How to become a podiatrist

Focus on helping patients with injured, badly-shaped, sore, or diseased ankles and feet.

Pathways to this career

  1. Complete an undergraduate podiatry degree, or a related degree like a Bachelor of Health, Applied or Exercise Science majoring in Podiatry.
  2. Already studied an undergraduate degree? Progress your career pathway with a Master of Podiatry and apply for registration as a practicing podiatrist.
  3. On completing your degrees, you must complete an application for registration with the Podiatry Board of Australia to be able to practice as a podiatrist.

What does a podiatrist do?

Podiatrists are healthcare professionals who are sometimes called ‘chiropodists’. Some podiatrists specialise in orthopedics and foot surgery. Most have private practices, but others work in government agencies, hospitals, and podiatric colleges.

Duties and tasks

  • Prescribe exercise, drugs, or special shoes.
  • Provide splints, braces, pads or various other supports.
  • Refer patients to general physicians for illnesses surrounding foot issues.
  • Order lab tests and X-rays to diagnose patients issues.
  • Treat foot and ankle issues through massage, manipulation, surgery, or physical therapy.

Industry bodies

Related jobs and job titles

Discover related courses

Undergraduate CSU-HMS-DEG-2023

Bachelor of Health and Medical Science

Postgraduate UND-HMS-GDI-2023

Graduate Diploma of Health and Medical Sciences

Postgraduate UOQ-SPM-GCE-2023

Graduate Certificate in Sports Medicine

Postgraduate SCU-LMD-MAS-2023

Master of Lifestyle Medicine

We're here to guide you there

Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.

Talk to a student advisor

We'll be in touch to answer your questions.

Student advisor Jason Student advisor Maria Student advisor Peter

Usually replies in 30 mins