Profession & qualification
Training to become a podiatrist
Podiatry – a medical profession built on responsibility, knowledge and compassion
Far more than professional foot care
Healthy feet carry us through our entire lives. Only when pain, illness or changes occur do many people become aware of how important our feet are for mobility, independence and quality of life.
This is exactly where the work of podiatrists begins.
Podiatry is far more than trimming nails or caring for skin. It is a demanding healthcare profession that combines medical expertise, manual precision, a sense of responsibility and an attentive view of the whole person.
Podiatrists recognise changes in skin and nails, treat pathological changes of the foot within their professional competence, and make an important contribution to preventing serious consequences.
For people with chronic illnesses or an increased risk, skilled podiatric care can be particularly important.
Why podiatrists are so important
Our feet can provide clues about many health changes.
Pressure points, callus changes, ingrown or pathologically altered nails, wounds, skin changes, misalignment or sensory disturbances should not be dismissed as merely cosmetic problems, especially in patients at risk.
That is why a qualified podiatrist learns to look closely.
This is not only about treating an existing problem properly. Just as important are prevention, regular monitoring and the early detection of noticeable changes.
Podiatry has a special significance for patients with diabetic foot syndrome, neuropathies or other conditions where injuries and changes to the feet can have serious consequences.
It is equally important to know the professional limits of podiatric treatment and to recommend medical clarification when findings indicate it.
The path to the profession: training to become a podiatrist
Anyone who wants to learn the profession of podiatrist chooses a sound medical training.
The regular full-time training lasts two years and ends with a state examination.
During this time, students acquire extensive theoretical and practical knowledge.
The subject areas include:
- ✓Anatomy and physiology
- ✓Pathology
- ✓Dermatology
- ✓Orthopaedics
- ✓Diabetology and the diabetic foot syndrome
- ✓Hygiene and microbiology
- ✓Pharmacology
- ✓Materials and product knowledge
- ✓Podiatric treatment measures
- ✓Podiatric materials and aids
- ✓Physical therapy
- ✓Assessment and documentation
- ✓Practical treatment techniques
- ✓Communication and professional interaction with patients
A key part of the training is the link between theoretical knowledge and practical work.
Because a foot is never just a foot.
Age, illness, medication, circulation, nerve function, skin condition, mobility, deformities and many other factors can influence which treatment is suitable for a person.
That is why sound training is so important.
Precision, responsibility and empathy
Podiatry is a profession for people who enjoy working with people – and who are also willing to take responsibility.
A good podiatrist needs a high degree of concentration and care. Often the smallest changes determine whether something can simply be observed or whether further medical clarification is needed.
Yet besides specialist knowledge, this profession requires something else:
Empathy.
Many patients come to a podiatry practice with pain, uncertainty or shame. Some have already been through a long journey of suffering. Others are no longer able to care for their feet adequately due to age or illness.
For us, good podiatric treatment therefore always includes respectful and dignified interaction with every individual.
My training in Kirchseeon – a time that shaped me
I completed my own two-year full-time training as a podiatrist at the state-recognised vocational school for podiatry of the Berufsförderungswerk München gGmbH in Kirchseeon, near Munich.
When I look back on this intensive training period today, I do so with great gratitude.
The training gave me not only the necessary specialist knowledge for my profession. It shaped my understanding of how responsible and diverse podiatry actually is.
I particularly valued the combination of sound theoretical instruction, medical knowledge and consistent practical training.
Our teachers, doctors and school management did not simply impart knowledge to us.
They taught us to look closely, to understand connections, to think critically and to take responsibility for our work.
And I still benefit from this in my professional everyday life.
People who pass on knowledge with passion
A good school, for me, is not only made up of curricula, classrooms and exams.
It lives from the people who teach there.
During my training in Kirchseeon, I was able to meet many dedicated teachers, doctors and responsible staff who passed on their knowledge and professional experience with great commitment.
Of course, a two-year full-time training was demanding.
There was a lot to learn, a lot to understand and a lot to put into practice.
But it was precisely these high professional requirements that showed me how important qualified training is for our later professional routine.
Because as soon as we work independently on patients after our training, we carry responsibility.
I am still very grateful for this knowledge and preparation.
A school I can recommend with conviction
That is why I would like to give a personal recommendation here:
I can highly recommend the vocational school for podiatry of the Berufsförderungswerk München in Kirchseeon from my own experience.
Anyone who is seriously interested in the profession of podiatrist and prepared to engage intensively with medicine, anatomy, clinical pictures and practical podiatric work will find sound training there.
I personally came to greatly appreciate my training period, the school management, our teachers and the doctors who taught us.
Much of what was taught there still accompanies me today.
Thank you.
Thank you for the knowledge.
Thank you for the patience.
Thank you for the high professional standards.
And thank you for a training that decisively shaped my further professional path.
Podiatry needs new talent
Qualified podiatrists are urgently needed.
Our society is getting older. At the same time, more and more people live with chronic illnesses and complex health situations in which professional foot care can be an important part of healthcare.
The profession therefore offers not only interesting career prospects.
Above all, it offers the opportunity to do something meaningful for other people every day.
You often accompany patients over many years. You witness improvements, provide relief, can reduce pain and help maintain mobility and quality of life.
That is exactly what makes this profession so special for me.
My profession. My conviction. My responsibility.
Today, the experience and knowledge from my training flow into the philosophy of FREITAG Podologie GmbH.
We want to offer podiatry at a high professional level and at the same time create a place where people feel taken seriously and well cared for.
For us, this includes medical expertise, consistent hygiene, modern treatment options, careful documentation and respectful interaction with our patients.
Because professional podiatry begins with good training.
And it develops throughout a career through further training, experience, a sense of responsibility and the willingness to never stop learning.
💚 A profession that carries people
Our feet carry us for a lifetime. As podiatrists, we can contribute to ensuring they can fulfil this task for as long as possible.
For me, podiatry is therefore not simply a job.
It is medical craft, responsibility and work with people – and that is exactly why I practise this profession with deep conviction.
FREITAG® Podologie GmbH
Podiatry with medical responsibility and individual care.