# How to Become a Podiatrist? – A Comprehensive Guide
A podiatrist is a foot and ankle specialist who provides medical and surgical care to patients. They diagnose and treat foot and ankle problems such as bunions, ingrown toenails, corns, calluses, and other foot-related issues. Becoming a podiatrist requires a doctorate degree, passing a certification exam, and obtaining a license in the state you will practice.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the education, training, and other requirements to become a licensed podiatrist. We will also answer the most frequently asked questions about podiatrists.
## What is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. They provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of foot-related issues, from bunions and ingrown toenails to heel pain and foot fractures.
Podiatrists may also specialize in areas such as sports medicine, diabetic care, or pediatric podiatry. It is common for podiatrists to focus on a particular area of practice, such as preventive foot care, diabetic foot care, or orthopedic surgery.
## Education and Training Requirements
In order to become a podiatrist, you must first complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field, such as biology or exercise science. You will then need to apply to and be accepted into a four-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program.
During your DPM program, you will complete coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and other topics related to podiatry. You will also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in a variety of medical settings.
After you complete your DPM program, you will need to pass the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) certification exam. This exam is administered by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
In order to practice as a podiatrist, you must also obtain a license from the state in which you will practice. Each state has its own licensing requirements, so be sure to check with your state’s licensing board.
## Frequently Asked Questions about Podiatrists
### FAQs on How to Become a Podiatrist
**Q: What degree do you need to become a podiatrist?**
A: To become a podiatrist, you must first complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree program in a relevant field, such as biology or exercise science. You will then need to apply to and be accepted into a four-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program. After completing the program, you must pass the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) certification exam and obtain a license from the state in which you will practice.
**Q: How long does it take to become a podiatrist?**
A: It typically takes eight years to become a podiatrist. This includes four years of undergraduate studies, four years of DPM studies, and the ABPM certification exam.
**Q: What is the job outlook for podiatrists?**
A: The job outlook for podiatrists is very good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of podiatrists is projected to grow 8% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
**Q: How much do podiatrists make?**
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for podiatrists was $141,400 in 2019.
**Q: What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon?**
A: A podiatrist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
