Switzerland (GE) – Information

Schweizerischer Podologen-Verband (SPV)

We are a Swiss professional association in the field of podiatry. The podiatry
(= medical foot treatment) is regulated in the cantonal health legislation.
Our association unites self-employed and dependent podiatrists with basic education at upper secondary level and possibly at tertiary level.
As an organization of the world of work (OdA), we fulfill the tasks assigned to us by the federal government in vocational training in a competent and goal-oriented manner.
Through our continuing education offer, we secure and promote the quality of the podiatry performance of our members in the long term.
We maintain an extensive network in the field of foot health and thus support our members in interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Delegates Assembly is our highest decision-making body. The regional groups determine the orientation of our association through their delegates.
We maintain an open and cooperative communication with our members and in the association committees.
We use the resources entrusted to us for the purposes of our association members.

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Education Process	- 3 years: - 1 day a week at school - 4 days a week in practice
Years/Hours:	- 3 years for the secondary level - 3600 additional hours to obtain the Diploma of Higher Education (90 ECTS)
Degree:	- Secondary level for the first part of the formation - Then Tertiary level
Continuous education mandatory:
Schools:	Find a school: http://www.podologie.swiss/

Governemental recognition:
Allowing foreign podiatrists	-Under condition examined by the Swiss Red Cross, organism mandated by the Conferederation, the SERI (State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation)
Applicable legislation	- http://www.podologie.swiss/

Question	Answer
Is there free access for patients?	All patients
Does the podiatrist have prescription rights?	No
Is the podiatrist is allowed to perform surgery?	No
Can the podiatrist make and prescribe orthotics?	Prescribes orthotics and Manufactures orthotics
Can the podiatrist use anaesthetics?	No
Is the podiatry profession regulated? Is there a law protecting the title of podiatrist and describing the competences?	Yes
How many podiatrists are active in Switzerland (GE)?	1000
Is the FIP-IFP member association recognized by the government as a professional association?	No
Is there a code of conduct/deontology?	Yes, self-regulated within the association