Explore Podiatry
Post-baccalaureate degree: DPM
![podiatrist examining patient's stance](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_450w/public/images/2024-08/hpao-podiatry.jpg?itok=fO-ysFG_)
A doctor of podiatric medicine, known also as a podiatric physician surgeon, is qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle and related structures of the leg. When treating patients, this system is also known as the lower extremity.
Podiatric physicians are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the lower extremity based on their education, training and expertise. Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government.
See also: Academic and Career Information for Podiatry (PDF)
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Minimum Prerequisites for Admission
The following prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation in a podiatry program:
- baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details. Some schools will not accept AP credit for prerequisites.
- general course prerequisites:
- general biology with lab, one year
- biochemistry, one course
- general chemistry with lab, one year
- organic chemistry with lab, one year
- general physics with lab, one year
- English, one year
Test Needed
All applicants are required to submit an official MCAT score via AACPMAS. All standardized admissions exams taken more than three (3) years prior to application are not acceptable.
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) - Online MCAT registration
- MCAT Prep Courses
Professional Associations
- American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM)
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)