Podiatry (DPM)

Also see a sample 4-year plan.

Podiatrists Occupational Outlook

    Successful candidates who apply for entry into one of the eleven podiatric medical schools display positive characteristics of mature adults. Evidence of preparation for a career in medicine, and specifically a career in podiatric medicine, should also be present in each application. Candidates with strong science preparation are preferred. Attributes of successful candidates also include:

    • Good time management
    • Problem-solving proficiency
    • A strong sense of inter- and intrapersonal communication skills
    • A demonstrable record of community service or good works
    • A strong academic record in the sciences
    • Well-rounded individuals

    Podiatric medical schools require a strong foundation in the sciences, similar to pre-med requirements. Most DPM programs follow AACPMAS (American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service) guidelines.

    Prerequisite courses include:

    1. Biology (with lab)
      • 1 year (2 semesters or 3 quarters)
        Should include general biology and preferably human anatomy & physiology.
    2. General Chemistry (with lab)
      • 1 year
        Foundational to understanding biochemical processes in the body.
    3. Organic Chemistry (with lab)
      • 1 year
        Essential for understanding drug metabolism and molecular structures.
    4. Physics (with lab)
      • 1 year
        Covers motion, forces, and energy—important for biomechanics.
    5. English or Writing-Intensive Courses
      • 1 year (2 semesters)
        Demonstrates communication skills needed for patient care and documentation.
    6. Recommended Courses (not always required but helpful):
      • Biochemistry
      • Microbiology
      • Genetics
      • Human Anatomy and Physiology (if not already taken separately)
      • Psychology or Sociology (for patient interaction and MCAT/CASPer content)

    Minimum GPA: 3.0 (both cumulative and science)

    Competitive GPA: 3.4–3.7+

    Some schools may offer conditional programs or post-bacc options for applicants with lower GPAs.

    The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required by most podiatric schools.

    Competitive scores vary by program, but aim for a 500+ total score.

    DPM programs highly value hands-on healthcare exposure, especially with podiatrists.

    Recommended experiences:

    • Shadowing a podiatrist (ideally >50 hours)

    • Volunteering or working in a clinic, hospital, or private practice

    • Observing podiatric procedures (e.g., foot/ankle surgery, diabetic wound care)

    Typical requirements, but always refer to the school specifications:

    • 1 letter from a science professor

    • 1 letter from a podiatrist

    • 1 additional letter (could be from another professor, supervisor, or healthcare professional)

    DPM schools look for well-rounded applicants who:

    • Volunteer in the community

    • Lead clubs or initiatives (especially health-related)

    • Participate in campus organizations (such as Pre-Health Clubs)

    Manual dexterity and fine motor skills

    Empathy and communication

    Critical thinking and problem-solving

    Interest in biomechanics, sports medicine, wound care, or diabetes-related health

    The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS) allows podiatric medical applicants to use a single web-based application and one set of transcripts to apply to all eleven of the schools and colleges of podiatric medicine.

    Applicants complete one application and submit it with the corresponding materials to the centralized service. AACPMAS verifies the application’s components for accuracy, calculates the applicant’s grade point average (GPA), and delivers the materials to the podiatric schools and colleges that the applicant designates.

    For the 2025 AACPMAS cycle, the fee for the initial application and first designated college is $205. An additional $70 is added for each additional designation at the time of submission.

    If you need to contact AACPMAS (American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine customer service,

    Monday–Friday (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern time), excluding federal holidays

    Address:
    AACPMAS
    P.O.Box 9200
    Watertown, MA 02471
    Phone: 617/612-2900
    E-mail: aacpmasinfo@aacpmas.org