Logan Reid
Podiatrists are physicians who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of foot, ankle, and lower leg ailments. They perform surgeries, administer medications, and prescribe physical therapy regimens. To become a hospital-based podiatrist, one must first obtain a bachelor's degree, preferably with a pre-med or science focus. Following this, one must take the MCAT exam and enroll in an accredited four-year podiatric medical college, earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. After graduation, a residency program lasting 2-4 years must be completed, and licensure is obtained. Podiatrists may further specialize in areas like sports medicine, surgery, or diabetic foot care.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | A bachelor's degree, followed by a four-year podiatric medical program, and a residency program lasting 2-4 years. |
| Specialization | Podiatrists can specialize in areas such as sports medicine, pediatrics, diabetic foot care, orthopedics, dermatology, radiology, geriatrics, surgery, etc. |
| Licensing | Required in all states, with specific requirements varying by state. |
| Certification | Optional, but generally requires a combination of work experience and passing an exam. |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, offices of podiatry, other medical offices, long-term care facilities, group practices, urgent-care facilities. |
| Work Hours | Full-time, with flexible hours ranging from 30 to 60 hours per week. On-call availability may be required for emergencies. |
| Salary | The median annual wage in May 2024 was $152,800. Earnings can vary based on experience, location, and type of practice. |
| Employment Outlook | Projected to grow by 1-2% from 2021 to 2033, with approximately 300 openings expected each year. |
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What You'll Learn
- Undergraduate prerequisites: Major in a science subject and take the MCAT
- Podiatry school: Four years of classroom and clinical training
- Residency: Complete a 2-3 year residency program in podiatric medicine and surgery
- Licensure: Pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam
- Fellowship and specialism: Pursue additional training in a fellowship area or specialty
Undergraduate prerequisites: Major in a science subject and take the MCAT
To become a hospital-based podiatrist, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree with a major in a science subject and take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
A pre-med program for your undergraduate degree is a good choice, as it will provide the necessary prerequisites for podiatry school. A heavy focus on science is essential, with a strong background in chemistry, biology, physics, and anatomy. The MCAT is a 7.5-hour standardized multiple-choice exam that assesses your knowledge of science, reasoning, communication, and writing skills. It is used to admit candidates into medical school.
After completing your undergraduate degree and taking the MCAT, you'll need to attend a four-year podiatric medical college program. The first two years will concentrate on classroom instruction and laboratory work in the basic medical sciences, while the final two years will focus on clinical sciences and patient care. During your graduate studies, you will gain practical working experience in various settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and professional office settings.
Once you have completed your graduate program, you will need to select a residency program. Most states require a minimum of one year of postgraduate residency training, but programs typically last between 24 and 36 months. During your residency, you will gain specialized training in areas such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, surgery, and more.
Finally, to practice as a podiatrist in a hospital setting, you will need to obtain state licensure. Each state has its own requirements, and you will need to pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE) offered by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners.
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Podiatry school: Four years of classroom and clinical training
Podiatry school is a four-year graduate program that combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations to prepare students for a career in podiatric medicine. The first two years of podiatry school focus on classroom learning and laboratory work in the basic medical sciences. This provides students with a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and immunology. During this time, students also begin to learn about the unique aspects of podiatric medicine, including the fundamentals of foot and ankle care.
In the third and fourth years, the focus shifts to clinical sciences and patient care. Students gain practical experience through clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including hospitals, satellite clinics, community clinics, and professional office settings. They apply their knowledge of podiatric medicine to diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of experienced podiatrists. These clinical experiences allow students to develop their skills in examining patients, performing diagnostic tests, and providing non-surgical and surgical treatments for foot, ankle, and lower leg ailments.
During their clinical rotations, students may also have the opportunity to explore different specialties within podiatry, such as sports medicine, pediatrics, diabetic foot care, or limb preservation. They work closely with other healthcare professionals and gain exposure to various departments, such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, infectious diseases, emergency medicine, and surgery. This well-rounded approach ensures that graduates are prepared to enter a range of podiatric residency programs.
In addition to clinical training, the latter half of podiatry school may also include coursework on professional development and research. Students learn about the business aspects of running a podiatric practice, including hiring employees and managing inventory. They may also be encouraged to participate in research projects or seek out teaching opportunities to enhance their resumes and prepare for potential academic careers.
