How to Become a Podiatrist: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals

- Posted by in Feet Care, Health
Male Podiatrist examining patients knee

Discover how to become a podiatrist with this comprehensive guide. Learn about the steps, timelines, and career opportunities in podiatry.

The first things that come to your mind when considering health care are unlikely to include feet, yet it’s such an integral part of our general health. That’s where podiatrists step in-literally.

In this guide, we’ll take you through all you need to know about how to become a podiatrist. And if you are based in Australia, then this guide is what you need in the process.

Alright, let’s start!

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. These are areas we take for granted until something goes wrong.

That is why you need to know how to become a podiatrist in Australia. Podiatry often goes hand in hand with professions like physiotherapy or general practitioners in general care. 

What makes podiatry such a unique career is the diversity in the field. One day, you might be treating an athlete recovering from a sprained ankle; another day, you might fit orthotic devices for a patient with arthritis. 

At AHP Podiatry, our team of podiatrists embodies this spirit of care and expertise, and guides you on how to become a podiatrist assistant or just be one.

Steps to Becoming a Podiatrist in Australia

If you’re serious about pursuing a career in podiatry, here’s your guide on how to become a podiatrist in Australia.

Focus on the Right Subjects in High School

You may start this journey right from your high school, where having the proper sets of subjects can set the pace. Experience in biology, chemistry, and other science courses will serve as a good starting point. These subjects will prepare you for the undergraduate coursework you’ll encounter in podiatry school.

Attend an Accredited Podiatry Program

After high school, the next step is a Bachelor’s degree. Several universities offer accredited programs in podiatry in Australia. Some of them include La Trobe University, the University of Western Australia, and Charles Sturt University.

These programs typically take 3-4 years to complete and include a mix of classroom learning and hands-on clinical training. 

Gain Clinical Experience

Clinical placements will form part of your podiatry education, where you get to be involved with experienced podiatrists and apply your knowledge in a real-world setting. Besides developing your practical skills, this placement will give you invaluable networking opportunities within the healthcare field. 

Register with the Podiatry Board of Australia

The final step, after completing your degree, is registration with the Podiatry Board of Australia, a requirement for anyone wanting to work as a podiatrist in Australia. This registration requires fulfilling specific criteria: proof of qualifications, and for some, additional competency assessment.

Becoming a podiatrist requires serious dedication and hard work, but this is a career that is just as rewarding as it is influential. And if ever in need of guidance on how to become a podiatrist in Australia, know that AHP Podiatry has got your back.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Podiatrist?

One of the most common questions asked by aspiring podiatrists is, “How long does it take to become a podiatrist?” It all depends on the route taken, but here is a general breakdown for Australia:

  • Undergraduate Degree: It usually takes 3-4 years to complete a Bachelor’s degree. Theoretical coursework and practical clinical placements go hand in hand to provide ample preparation for the profession.
  • Registration Process: After completing your degree, it may take a few weeks to a few months to register with the Podiatry Board of Australia, depending on the requirements and timing of your application.

In total, you can expect to spend around 4 years from start to finish. If you’re planning to specialize in areas like sports podiatry or surgery, additional training and certifications may add a few more years to the timeline.

This may appear long, but it is so rewarding and there are plenty of opportunities to really make a difference in the lives of your patients. And in Australia, with the growing demand for podiatrists, one’s effort will definitely pay off.

How to Become a Podiatrist Assistant

If you’re looking for a quicker way to enter the podiatry field, becoming a podiatrist assistant is an excellent option.

What Does a Podiatrist Assistant Do?

Podiatrist assistants help with tasks like:

  • Preparing patients for treatments.
  • Sterilizing and organizing medical equipment.
  • Assisting during minor procedures.
  • Providing administrative support, such as booking appointments.

Steps of How to Become a Podiatrist Assistant:

  • Complete Relevant Training: Although there is no degree required for this position, completion of a certificate or diploma in health or allied health assistance is a great starting point. Look for those programs that concentrate on patient care and medical administration.
  • Develop Necessary Skills: For this role, a person must have good communication and organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Gain Experience: Most podiatry clinics, including AHP Podiatry, provide on-the-job training for aspiring assistants.

The benefit of being a podiatry assistant is to get a flavor from the career while one decides if the entire career in podiatry is for them. In addition, it is also a rewarding job in its own right, being there for the patients every step of the way.

Career Opportunities in Podiatry

The field of podiatry in Australia is rewarding and full of opportunities. With a growing aging population and increased awareness about foot health, podiatrists are very much in demand across the nation.

Where Do Podiatrists Work?

