Profession of pedicurist - podiatrist
The podiatrist is a professional in the paramedical sector belonging to the rehabilitation professions and working for the good health of the feet. Discover this profession in detail.

What is the job of a podiatrist?
The podiatrist is the specialist in foot and nail conditions. Its missions encompass a very wide field of expertise since they will range from the treatment of the most trivial ailments of the foot such as fungus, calluses, sweating disorders, plantar warts, nail reconstruction, corns, ingrown toenail or sagging of the arch of the foot to the design of orthopedic insoles and orthoses on medical prescription, including postoperative functional rehabilitation. The role of the podiatrist also consists of offering maintenance and hygiene care to the feet such as nail cutting, removal of dead skin, sanding, nail care, massage.

Like any health professional, he provides educational, preventive and curative care to his patients and has the right to prescribe treatments, medicines and dressings dedicated to pedicure and podiatry care.

Pedicurist and podiatrist are 2 different but complementary professions that are generally practiced together (they are taught simultaneously): the pedicurist is dedicated to care while the podiatrist is concerned with the extensions and complements of care.

The majority of podiatrists work in private practice and open their own practice, but hospitals and clinics also offer a few positions.

Missions of the Pedicurist - Podiatrist
Perform a clinical examination; Make diagnoses; Undertake appropriate therapeutic treatment; Prescribing medications; Manufacture orthopedic insoles; Perform functional rehabilitation. Qualities of a Pedicurist - Podiatrist Skill This profession requires great manual skill: precise gestures, great sureness of the hands and a lot of meticulousness.

Good physical condition
The podiatrist often works in a kneeling position or sitting on very low seats, which can be really tiring in the long run.

Good interpersonal skills and empathy
Some treatments can be painful and time-consuming for the patient. The podiatrist must have good interpersonal skills to gain confidence in his clients and show empathy. He must listen to them and be patient.

Training to become a Pedicurist - Podiatrist
Initial training The profession of podiatrist requires the holder of the State diploma of podiatrist (confers the degree of license) which is prepared in 3 years, within a training institute in pedicure-podiatry approved by the Ministry of Solidarity and Health.

To join the training that will lead to this diploma, a very selective competition must be taken and requires a Scientific baccalaureate.

The three years include theoretical and practical courses.

It is important to know that training to become a podiatrist is expensive. For registration in a public institute, you will have to pay the sum of €2,000 per year. To enrol in a private institute, you will have to pay the amount of €8,000 per year.

Formation continue
Like all health professionals, podiatrists are required to train regularly as part of continuing education.

For those who wish to retrain for the profession of podiatrist, the preparation for the state diploma can be done through adult continuing education.

Salary of a Pedicurist - Podiatrist
The remuneration of the podiatrist varies according to his status and the place where he works. For a self-employed person, his salary varies between 2000 and 3000 €. In a public hospital, his remuneration is between €1,400 and €2,200.

Possible evolutions
The pursuit of university studies in a Master's degree allows students to move towards research and/or teaching.

Some specialize in one type of pathology: traumatology, or rheumatology, for example, or in the apparatus.

The podiatrist can also choose to turn to osteopathy