Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the foot and ankle. A DPM makes independent judgments, prescribes medications, and performs surgery. The human foot has a complex interrelation with the rest of the body which means that it may be the first area to show signs of serious conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Podiatric physicians are often the first to detect symptoms of these disorders. Consequently, DPMs are a vital and sometimes lifesaving link on a health care team.  (From the website American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine).

A degree in podiatry is a four-year professional degree. To enter a college of podiatric medicine, students must complete at least three years or 90 semester hours of college credit at an accredited institution. Over 95% of the students who enter a college of podiatric medicine have earned an undergraduate degree.

The University of Iowa does not have a College of Podiatric Medicine. However, there are nine programs in the United States including three in the Midwest (https://www.aacpm.org/colleges/ and Find a School - APMA Student Recruitment (stepintopodiatry.com)). You will find a link to the complete list of schools on the last page of this document. As pre-podiatry advisors, we strive to guide you to the best of our abilities, but it is important to know that podiatry programs are not standardized. From the beginning, you are encouraged to research possible programs of interest in order to identify discrepancies in pre-requisite and other requirements between schools of podiatric medicine. It is important for you to be proactive in cross-referencing required prerequisite coursework. Your advisor is happy to discuss specific program requirements as they relate to University of Iowa coursework.

Sample Pre-Podiatry Four-Year Academic Plans

Plan A: Starting with General Chemistry and Pre-calculus

Year 1:

Year 2:

Year 3:

Year 4:

Plan B: Starting with Principles of Chemistry and Calculus

Year 1:

Year 2:

Year 3:

Year 4:

Notes

^* Calculus is not required for admission but is required for most science majors.  The major will determine which math class is taken.

^** While sociology and psychology are not prerequisites for most podiatry schools, topics from sociology form 30% and topics from psychology form 60% of one section of MCAT.  To be well-prepared, students may wish to complete SOC:1010 Intro. to Sociology, PSY:1001 Elementary Psychology, and PSY:2130 Advanced Psychology.

^*** Biochemistry is necessary preparation for the MCAT.  One advanced biology course (with lab) is required at some schools; additional advanced biology courses such as genetics are recommended.

Guidelines

American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Averages
For the 2022-23 academic year, 713 individuals applied to at least one of the eleven podiatric medical schools. A total of 358 first year students entered into study in the fall of 2022. Women made up 384 (54%) of the applicants and 329 (46%) of matriculating students in 2021.

Note:
CPBS = Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological System
CARS = Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
BBFL = Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
PSBB = Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

Academic Guidelines:

Individual schools post profiles of their students on their websites. In 2022 the average cumulative GPA was 3.3. The average science GPA was 3.2. Some schools require at least a “C” in each of the prerequisite courses.

Non-Academic Guidelines:

Important non-academic factors include good moral character, excellent interpersonal skills, a deep commitment to health care, evidence of leadership potential, and service to others.  Successful applicants have volunteer or work experience in a health care setting with patient contact, participated in organizations that serve others, participated in leadership opportunities, job shadowed podiatrists, and learned how to work independently and conduct research.

Application Process

All applications for podiatric medical schools are initiated through the centralized, online American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) Application Service (http://www.e-aacpmas.org).  Ideally, applications should be submitted the September prior to the year for which a student is seeking admission. Most schools are willing to accept applications up until July.  Since many schools have rolling admission, it is in a student’s best interest to apply early.  No supplemental applications are required by the podiatric medical schools.

Diversity in Podiatric Medicine
Many podiatric medical schools seek to recruit a diverse class of students, including students from groups underrepresented in podiatric medicine. According to the AACPM, in 2022-2023 Asian/Pacific Islander matriculants totaled 39%, Hispanic/Latinos 13%, African Americans 9%, and American Indian/Alaskan Natives <1%. Caucasians totaled 39% of the entering class in 2020-2021 with 3% not reporting racial or ethnic identity.

Entrance Examination Requirement (MCAT)
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for admission to most podiatric programs.  A few programs will accept GRE or DAT scores in place of the MCAT.  MCAT is a standardized, computer-based exam.  It is typically taken after the pre-medical courses have been completed.  MCAT consists of four sections:  Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.  Preparation consists of successful completion of the pre-medical courses, as well as self-study, taking MCAT practice tests and/or participating in a formal MCAT test preparation course. 

Letters of Evaluation/Recommendation
Applicants typically obtain letters from science faculty members, faculty members from the applicant’s major department, pre-podiatry advisors, research supervisors, volunteer coordinators, and podiatrists.  UI does not have a committee process for letters of evaluation; instead, students request letters from their individual evaluators.    

Interviews
Podiatric medical schools usually require personal, on-campus interviews.  Selected candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview.  Interviews vary by school; applicants should check with the schools to which they have applied for the interview timeline.  The interview is an important part of the selection process, and candidates should prepare well for the interview.  Practice interviews are available through the UI Career Center in C310 Pomerantz Center.

Criminal Background Checks
Some podiatric medical colleges ask applicants whether they have a record of felonies or misdemeanors.   Students should make careful decisions throughout their undergraduate years, since charges for drug and/or alcohol use or possession, as well as other charges, can have negative consequences for an application.  

Citizenship/International Students
Some colleges of podiatric medicine admit non-citizen international students.  However, some require full tuition and fees payment in advance.  Non-citizen students should thoroughly research and carefully consider such a decision and discuss it with their pre-podiatry advisors early in their undergraduate years. 

Resources

Websites  
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM): www.aacpm.org/
Links to all schools in the U.S.:  www.aacpm.org/colleges/
American Podiatric Medical Association: www.apma.org
Step Into Podiatry:  Find a School - APMA Student Recruitment (stepintopodiatry.com)

UI ANKLE Pre-Podiatric Society:
Description & information: https://uiowa.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/ankle
Contact email: bailey-schroeder@uiowa.edu    Contact phone: 608-512-5154