Preparing for a Career in Podiatry
Once you have decided to pursue a career in podiatry, you should:
- Read the Pre-Healthcare FAQ that provides general advice for students considering healthcare careers.
- Familiarize yourself with the information on this page.
- Visit websites such as:
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
Learn more about the premier professional organization representing the nation's Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (podiatrists).
- American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
For any questions you have about preparing for a career in podiatry, please contact:
Ms. Tailyn Walborn
Mallory-Wilson Center
106 Pearson Hall
walborta@MiamiOH.edu
Pre-Podiatry Coursework
| Subject | Courses |
|---|---|
| English | 1 year or equivalent |
| Biology (1 year with lab) |
BIO/MBI 115, 116 |
| General Chemistry (1 year with lab) |
CHM 141, 144 and CHM 142, 145 |
| Organic Chemistry (1 year with lab) |
CHM 241, 244 and CHM 242, 245 or CHM 251, 252 and CHM 254, 255 |
| Physics (1 year with lab) |
PHY 161, 162 or PHY 191, 192 |
Additional Requirements
Please be advised that there may be course requirements in addition to the list above. Be sure to review each podiatry school's website to ensure you will meet the requirements for those to which you will apply.
Applying to Podiatric Medicine School
Admission to podiatry schools is competitive and schools choose among many qualified applicants. Evaluation of candidates is based largely on objective criteria. A high overall and science GPA are important. Other important factors are:
- competitive Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, or competitive scores on an alternative test accepted by the schools to which you are applying (see below)
- strong letters of reference
- evidence of leadership potential as demonstrated by a few carefully chosen extracurricular activities
- well-developed interpersonal skills
Application to podiatry school is through the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS). The MCAT is required, although some schools may accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), or the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) in lieu of the MCAT. Students should verify which tests are acceptable with the schools to which they are interested in applying.