Podiatrist & Chiropodist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Podiatrists or Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery involving the lower extremities (Occupational Outlook Handbook).
Chiropodists and first-degree podiatrists (e.g. those trained in the UK) also diagnose and treat foot conditions and may provide subcutaneous soft-tissue foot surgery, but not surgery on the bones of the forefoot. They amount and type of education differs from Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M).
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online: Podiatrist - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis: Podiatrist - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu: Podiatrist - occupational profile and featured videos
- Podiatry: What Does a Podiatrist Do? (video) - UT Health Science Centre
- Chiropody vs. Podiatry - Toronto.com
- Day in the Life of a Chiropodist - Brampton Foot Clinic
- Podiatric Medicine Overview - ExploreHealthCareers (U.S.)
- How to Become a Podiatrist - Manitoba Podiatry Association
- Chiropodist career & program info. - Michener Institute
- My Podiatrist Saved My Life (video) - American Podiatric Medical Association
- Interview with a Geriatric Podiatrist (video) - from Antonio J. Webb (U.S.)
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer training in Podiatry or Chiropody, but pre-requisite courses and degree may be taken at U of M prior to application to a professional program. Please view the links below for information on U of M programs, and podiatry and chiropody schools in North America.
The educational pathway for Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) is a four-year doctoral degree program in podiatric medicine (available in the United States and in Quebec), normally following completion of a bachelor's degree program. (National Occupational Classification)
The training for Chiropody is usually a three-year diploma program (DCh) obtained in Canada or a first-degree program in podiatric medicine (D.Pod.M.) obtained abroad (i.e. United Kingdom). (National Occupational Classification)
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Exploring Podiatry and Chiropody Education Options
- University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres - Undergraduate Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine
- The Mitchener Institute - Advanced Diploma in Chiropody
- List of Podiatric Medical Colleges (U.S) - Council on Podiatric Medical Education
- American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine - admissions information
- Search Directories
Information for foreign-trained Podiatrists & Chiropodists - Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
Professional Associations
Professional associations organize events and directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities are also available. This is a great way to learn and network.
- Manitoba Podiatry Association
- College of Podiatrists of Manitoba - Licensing Body
- Canadian Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA)
- Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine (CFPM) - for foot care practitioners, incl. chiropodists
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- International Federation of Podiatrists
- Ontario Society of Chiropodists
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Find a Podiatrist - Manitoba Podiatry Association
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
- Job Opportunities - Canadian Federation of Podiatric Medicine
- Mitchener Institute - Alumni Job Board
- Career Centre - APMA
Other links
External resources that will provide you with additional information about the occupation, areas of work and opportunities to build experience:
- Canadian Podiatry Education Foundation
- American Podiatric Medical Students' Association
- St. Michael's Hospital - Clinics & Inpatient Care Units: Chiropody (Toronto, ON)
- Canadian Diabetes Association
- The College of Podiatry (U.K.)
- Journal of the American Podiatric Medial Association
- Journal of Foot and Ankle Research