Podiatric Medical Assistants
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 medical assistant.
What is a Podiatric Medical Assistant?
Podiatric medical assistants are critical yet underrecognized members of podiatry clinic teams. They assist podiatrists before, during, and after patient visits by sterilizing instruments, taking medical histories, assisting with procedures, applying dressings, and helping patients. Their diverse medical, technical, and administrative duties require training in podiatric assisting and a dedication to compassionate foot and ankle care.
Though they work behind the scenes, podiatric assistants support podiatrists and nurses with the intricate demands of examining and treating foot, ankle, and lower leg conditions. Their communication, adaptability, and composure under pressure make them integral to smooth clinic workflows and positive patient outcomes.
Read on to learn more about the steps to train for this position, and answers to commonly asked questions.
Key Responsibilities of a Podiatric Medical Assistant
The role requires expertise in podiatric procedures, familiarity with specialized lower extremity equipment, and knowledge of patient exam room preparation. Podiatric medical assistants provide critical assistance so that podiatrists can effectively concentrate on assessing and diagnosing lower extremity conditions.
With strong organizational skills and the ability to work well under pressure, they help ensure seamless patient flow in the podiatry clinic.
- Preparing exam rooms by sanitizing equipment and stocking necessary podiatric supplies
- Assisting the podiatrist with exam gowning and necessary positioning prior to procedures
- Coordinating and processing patient intake forms and documentation
- Facilitating communication between families and the podiatrist
- Assisting podiatrists during exams and procedures by passing instruments, applying dressings, and adjusting equipment
- Monitoring and maintaining cleanliness of tools and exam areas
- Preparing plaster for casts and molds for orthotics and prosthetics
The career outlook for podiatric medical assistants looks promising over the next decade. Job growth is projected to greatly outpace average rates due to rising demand from several key factors:
- An aging population needing more care for conditions like arthritis, fractures, and foot infections
- Advancing podiatric procedures increasing reliance on skilled assistants
- Growing rates of diabetes driving more foot-related complications
Podiatric medical assistants with certifications and adaptability performing diverse clinic duties should see expanding job opportunities. The combination of high growth and the value of specialized skills like taking x-rays, making casts, and assisting with treatments points to a favorable environment for this role.
National Average: $44,150.00
| U.S. Regions | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| West | $50,100.00 |
| Midwest | $38,620.00 |
| Northeast | $49,100.00 |
| Southwest | $36,221.00 |
| Southeast | $37,351.00 |
Additional Key Information:
| Salary Range | $33,140.00 entry level to $59,371.00+ |
| Common Benefits | Health insurance, retirement, vacation & bonuses |
How Do I Become a Podiatric Medical Assistant?
Pursuing a career as a podiatric medical assistant to support podiatrists in clinics is an incredibly rewarding path for those interested in lower extremity 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 CAAHEP accredited podiatric assisting certificate or associate’s degree program covering areas like lower extremity anatomy, podiatric procedures, instrumentation, patient care, and clinic workflows
Certification
- Obtain relevant credentials like CMA, RMA, or CNA to demonstrate expertise in podiatric medical terminology, clinical processes, patient care, and clinic standards
Practical Experience
- Complete a supervised clinical rotation internship or externship offered through quality podiatric assistant programs
Those aspiring to become podiatric medical assistants have a rewarding career ahead helping podiatrists in clinics. The key is laying the proper foundation through education, hands-on training, and credentialing. Enroll in an accredited program specializing in podiatric assisting to establish core knowledge. Reinforce learning via clinical externships offered in quality programs.
Consider relevant part-time work for added exposure as well. Certifications like CMA and RMA boost qualifications and job prospects. Keeping these pointers in mind will lead to success in launching this fulfilling career supporting critical podiatric care.
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