Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs) are medical professionals who prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They prescribe medications, perform surgery, and order diagnostic tests such as labs, x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. Because the foot is closely connected to overall health, podiatrists are often the first to detect serious conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, making their role both vital and potentially lifesaving. Many also specialize in areas such as sports medicine, surgery, orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics, biomechanics, or primary care.
Podiatry Program Prerequisites
There are 11 accredited U.S. colleges that grant DPM degrees and more than 200 hospitals and institutions that offer the required 2 years of postdoctoral training residencies in podiatric medicine. The list below includes general prerequisite courses that most programs require for admission. Keep in mind that specific requirements can vary by school. Some additional courses, while not required, are highly recommended to strengthen your application.
Students are responsible for ensuring their UCSB (and other) courses meet each medical school's admission requirements.
CHEM 1A (4 units): General Chemistry
CHEM 1B (3 units): General Chemistry
CHEM 1C (3 units): General Chemistry
CHEM 2AL (2.5 units): General Chemistry Lab
CHEM 2BL (2.5 units): General Chemistry Lab
Note: Chemistry majors successfully completing the Chem 3 series would satisfy pre-med prerequisites for general chemistry.
MCDB 1A (4 units): Intro to Biology I
MCDB 1B (3 units): Intro to Biology II--Physiology
MCDB 1LL (1.5 units): Intro to Biology I Lab
EEMB 2 (3 units): Intro to Biology II—Ecology and Evolution
EEMB 3 (3 units): Intro to Biology III
EEMB 2LL (1.5 units): Intro to Biology Lab II
CHEM 109A (4 units): Organic Chemistry
CHEM 109B (4 units): Organic Chemistry
CHEM 109C (4 units): Organic Chemistry
CHEM 6AL (3 units): Organic Chemistry Lab, Prerequisites: Chemistry 109A with a minimum grade of a C-; Chemistry 109B (may be taken concurrently)
CHEM 6BL (3 units): Organic Chemistry Lab, Prerequisites: Chemistry 6AL and 109A with a minimum grade of C-; Chemistry 109B
Notes:
- Chem 6BL lab is no longer required for MCDB/EEMB majors, but consider taking it based on your major's requirements and the admissions criteria of the podiatry schools you plan to apply to. If you can't find this info online, contact the school's admissions office for clarification.
- Chemistry majors successfully completing the 130 series would satisfy pre-med prerequisites for organic chemistry.
PHYSICS 6A (3 units) and PHYSICS 6AL (1 unit): Introductory Physics with Lab
PHYSICS 6B (3 units) and PHYSICS 6BL (1 unit): Introductory Physics with Lab
PHYSICS 6C (3 units) and PHYSICS 6CL (1 unit): Introductory Physics with Lab
Note: Mathematics 2A or 3A or 34A or AP Math AB Exam score of 3 or higher are required for Physics 6A. Math courses may be taken concurrently with Physics 6A. For more information on the UCSB Math Placement Test required for Math 2A or 3A, go to the Course Placement Information located on the Department of Mathematics website.
MCDB 108A (4 units): General Biochemistry
- Prerequisites: MCDB 1A, and EEMB 2 and MCDB 1B; and Chemistry 1A-B-C; and Chemistry 109A-B-C. Completion of all listed prerequisites require a grade of C or better.
- Chem 109C may be taken concurrently.
- MCDB 108B Highly Recommended.
MCDB 110 (4 units): Principles of Biochemistry
- MCDB and Non-MCDB majors may choose to take MCDB 110
- Prerequisites: Chem 1A-B-C and 109A-B, with grades of C or better.
Chem 142A (3 units): Biochemistry
- Prerequisites: Chemistry 107A-B-C or 109A or 109AH-109B or 109BH-109C or 109CH or W 109C
MCDB 108B (4 units): Biochemistry - Bioenergetics, Enzymology, and Metabolism is highly recommended.
Note: Some podiatry schools may require one Biochemistry course, while others equate two quarters to one semester. Decide on a second course based on your major requirements and research each school's admissions criteria. If unsure, contact their admissions office for clarification.
When applying to professional schools, completing a full year of math is a good rule of thumb.
