A podiatrist diagnoses and treats disorders of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. The work is clinical and patient-focused. You'll need a doctoral degree and must be licensed, but the role offers deep expertise in a specialized medical field.
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Podiatrists examine patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and develop treatment plans for foot and ankle conditions. You'll perform procedures, prescribe medications, and provide ongoing care. The work involves detailed documentation of patient records, communicating findings to patients and other healthcare providers, and staying current with medical knowledge. You'll make clinical decisions based on evidence and patient needs, often working in private practice, clinics, or hospitals. Patient education and counseling are core parts of the role.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Podiatrists earn a median of $160,300 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a doctoral degree in podiatric medicine, which typically follows a science-based undergraduate foundation. The path is extensive and requires strong preparation in sciences like biology and chemistry. After earning your doctorate, you must obtain a license to practice, which involves passing required exams and meeting state regulations. Some podiatrists pursue additional training or specialization after licensure. The education and credentialing process is rigorous, reflecting the clinical responsibility of the role.
The main route to becoming a podiatrist is earning a doctoral degree and obtaining licensure. Since the path is long and involves significant education, Pathly can map the podiatrist path that fits you with your school counselor or academic advisor to map out the prerequisites, timeline, and next steps that fit your goals.
Many podiatrists must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to investigative work: diagnosing problems, analyzing evidence, and applying scientific knowledge to solve clinical challenges. You think critically, listen actively, and communicate clearly with patients and colleagues.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).