A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) is a specially trained physician who treats conditions of the foot and ankle. Podiatry might be the perfect career for you if you want to help alleviate people’s pain and help them return to active lives. There are a wide range of specializations within podiatry including sports medicine, biomechanics, diabetes care, and much more.

To become a podiatrist, you will need to complete a four year training program to earn a DPM degree at an accredited podiatric medical school. Following this curriculum, you will need to complete a 2 year residency at an approved healthcare institution. The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine is an excellent resource for learning more about the training required to become a DPM.

Most graduate Podiatry programs require*:

• 2 Biology courses : Microbiology (BIOL 208) and Cell Biology (BIOL 237)
• 4 Chemistry courses: Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 117), Environmental, Analytical, and Geochemistry (CHEM 220), Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 230), Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 235)
• General Physics I and II (PHYS 101 and 102)
• 2 English courses with intensive writing

Additional Requirements

Individual schools may have specific requirements. Check the website of schools that you are particularly interested in applying to.