What Degree Do You Need to Get to Become a Podiatrist?
Foot problems may be a sign of serious illnesses or conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. The physicians who diagnoses conditions of the foot and ankle are podiatrists. The podiatrist can prescribe treatments and medications and perform surgeries on the foot. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals must undergo intensive training for a career as a podiatrist.
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Undergraduate Degree
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports podiatric colleges require a minimum of 90 semester hours in undergraduate courses and a passing score on the Medical College Admission Test for entry. Licensing requirements for podiatrists include three to four years of undergraduate study, as well. The student must complete courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and English to enter the podiatric college.
Podiatric College
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To earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree the student must complete a four-year program in podiatric college. The first two years of the four-year degree program include classroom training in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, chemistry and pathology. The final years in the graduate degree program require students complete rotations under the direction of a trained podiatrist. Rotations can take place in hospitals, clinics and private practices. Students learn to perform physical examinations, take medical histories and perform treatment procedures.
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Residency
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After obtaining a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree, students must complete a residency program, which provides additional hands-on training. A residency program can take between two and four years to complete, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. During a podiatric residency, the physician receives training in surgery, anesthesiology, infectious diseases, emergency medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics and internal medicine.
Board Certification
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The American Board of Podiatric Surgery provides certifications for physicians specializing in podiatric surgery. Board certification requires physicians to demonstrate an expert knowledge of podiatric surgery and foot conditions. The board provides certifications in foot surgery and reconstructive rear foot and ankle surgery. To qualify for the certifications, physicians must complete a podiatric medical school program and a residency program. Physicians seeking certification in foot surgery must submit a list of surgical procedures performed in foot surgery and case documentation for approval by the board. Those seeking certification in rear foot and ankle surgery must complete the foot surgery certification first and complete training in residency for rear foot and ankle surgery. The rear foot certification requires physicians to submit a list of surgical procedures and documentation in rear foot and ankle surgery procedures for approval by the board. Both certifications require podiatrists to pass an examination to earn the credential.
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