which the podiatry assistant can gain his or her training and qualifications. The podiatry assistant can apply to study at a private practice or in public hospitals. There are some colleges that offer courses to fulfill the qualifications necessary to become a podiatrist or chiropodist. Information on these courses is available from local medical schools or through your public library.