  • Private Clinics: Most podiatrists operate from private clinics and deal with a wide range of conditions.
  • Hospitals: This is where podiatrists form a very important member of the multidisciplinary team.
  • Sports Medicine: Those interested in athletic performance find that sports podiatry enables them to work with athletes of all levels. 
  • Pediatrics or Geriatrics: It is rewarding and challenging to specialize in the care of either children or the elderly. 

At AHP Podiatry, we pride ourselves on being part of this dynamic and ever-changing field. If you are interested in helping people and want to take the first step, there is no better time to consider podiatry.

How AHP Podiatry Can Help

Interested in starting your career as a podiatry assistant? We are always looking for new members to join our vibrant team. At AHP Podiatry, we can guide you on how to become a podiatrist and provide you with work experience within a professional but friendly environment.

Would you like further information on how to become a podiatrist or any recent podiatry news? Please contact us here for further advice.

At AHP Podiatry, we’re proud to be part of a profession that changes lives one step at a time.

So, why wait? 

Visit our website and take the first step today into the rewarding world of podiatry with us.

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Feet Care, Health

How to Become a Podiatrist: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals

Treatment of diabetic ulcers on feet requires a holistic approach to healing and prevention of further complications

Dr. Evelyn Harper

Podiatrist and Health Writer

February 7, 2025

Diabetic Ulcers on Feet

Living with diabetes is tough, and foot health is one of the biggest challenges. One of the most serious complications of diabetes is getting ulcers on your feet. If not managed properly, these wounds can lead to infection and even amputation. In this post we’ll be tadlking about treatment of diabetic ulcers on feet, and the role of diabetic podiatrists and Charcot foot treatment.

What are Diabetic Ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores or wounds that occur on the bottom of the foot. Over time high blood sugar in diabetics can cause nerve damage (neuropathy) which causes loss of foot sensation. This means you can’t feel the pain from a blister or a small wound and minor injuries can get worse. Diabetes also affects blood flow making it harder for these injuries to heal. If left untreated an open sore can get infected and is a serious health risk.

Keeping tabs on your feet is vital when you’ve got diabetes. Unlike a regular cut or scrape, diabetic foot ulcers often show up as stubborn wounds that just won’t heal. You might notice the skin around them turning red and puffy, sometimes with an unpleasant discharge if infection sets in. The tricky part? Many people with diabetes have lost some feeling in their feet, so they mightn’t feel any pain – even with a nasty ulcer. That’s why giving your feet a good look-over regularly is so important. Without those normal pain signals to warn you, a small problem can quickly become serious if you’re not keeping an eye out.

Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Treatment of diabetic ulcers on feet requires a holistic approach to healing and prevention of further complications:

  1. Wound Care: Proper cleaning and debridement (removal of dead tissue) is important for healing. Regular dressing changes and good hygiene to avoid infection.
  2. Offloading Pressure: Reducing pressure on the ulcer is important. This can be done by using special shoes, insoles or foot pads to take pressure off the affected area.
  3. Antibiotics: If the ulcer is infected, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent the infection from spreading.
  4. Blood Sugar Management: Managing blood sugar is important for overall healing and prevention of further complications. Better diabetes management improves circulation and speeds up healing.
  5. Surgical Intervention: In severe cases surgical treatment may be needed to remove infected tissue or to manage deep ulcers that won’t heal with other treatments.
  6. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): This involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber to speed up wound healing by increasing oxygen supply to the tissues.
  7. Diabetic Podiatrist: Consulting a diabetic podiatrist is important in managing and treating foot ulcers. These professionals specialise in foot conditions related to diabetes and can give you the right care and advice on preventing further problems.
  8. Charcot Foot Treatment: Charcot foot is a complication of diabetes that causes joint damage and foot deformities. It can sometimes be mistaken for ulcers but requires a different treatment approach. If you have Charcot foot it’s important to see a podiatrist to manage the condition and prevent deformities that can lead to ulcers.

Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s what you can do:

  • Daily Foot Inspections: Check your feet for cuts, blisters, redness or swelling. Early detection can prevent ulcers from developing.
  • Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and avoid those that can cause blisters or pressure points.
  • Moisturize: Dry skin can lead to wounds so make sure your feet are well moisturised.
  • Manage Blood Sugar: Managing blood sugar is one of the best ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers.
  • Regular Podiatry Check-ups: Regular visits to a diabetic podiatrist can detect any problems early and prevent complications.

Treatment of diabetic ulcers on feet is important for overall foot health and prevention of severe complications. Wound care, offloading pressure, blood sugar control and regular check-ups with a diabetic podiatrist is important in managing foot ulcers. If you have Charcot foot see a podiatrist to prevent ulcers from developing.

If you have symptoms of diabetic foot ulcers don’t wait. Contact a diabetic podiatrist today to discuss treatment and how to look after your feet.

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