Podiatry (or podiatric medicine) is the field of medicine that studies, diagnoses, and treats diseases of the feet and ankles. Medical professionals in this field are called podiatrists. Find out how to become a podiatrists in Australia.
What do Podiatrists do?
Podiatrists specialize in the health of the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. They can help prevent, diagnose, and treat a variety of conditions, including ingrown toenails. They can also deal with situations like foot and arch pain. Podiatrists receive thorough training in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. In some cases, a podiatrist may refer a patient to a doctor for further treatment. Podiatrists' areas of practice include podiatry, diabetes, sports injuries, structural problems, geriatric care, and general foot care. With additional qualifications and registration, podiatrists can also perform foot surgery.
There are many reasons why people seek out podiatrists.
Foot pain and problems: People seek help from podiatrists for issues such as foot pain, ankle pain, toenail problems, tendonitis, calluses, and fungal infections. These conditions can cause discomfort and affect daily activities, and a podiatrist can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.
Routine foot care: Many people visit a podiatrist for routine foot care. Services such as skin and nail care, callus removal, and tendonitis management help maintain foot health and hygiene.
Manage chronic conditions: People with chronic foot conditions, such as fractures, flat feet, and plantar fasciitis, may consult a podiatrist for ongoing care and to prevent disease progression. Podiatrists can provide customized orthotics, braces, and other interventions to relieve symptoms and improve foot function.
Prevention and treatment of sports injuries: Athletes and active people frequently visit podiatrists for the prevention and treatment of sports-related foot and ankle injuries. Podiatrists can provide advice on proper footwear, orthotic support, and rehabilitation techniques to promote faster recovery and prevent future injuries.
Diabetic foot care: People with diabetes need specialized foot care due to the risk of complications. Podiatrists play an important role in managing and preventing foot problems associated with diabetes, such as neuropathy, ulcers, and infections, so people often seek the expertise of a podiatrist to resolve foot-related issues and improve overall foot health.
Podiatrists Earn in Australia
A podiatrist's income may vary depending on experience, location, location and type of practice. Generally, the average annual income of podiatrists is between $60,000 and $100,000. However, these are average values and may vary depending on individual circumstances. A podiatrist's income can grow over the long term as they gain experience and experience. In Australia, podiatrists can earn a good income, with the average annual salary ranging from $85,000 to $95,000. However, it's important to note that actual salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, specialization, and the specific employment setting. Regarding the highest paid podiatrists, those working in outpatient care centres tend to earn the highest annual income. It's worth mentioning that this figure represents the highest reported income for podiatrists in a specific employment setting, but individual salaries may still vary.How to become a podiatrist in Australia?
To become a podiatrist, you'll need to complete a bachelor of podiatry or podiatric medicine degree with a clinical placement. After completing your degree, you'll need to register with the Australian Podiatry Board to legally practice as a podiatrist. Registration with this board ensures that podiatrists meet the standards and qualifications required to provide medical services in the field of podiatry. There are three steps to becoming a registered podiatrist. The first step is to complete a bachelor's degree program in podiatry, which typically takes three to four years. This degree provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to practice as a podiatrist. The second step is to earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) graduate degree: After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring podiatrists must enter a postgraduate degree, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. This program usually lasts two to three years and provides advanced training in podiatric medicine and surgical techniques. Upon completion of the program, the third step, you will be eligible to register and practice with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (AHPRA): Graduates who successfully complete a DPM program must register with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (AHPRA) to legally practice podiatric medicine in Australia. Registration ensures that podiatrists meet the required competencies and professional standards.
Where can I study podiatry?
In Australia, you can study podiatry at a variety of universities and institutions.
- Charles Sturt University-Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine
- University of Newcastle-Bachelor of Podiatry
- University of South Australia-Bachelor of Podiatry
- University of Western Sydney-Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine
- Queensland University of Technology-Bachelor of Podiatry
- La Trobe University-Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)
- The University of Western Australia-Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (Podiatry)
- CQU University Australia-Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours)
- Monash University-Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
These institutions offer accredited podiatry programs that prepare students to become podiatrists. We recommend that you check the specific details and requirements of each institution's podiatry program to choose the program that best suits your needs and goals.