Podiatry

 A doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM) specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders, diseases and injuries. A DPM makes independent judgments, utilizes x-rays and laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, prescribes medications, orders physical therapy, sets fractures, and performs surgery.
There are approximately 13,000 practicing podiatrists in the U.S. Most have a general practice, but some specialize in surgery, orthopedics, or public health. Besides these certified specialties, podiatrists may practice a subspecialty such as sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, geriatrics, or diabetic foot care.

How Do I Prepare to Enter Podiatric Medicine?

A baccalaureate degree is strongly recommended for admission, though a minimum of 90 semester hours fulfills the entry requirements. Minimum requirements must include the following prerequisites: 8 semester hours of Biology; 8 semester hours of Chemistry (general or organic); 8 semester hours of inorganic chemistry; 8 semester hours of physics, and 6 semester hours of English. All science courses must include a lab.

What Do I Study to Become a Podiatrist?

The curriculum leading to the DPM degree varies slightly at the seven colleges of podiatric medicine in the U.S. The first two years concentrate on classroom instruction and laboratory work in the basic sciences, similar to allopathic and osteopathic medical school curricula. The third and fourth years of study focus on clinical skills and patient care. Students gain experience through clinical rotation in podiatric clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, satellite clinics, and professional office settings.

How do I apply to Podiatry Programs?

Students must take either the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), depending on the individual college's requirements.
Other requirements include letters of recommendation, transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions previously attended, and a personal interview. For application material, visit www.aacpm.org, download the application, or complete the electronic application.
The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) recently launched an AACPMAS web application. Prospective students can access the on-line web application in several ways:

If you are unable to complete an online web application, a downloadable .pdf application is also available from the www.aacpm.org website. The .pdf application can be faxed to expedite delivery. AACPMAS allows applicants to submit one single application to any or all AACPM member colleges.
AACPM member colleges include:

  • Barry University School of Graduate Medical Sciences, Miami Shores, FL
  • California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College, Oakland, CA
  • School of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA
  • Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Cleveland, OH
  • Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Finch University of Health Sciences, North Chicago, IL
  • Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Philadelphia, PA