Pre-Podiatry
A podiatrist is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Podiatric medicine involves the study of human movement and focuses on the medical care of the foot and ankle. Podiatrists are specialists in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disorders, injuries, and diseases of the foot and ankle.Academic Expectations
Specific admission requirements vary per podiatry school. You should consult with schools of interest to determine their specific admission requirements.
Suggested academic preparation:
- Bachelor's degree- A bachelor's degree plus prerequisite courses in the sciences are the required for most podiatry schools.
- Competitive academic record- Heavy course loads (17-18 credit hours by junior year), multiple science courses with labs in the same semester, and high grades in all courses, especially the sciences, are recommended.
- Major in anything
We recommend you meet with an advisor once a semester to ensure you are progressing with the correct academic coursework.
Entrance Exams
MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) Information
The MCAT is computer-based and offered on set dates throughout the year. You should obtain the Official Guide to the MCAT as soon as possible and use it as a guide while preparing for the MCAT exam.
Other Information
Some schools will accept the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) or the DAT (Dental Admission Test). Check with the school you are applying to for more information
Application Information
Centralized Application Service- AACPMAS
Most schools go through a centralized application called the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS). Applications open in August, with deadlines ranging from April through June
Professional Degrees
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) diagnose, treat, rehabilitate and perform surgery on patients with an illness or injury on the feet and/or lower limbs. Podiatrists treat a variety of foot and ankle aliments as well as foot and leg problems. Many podiatrists spend the majority of their time performing surgeries, such as foot reconstruction. But they can specialize in other areas, too, including sports medicine, pediatrics, and diabetic foot care. There are currently 9 podiatry schools in the United States that generally consists of four years of academic coursework and clinical experiences leading to the DPM degree. Podiatry school graduates then begin residency, which can take 3-8 additional years to complete. Residency training is completed at a training hospital and is considered paid employment.