Upon completion of the four-year podiatry program, graduates are awarded a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (D.P.M.) degree. This degree signifies that the individual has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to enter residency training and ultimately become a licensed podiatrist, qualified to treat a range of foot and lower extremity ailments.
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Residency: Complete a 2-3 year residency program in podiatric medicine and surgery
To become a hospital-based podiatrist, you will need to complete a residency program in podiatric medicine and surgery after obtaining your Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. This residency program is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a qualified podiatrist, and it will provide you with extensive hands-on training and experience in treating patients under the supervision of experienced professionals.
During your residency, you will be exposed to various specialties within podiatric medicine and surgery. The program typically lasts between 24 and 36 months, and it is imperative that you select a program accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). This accreditation ensures that you receive a standardized and high-quality education during your residency.
Throughout your residency, you will gain proficiency in diagnosing and treating a wide range of foot, ankle, and lower leg ailments. You will apply your knowledge of podiatric medicine and refine your clinical skills through hands-on experience. This includes performing comprehensive patient assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing both non-surgical and surgical care.
The residency program will offer you the opportunity to rotate through different specialties, such as anesthesiology, internal medicine, infectious disease, surgery, ER, and pediatrics. These rotations will provide you with a well-rounded education and allow you to explore various aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. You will work alongside experienced podiatrists and other healthcare professionals, benefiting from their mentorship and guidance.
During your residency, you will also develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, and patient management. You will collaborate with other residents and healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to participate in research projects, further enhancing your understanding of podiatric medicine and contributing to the advancement of the field.
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Licensure: Pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam
To become a hospital-based podiatrist, you must pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE). The exam is offered by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners and is recognised by legal agencies governing the practice of podiatric medicine in the states and provinces.
The APMLE is a comprehensive exam that assesses your knowledge and skills in podiatric medicine and surgery. It is designed to ensure that you have the necessary qualifications to practise as a podiatrist in the United States. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, and surgery.
To be eligible to take the APMLE, you must first complete a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and then a four-year graduate programme at an accredited podiatric medical college. During your graduate studies, you will receive classroom instruction and laboratory training in the basic medical sciences, as well as clinical experience through residencies and internships.
The APMLE is typically taken after completing your graduate studies and residency requirements. It is a standardised exam that consists of three parts: APMLE Part I, APMLE Part II (written), and APMLE Part III. Each part of the exam covers different aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery, and you must pass all parts to become licensed.
Passing the APMLE is a significant milestone in your journey to becoming a hospital-based podiatrist. It demonstrates your competence and qualifications to practise podiatric medicine safely and effectively. Once you have passed the exam and obtained your license, you can begin your career as a podiatrist, providing medical and surgical care to patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
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Fellowship and specialism: Pursue additional training in a fellowship area or specialty
Once you have completed your residency, you can choose to pursue additional training in a fellowship area or specialty. Podiatrists are defined as physicians by the federal government. A podiatric physician works independently, utilizing X-rays and laboratory tests for diagnostic purposes, prescribing medications, ordering physical therapy, setting fractures, and performing surgery.
Podiatric physicians can specialize in a variety of areas, including surgery, orthopedics, or public health. Podiatrists may also practice subspecialties such as sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, geriatrics, or diabetic foot care. Podiatrists who own their practice may spend time on business-related activities, such as hiring employees and managing inventory.
Podiatrists can also become certified in one or more specialty areas: primary care, orthopedics, or surgery. National podiatric specialty boards grant certification to qualified podiatrists who have completed the specified educational requirements and successfully complete written and oral examinations.
Podiatrists in every state must be licensed. To obtain a license, podiatrists must pay a fee and pass all parts of the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE), offered by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners. Some states have additional requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a podiatrist, you must obtain a bachelor's degree, then apply to an accredited podiatric medical college. After graduating, you must complete a residency program in a hospital setting.
The first two years of a podiatry degree focus on classroom instruction and laboratory work in the basic medical sciences. The third and fourth years focus on clinical sciences and patient care. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology.
A residency program provides specialized training in areas such as anesthesiology, surgery, and internal medicine. Residency programs typically last between 24 and 36 months, and most states require a minimum of one year of postgraduate residency training.
It is recommended to take a pre-med program for your undergraduate degree, focusing heavily on science subjects such as chemistry, biology, physics, and anatomy. You will also need to take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
The average annual salary for podiatrists in the United States was approximately $151,110 as of 2023, with the top 10% earning over $200,000. However, earnings can vary depending on experience, location, and type of practice.
