Typical Tasks
Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
A day in the life
What kind of work is this?
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Social
Working with people
What personality traits do you need to succeed?
Concern for Others
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Self-Control
Independence
What key skills are needed for this job?
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Judgment and Decision Making
Expected Knowledge
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Common Activities
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.