Podiatric LPNs
Career Guide: Salary, Job Duties, and More
This page offers details on the expected salaries, day-to-day job duties, and additional insights for those exploring or considering a career as a podiatric LPN.
What is a Podiatric LPN?
Podiatric licensed practical nurses are valued members of foot and ankle care teams. They assist podiatrists, nurses, and other lower extremity care providers in the diagnosis and treatment of various foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions by confirming patient charts, preparing the exam room, handing tools, tracking vital statistics, performing tests, and educating patients on proper foot care and safety. Their wide-ranging medical, technical, and clerical duties require training in podiatric and orthopedic care as well as a dedication to patient well-being and adherence to safety protocols.
Though they operate behind the scenes, podiatric LPNs support podiatrists and other care providers in caring for patients with complex foot, ankle, and lower extremity needs. Their communication skills, flexibility, and ability to remain calm under pressure make them vital to smooth patient visits and workflows in the podiatry office or clinic.
Read on to learn more about the education path for this position, plus answers to frequently asked questions.
Key Responsibilities of a Podiatric LPN
The role requires expertise in various foot, ankle, and lower extremity conditions, familiarity with podiatric equipment, and knowledge of proper foot care and safety best practices. Podiatric LPNs provide critical assistance so that podiatrists, nurses, and other staff can effectively concentrate on diagnosing and treating lower extremity disorders.
With strong organizational skills and the ability to work well under pressure, they help ensure smooth patient flow in the podiatry office.
- Preparing exam rooms by sanitizing equipment and stocking necessary supplies
- Coordinating and processing necessary documentation like medical histories
- Facilitating communication between patients and healthcare staff
- Assisting podiatrists and nurses during exams by handing instruments and adjusting equipment
- Applying dressings, splints, or casts as directed
- Administering local anesthetics prior to podiatric procedures
- Conducting preliminary vascular and neurological assessments on feet and legs
The outlook for careers as podiatric LPNs appears promising over the next decade, with job growth projected to outpace the average rate substantially. Underlying this robust expansion is a confluence of factors fueling greater demand. An aging population vulnerable to foot, ankle, and lower extremity issues like arthritis, neuropathy, poor circulation, and diabetes complications, technological progress in podiatric medicine spurring the need for specialized assistants, and the proliferation of podiatry offices and outpatient surgical centers where many procedures occur, are all converging to heighten demand.
Podiatric LPNs possessing certification and adaptability in performing diverse lower extremity care procedures should encounter expanding job prospects and avenues for career advancement amid these supportive conditions. The combination of rapid growth and the value of specialized skills points toward a favorable environment for those training to enter this vital role within the healthcare workforce supporting podiatry teams.
National Average: $46,148.00
| U.S. Regions | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| West | $48,425.00 |
| Midwest | $44,136.00 |
| Northeast | $47,831.00 |
| Southwest | $45,168.00 |
| Southeast | $44,963.00 |
Additional Key Information:
| Salary Range | $33,450.00 entry level to $49,153.00+ |
| Common Benefits | Health insurance, retirement, vacation & bonuses |
How Do I Become a Podiatric LPN?
Pursuing a career as a podiatric LPN to support podiatrists, nurses, and other staff in diagnosing and treating lower extremity conditions is an incredibly rewarding path for those interested in foot and ankle care. Properly preparing for this critical role requires progressing through key education, certification, and practical experience milestones:
Education
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent to establish baseline skills and knowledge for further development
- Enroll in a 1-2 year LPN program covering podiatric medicine, foot/ankle procedures, pharmacology, anatomy, patient education, and exam assistance.
Certification
- Obtain relevant credentials like CPN to demonstrate expertise in areas like medical terminology, clinical processes, patient care, and podiatric standards.
Practical Experience
- Complete a supervised clinical rotation internship or externship offered through quality LPN programs.
Those aspiring to become podiatric LPNs have a rewarding career ahead helping care teams diagnose and treat lower extremity conditions. The key is laying the proper foundation through education, hands-on training, and credentialing. Enroll in an accredited LPN program with podiatric medicine curriculum and clinicals. Consider relevant part-time work for added exposure as well.
Certifications like CPN boost qualifications and job prospects. Keeping these pointers in mind will lead to success in launching this fulfilling career supporting critical podiatric procedures.
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