Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

View Requirements

The first step in the admissions process is to ensure you’re on track to complete both the course prerequisites and application requirements in time to apply for your preferred year of entry. 

Prerequisite Courses Print all prerequisite and admission requirements

Prerequisite
Qualifier
Semester
Units
Quarter
Units
  • All prerequisites must be completed at a regionally accredited U.S. institution (exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis) or its equivalent abroad
  • All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “C” or better (a grade of “C-” or lower is not acceptable)
  • Prerequisite courses must be designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses.
  • All prerequisites must be completed by the spring term prior to matriculation.
  • Prerequisites will not be satisfied by advanced-placement, pass/no pass, credit/no credit, CLEP, or credit for experiential learning.
  • Prerequisites will not be waived or substituted
  • All coursework taken from non-US institutions (including Canada) must be submitted to an approved service for evaluation
General Biology w/ lab
  • May not be an introductory course
8
12
Organic Chemistry w/ lab
  • May not be an introductory course
8
12
General Physics w/ lab
  • May not be an introductory course
8
12
General or Inorganic Chemistry w/ lab
  • May not be an introductory course
8
12
College English/English Composition
  • Must be taken out of the English Department
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are not accepted for the English requirement 
6
9
Biochemistry, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Zoology & Histology & Behavioral Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Marriage/Family, etc)
(not required but highly recommended)		  
0 
0 

Admission Requirements 

Completion of prerequisite courses as outlined above
Minimum 90 semester or 135 quarter units of undergraduate coursework
  • Must be completed by matriculation at a regionally accredited U.S. institution
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
  • MCAT scores are valid for three (3) years from date of application
  • Last test date accepted for 2013 entering class will be the June 2013 test 
  • Currently, there is not a minimum MCAT score requirement for the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program
Letters of Recommendation
  • The letters of recommendation requirement may be fulfilled one of two ways:
    1. Obtain two (2) letters of recommendation
      • One (1) letter of recommendation from your undergraduate institution’s pre-professional committee, and
      • One (1) letter of recommendation from a podiatric physician
    2. Obtain three (3) letters of recommendation
      • Two (2) letters of recommendation from science professors, and
      • One (1) letter of recommendation from a podiatric physician 
    • Methods of submitting letters of recommendation:
      • Electronic: Letters can be electronically submitted by the recommender to the application service or other services such as Interfolio or Virtual Evals.
      • Paper: Letters must be typed on official letterhead and must be signed by the recommender. Letter must be submitted in a sealed envelope that is signed over the seal by the recommender.
      • Email: Letters may be submitted by email directly from the recommender. The recommender’s email address should be a business or school email address.
Although not required, having earned a BS or BA will likely strengthen your application
  • BS or BA may be in any subject
Although not required; we recommend you visit a College of Podiatric Medicine or practicing podiatric physician prior to your on campus interview
Proof of Legal US Residency – If Required
  • If you are an international applicant or any other applicant who is not U.S. citizen and is living in the U.S., you should be prepared to provide proof of legal U.S. residency at the time of interview.
  • Proof of legal U.S. residency is required prior to any offer of acceptance.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL) – If Required
  • The TOEFL is required for all applicants submitting coursework from foreign schools
  • A minimum score of 213 for the Computer-Based test or 79 for the Internet-Based test must be submitted at the time of application
  • TOEFL scores are valid for two years
  • Exceptions:
    • The TOEFL exam will be waived for permanent and temporary residents of the United States who have completed the English prerequisite from an accredited institution in the United States.
    • English courses taken from foreign countries whose native language is English will be accepted (e.g., Canada, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and the British West Indies)

Make Yourself a Competitive Candidate
Admission to the program is competitive so you should strive to not only meet, but exceed the minimum requirements. To get a feel for the competitiveness of the applicant pool we recommend that you review the national statistics for Podiatric Medicine and read what the admissions committee recommends you do to maximize your candidacy.

Preparing and Submitting your Application
The apply now page will provide you with step-by-step instructions and an application checklist. There are a number of supporting materials that make up your completed application and it is essential that you print and carefully follow the application checklist to ensure that you properly submit these pieces by the final deadline.

We are happy to answer your questions as you navigate through the application process,
so please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help.