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What Does a Podiatrist Do?
Exploring a Podiatry Career
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A podiatrist, also known as a doctor of podiatric medicine, specializes in allied healthcare work specifically involving the feet and ankles. Doctors of podiatric medicine treat different types of related health conditions including but not limited to circulatory issues, fungal infections, and sports injuries.
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Working as a podiatrist is said to provide more work-life balance than other medical careers, allowing many podiatrists to work traditional business hours or create a more flexible schedule if desired. This is because there are typically less emergency treatments needed in the podiatry field.
Becoming a Podiatrist
In order to become a certified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, you’ll need to complete a few different educational components.
This includes completing your bachelor’s degree, a certified DPM program, around three years of residency, and becoming licensed in the state you plan to practice in.
The interest in podiatry careers is typically less than other MD careers. This means the acceptance rates for podiatry schools tend to be higher. If you’re willing to put in the work, there’s a good chance your goal of becoming a podiatrist can be fulfilled by taking the necessary steps below.
Podiatrist Career Path & Podiatry School Requirements
You’ll need to complete the following educational and residential requirements to earn an official licensed podiatrist title in the U.S.
Completing your Bachelor’s Degree
First and foremost, you will need to complete your Bachelor’s Degree. During this 4 year period, you will need to take classes related to the sciences such as biology, chemistry and physics.
Taking and Passing the MCAT
As part of the podiatry school requirements for acceptance, you’ll need to take and pass the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Most students take the MCAT in the summer of fall prior to the year of admission. While the MCAT can be intimidating to many, Pathways can help you prepare for and navigate this test for the best success.
Completing a DPM Program
Completing a Residency Program
Unlike other areas of medicine, completing a residency program is not always required for dentistry. Many students will still choose to enroll in a dental residency program in order to gain beneficial clinical experience.
Next, you’ll need to apply to one of the current 11 accredited podiatric medical colleges. Accreditation means that the college is approved by the CPME (Council on Podiatric Medical Education).
During your time in this program, you will also take the certified board exams required to become a podiatrist.
Getting Licensed
The final step in your podiatry career path will culminate by completing your state licensure. Obtaining your license grants you the legal authority to practice podiatric medicine in that state.
Opportunities to Specialize
Along with maintaining general practices, many podiatrists will also pursue specialties or subspecialists. If you’re particularly interested in a specific area of podiatric medicine, this is where you’ll be able to dive deeper into what interests you.
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Some specialties include:
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Sports Medicine
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Neuro Podiatry
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Podopediatrics (pediatric podiatry)and many more!
How Pathways Will Help You Earn Your Podiatry Degree
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Help you determine and review requirements for DPM programs
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Help determine the best path for you
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Transcript will be reviewed along with other academic advising
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Assist in developing DPM college lists
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Application timeline and completion
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Essay preparation
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Letters of recommendation
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Interview Prep (if required)
Ginny is a warm and knowledgeable professional! As a former high school college counselor and pediatric nurse, she really understands how to relate to young adults. In addition, she knows the nuances of nearly every college and has relationships with many admissions counselors. This is a stressful time and having her navigate the path to a successful college match was invaluable. I recommend her highly.
