Podiatrist vs Chiropodist in Australia

In Australia the term ‘’Chiropodist’’ is now known as a “Podiatrist”.

Prior to the term “chiropodists” being retired in the 1970s, chiropody belonged to an unregulated profession.

Today, all podiatrists practicing in the health and medical fields in Australia have completed a 4 year Bachelor of Podiatry degree. Podiatrists are foot health experts and in demand clinicians for many patients with lower limb conditions including the foot and ankle.

From 1 July 2010 podiatrists must be registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia and meet the Board’s registration standards, codes and guidelines to practise in Australia.

The term “chiropodist” still exists in other countries including the UK, but they are now being referred to as podiatrists more often as many practitioners refer to themselves as both.