How to Become a Podiatrist

Podiatrists are doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the foot and ankle. Popular podiatric specialties today include those that treat sports injuries or geriatric conditions.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Career Counseling
• Online Career Search

1. Take numerous biology and science courses in high school and Advanced Placement courses if possible.

2. Search an education Web site such as Princeton Review Online (review.com) for colleges that offer premed degrees. Obtain their catalogs and apply early.

3. Maintain as high a grade point average as possible in college.

4. Research the colleges of podiatric medicine well before your senior year. Visit the Web site of the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (see aacpm.org).

5. Send for catalogs and pay close attention to each school's requirements.

6. Submit one application to the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS) at the very beginning of your senior year in college. The service will send your application to any or all of the six participating schools. Each one will contact you individually for further information.

7. Take and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Your scores will be forwarded.

8. Receive your Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree after four years in medical school. Prepare yourself for the rigors of a residency, which is generally three years long.

9. Contact your state for licensing requirements; some states require additional testing after medical school.

Tips & Warnings

• The letters of recommendation from your college professors will weigh heavily in the decision to admit you to medical school.
• Note that if you visit the American Podiatric Medical Association's Web site (see apma.org), you can also get information about the only school that does not participate in the AACPMAS (six of seven colleges do participate).