High School Diploma or GED;

Complete at least 90 semester hours of college and preferably a bachelor's degree;

Graduate from an accredited podiatry program

May work evenings and weekends to meet the needs of their patients.

May work more than 40 hours each week.

May travel to nursing homes or hospitals for emergencies or surgery.

; PODIATRISTS will:

Treat foot problems that can make walking painful or create other problems in the body.

Treat deformities of the foot that cause problems with walking.

They treat foot problems related to diseases such as diabetes.

PODIATRISTS frequently:

Set broken bones, perform surgery, or order physical therapy.

Fit clients for shoe inserts called orthotics.

It is important that PODIATRISTS be able to:

Perform duties related to running a small business, if they are in private practice.

Be very exact in their work and be sure all details are complete. Errors or omissions could seriously endanger the health and safety of patients.

Are often exposed to diseases or infections from their patients. There is some possibility of moderate injury from this exposure.