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Podiatry

What is a Podiatrist?

A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) specializes in the comprehensive care of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Most podiatric physicians choose podiatric medicine for its direct patient experience, and work-life balance in a healthcare occupation. Podiatrists have flexible work hours and on average, DPMs work 40-60 hours/week.  

 

Quick Facts: Podiatrists

2022 Median Pay

$148,720 per year
$71.50 per hour

Typical Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

None

On-the-job Training

Internship/residency

Number of Jobs, 2022

10,600

Job Outlook, 2022-32

1% (Little or no change)

Employment Change, 2022-32

100

 

From: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/podiatrists.htm

 

How do I become a Podiatrist?

Earn your bachelor’s degree from Rutgers in any subject, taking required prerequisites as part of your major, minor and/or elective coursework. Get good grades. Direct exposure to podiatry, either volunteer or paid, shadowing, leadership, service to others, and research are all recommended experiences to become competitive for podiatry school. Apply to Podiatry schools through AACPMAS (American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service) Here is the link:  AACPMAS Applicant Help Center . Every state requires podiatrists to be licensed.

 

What prerequisite courses do I need to take to apply to Podiatry schools?

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics

The prerequisites listed are general and it is the student's responsibility for researching the requirements for individual programs. 

 

How long does it take to become a Podiatrist?

Podiatrists complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training. Their training is similar to that of other physicians.

 

How much does it cost to attend Podiatry school?

The average tuition & fees for Podiatry programs is $40,669 for state residents and $40,879 for out-of-state students.

 

What GPA do I need to get accepted into a Podiatry program?

The average GPA (Overall) is 3.38 and the science GPA is 3.23.

 

What standardized tests do I need to take to apply to Podiatry programs?

Traditionally the MCAT has been the only standardized test required for admissions to podiatric medical schools. MCAT exams taken more than three (3) years prior to application are NOT ACCEPTABLE.

 

What other requirements are there for Podiatry programs?

  • Clinical experience
  • Letters of reference

 

Where can I find more information?