Pedorthist Programs / Job Prospects
What Pedorthists do:
Are you interested in a rewarding and secure health-related career where you work directly with patients? A Pedorthist is an allied healthcare professional with very specialized training in biomechanics and anatomy, so they can treat painful and disabling conditions that affect the lower limbs, ankles and feet. Pedorthists can work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and shoe stores, and are also trained in the appropriate use of corrective footware and support devices including therapeutic shoes, shoe modifications, foot orthoses and other pedorthic devises. Shoe modifications are also made by pedorthists to accommodate foot deformities and improve the balance and movement of patients.
The main duties of a Pedorthist include:
- Assessing patients in relation to conditions of the lower limbs and feet
- Formulating & implementing a treatment plan for the patient
- Fitting therapeutic shoes, partial foot prostheses, and foot orthoses
- Modifying shoes and existing pedorthic devices
- Following-up on patient care
Education & Qualifications:
Although certification is voluntary it shows commitment to the field of pedorthics. To become an American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) Certified Pedorthist you must hold a high school diploma, GED or college degree and successfully complete a National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education (NCOPE) accredited pre-certification course. Students who have met these educational requirements, must document a minimum of 1,000 hours of patient care experience in pedorthics obtained either before or after completion of the pedorthic educational course. In Canada certification is obtained form the College of Pedorthics of Canada.
Salary & Job Prospects:
Pedorthists can expect to earn salaries between $30,000 to $50,000. Employment prospects for pedorthists are good, especially for those with certification. Positions will arise as many existing practitioners are reaching the age of retirement.
Below is a list of some of the various types of allied health careers / professions: