However, some specialize in surgery, orthopedics, public health, and even subspecialities such as pediatrics, oncology, geriatrics, and diabetic foot care. On average, there will be 43 job openings per year for podiatrists in the state of Florida until the year 2005. This increase in jobs is largely due to a growing elderly and diabetic population who are more prone to foot ailments, as well as an increased interest in sports and leisure physical activities, such as running. Undergraduate college work should include courses in English, chemistry, biology or zoology, physics, and math. Colleges of Podiatric Medicine offer four-year programs with core courses similar to schools of medicine.
Most graduates then go on to complete one to three years of residency training.
Podiatrists must also complete continuing education hours every two years for license renewal. This will vary according to location, specialty, practice size, number of years in practice, skill, and personality.