The State Diploma in Chiropody (Diplôme d’Etat de pédicure-podologue) qualifies you to practice as a chiropodist (podiatrist) in France. This is a paramedical profession within the rehabilitation field. To practice, you must hold this diploma, which is issued by the Ministry of Health, and be registered with the National Order of Chiropodists. Studies for this diploma take place in specialized training institutes and last for three years. Admission to these institutes is typically through a competitive examination, with some exceptions that may use regional recruitment pathways based on health studies.
The program is structured over three years, with a combination of continuous assessment and examinations. Students must achieve an average score of at least 10 out of 20 each year to progress to the next level, with no individual score below 7 out of 20. The diploma requires the validation of 180 European credits.
Upon successful completion of the State Diploma and registration with the National Order of Chiropodists, graduates are qualified to practice as chiropodists (podiatrists).
Prospective students must pass a competitive entrance exam. The specific requirements for the exam can vary by institution.
As this is a paramedical diploma, tuition fees can vary significantly between public and private training institutes.
The diploma is a State Diploma issued by the Ministry of Health and recognized by the National Order of Chiropodists.