The American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) sets the standards for education programs and accredits those schools that meet their criteria. Graduates of AACPM-accredited programs are eligible to sit for board examinations and become licensed podiatrists. Below are links to each school of podiatric medicine and more background on the application and preparation process.

Accredited U.S. Podiatric Medical Schools

There are eleven AACPM-accredited schools located in the United States:

What is the best major for podiatry school?

The best major for podiatry school is one that will give you a solid foundation in the sciences and related areas. Prerequisites vary slightly from school to school, but common courses include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy, physiology, psychology, microbiology, and biochemistry.

For more details on what’s required to apply for podiatry school, read this post about Everything You Need to Know About The Requirements for Podiatry School.

What is a good MCAT score for podiatry school?

Most schools require applicants to submit scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Your score should be competitive with other applicants, and the admission committees generally look for a score at or above the national median of 500.

How competitive are podiatry programs?

There are many qualified applicants vying for a limited number of spots.

If you have a high GPA and MCAT score, your chances improve significantly. Your extracurricular activities in all areas—academic, community service, and professional—are also taken into account when considering an applicant.

How competitive are podiatry residencies?

Podiatry residencies are highly sought after and competitive. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership skills, and clinical aptitude in order to be accepted into a program. Furthermore, you will need excellent references from your professors and mentors.

Is podiatry fellowship worth it?

Completing a podiatry fellowship can be beneficial in terms of furthering your education and increasing your marketability as a clinician. Depending on the field you choose, fellowships may provide additional clinical experience and training in a specialized area. Fellowships also offer mentorship opportunities that can be valuable in developing your professional network and career trajectory.

Why do doctors choose podiatry?

Podiatrists are foot care specialists who diagnose and treat medical conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Many doctors choose podiatry because it is a rewarding field that provides an opportunity to focus on a patient’s overall health and well-being. Compared to medical school, all podiatrists are trained as surgeons, whereas that is not guaranteed in medical school. Additionally, podiatry offers a good work/life balance with the potential for flexibility and autonomy in practice types.

Interested in becoming a podiatric physician? Apply now!

U.S. Podiatry School Options and Preparation