Pre-Podiatry
A podiatrist is a specialized healthcare professional who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. They undergo extensive training in podiatric medicine, which includes both medical and surgical interventions for foot and ankle ailments. Podiatrists play a crucial role in addressing issues such as foot deformities, injuries, infections, and chronic conditions like diabetes-related foot problems. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of treatments, from prescribing orthotic devices to performing corrective surgeries.
Admission to Podiatry School
Generally, podiatry schools require one year of general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics designed for science majors. All courses should have laboratory components. Many schools also require anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, histology, medical terminology, microbiology, neurobiology and additional requirements may apply depending on the schools to which you plan to apply. Students should speak with a PPAC advisor and consult the admissions literature for the specific requirements at each school in which you are interested.
Most podiatric programs do not require a specific major, just that you complete required prerequisites and complete an undergraduate degree. You should consider a major that you enjoy, in which you will perform well and may serve as a basis for further graduate work or employment should you choose not to apply to or are not admitted to podiatric school.
- Biology I and II with labs: BIOL 1081/1081L and 1082/1082L
- General Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 1040/1040L and 1041/1041L
- Organic Chemistry I and II with labs: CHEM 2040/2040L and 2041/2041L
- Physics I and II with labs: PHYS 1051/1051L and 1052/1052L or PHYS 2001/2001L and 2002/2002L
- English: ENGL 1001 and 2089
- * Anatomy and Physiology: BIOL 2001C & 2002C or BIOL 3020C(F,S) & 3021(F) or MEDS 4052C(F) & 3026(F,S)
- * Biochemistry: CHEM 3040 or MEDS 3020(F)
- * Histology: MEDS 3027C(S)
- * Microbiology: BIOL 4011/4011L(F) or MEDS 3024C(F)
- * Neurobiology: BIOL 4040(F)
*Recommended by Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a standardized test that measures aptitude and achievement in science, critical thinking and other areas related to the study of medicine. Podiatry schools require that you take the MCAT prior to admission. We suggest familiarizing yourself with the MCAT early on and treating MCAT preparation as a full-time job over the course of the year that you will take the test. Understanding the test can positively affect what you learn in class and how you choose to retain that information.
Most students accepted to podiatry school have a GPA of approximately 3.5 or higher. It is particularly important that you perform well in your science courses (biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics and math).
Letters of Recommendation are accepted but not required. It may be appropriate to have one letter come from a science professor that had you in class and one letter from a podiatrist you have shadowed as well.
Nationally: 60% (AACPM, 2023).
Things to Consider Before Going Pre-Podiatry
While a career as a podiatrist can be a rewarding choice, there are a few things to keep in mind before you pursue the pre-podiatry route.
- The cost of education and amounts and types of financial aid vary from school to school.
- Since you will likely incur a substantial debt for podiatry school, you are strongly encouraged to investigate costs and aid early and adjust finances during your undergraduate education.
- Most applicants are eligible for federal aid.
- If eligible, apply for FAFSA during January of your application cycle, even if you are still awaiting admission decision.
- Low-income applicants may be eligible for a partial fee waiver.
For many students, the most difficult task is to acquire the study skills and self-discipline necessary to attain academic excellence. The success of your transition to college level work depends on ability, preparation, motivation, organization, and how well you learn. It is important that you really learn the material, not just memorize it, as it is crucial to develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The rigorous curriculum of a pre-podiatry student demands tenacity and stamina.
Admission committees look at the "big picture" as they evaluate applicants. They realize that every student does not hit the ground running when they enter college. Admission committees expect an excellent academic record, but may make some allowances for a problem semester, slow start, or rough spot. If academic problems arise, you must bounce back and perform better than ever to show that the problem was an exception, rather than the rule. Use resources such as professor and T.A. office hours and the Learning Commons.
Having a parallel plan or alternative option to optometry school is highly recommended. That plan could include attending a post-bac or graduate program or pursuing a different kind of healthcare career. ExploreHealthCareers.org is a great resource to find your alternative career path.
How to Get Started
Preparing for admission to professional schools requires careful long-term planning and accurate information. The PPAC specializes in providing students with necessary information and helping them develop good planning skills. Our staff can provide you with help through each step of the way, including course selection, career exploration, time management tips, information on individual schools, admissions test preparation advice, managing letters of recommendation, and ways to get experience in professional settings.
To get started or learn more, register for a Pre-Health Introduction Workshop.