For students without prior college-level math or AP Calculus scores:
- Recommended courses include Math 34A/34B, Math 3A/3B, or Math 2A/2B; and PSTAT 5A/5LS, with no preference between series.
For students with AP Calculus scores, throughly review the information below:
- Taking courses for "study list credit". Since UCSB doesn’t list AP exam scores and equivalencies on transcripts, students may need to take math courses for “study list credit” to meet this requirement. Study list credit allows students to retake courses already credited through AP exams. After completion of the course the grade appears on the transcript but doesn’t provide additional units or affect the GPA.
- Options for a student with credit for AP Calculus AB:
- Take Math 34A/3A/2A for study list credit, then Math 34B/3B/2B and PSTAT
- Take Math 34B/3B/2B, Math 4A & PSTAT
- Take Math 34B/3B/2B, a CC course in math (preferably Calculus) & PSTAT
- Options for a student with credit for AP Calculus AB & BC
- Take Math 34A/3A/2A & 34B/3B/2B for study list credit and PSTAT
- Take some combination of study list credit, CC courses & PSTAT
- Move on to higher level math (Math 4A/B, PSTAT 5A, PSTAT 120A/B)
- Options for a student with credit for the AP Statistics exam
- Take PSTAT 5A or 5LS for study list credit
- Take a CC course in statistics, or higher level statistics at UCSB (PSTAT 120, etc)
A combination of three UCSB courses taken in Writing, English or Comparative Literature should fulfill the full year of English requirement for most podiatry schools.
Note: Courses that satisfy the GE Special Subject Area Writing requirement should not be considered sufficient to satisfy the full year of English requirement.
PSY 1: Introduction to Psychology (5 units)
and
SOC 1: Introduction to Sociology (5 units)
Note: Introductory courses in psychology and sociology are highly recommended for MCAT preparation.
Prerequisite courses listed are minimum requirements; however, most successful applicants will have exceeded the minimum requirements by taking additional upper division science courses. Examples of appropriate courses include but are not limited to:
MCDB 101A: Molecular Genetics I-Prokaryotes (4 units)
MCDB 103: Cell Biology (4 units)
MCDB 131: General Microbiology (4 units)
MCDB 108B (4 units): Biochemistry - Bioenergetics, Enzymology, and Metabolism
Students planning to apply to podiatry programs should:
- Visit each program’s website for admission requirements.
- Make sure your courses meet each school’s prerequisites.
- Contact schools directly if you're unsure about a course.
- Double-check that your UCSB (and other) courses meet specific program requirements.
- Work with our Pre-health advising team throughout the process.
Sample Pre-Podiatry Course Schedule, Years 1 & 2
This guide provides general recommendations and is not meant to be a strict timeline. Students should consult their major department and Pre-health advisors to determine the best schedule to fit their needs.
Year 1
Fall Quarter
Chem 1A
Math or Statistics (see above)
GE or Elective
Winter Quarter
Chem 1B + 2AL
Math or Statistics (see above)
GE or Elective
GE or Elective (optional)
Spring Quarter
Chem 1C + 2BL
Math or Statistics (see above)
GE or Elective
GE or Elective
Year 2
Fall Quarter
MCDB 1A
Chem 109A
GE or Elective
GE or Elective (optional)
Winter Quarter
MCDB 1B
EEMB 2
MCDB 1LL
Chem 109B
Chem 6AL (may be taken later)
Spring Quarter
EEMB 3 and
EEMB 2LL
Chem 109C
Chem 6BL (may be taken later)
GE or Elective
PHYSICS + LABS: Many programs require one year of physics with lab (Physics 6A/6AL, 6B/6BL, 6C/6CL). While most students complete this by their third year, the timing depends on how well you're managing your overall course load.
Podiatry School Preparation Checklist
This checklist is designed to serve as a general guide. There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for taking admission tests or applying to podiatry programs, and applicants are not penalized for applying at a particular time. We strongly encourage students to meet with a Pre-health advisor to develop a personalized plan that aligns with their individual goals and timelines.
- Visit Career Services to explore interests and learn more about your personal skills and values.
- Start taking intro sciences (general chemistry sequence).
- Think about possible majors. Study what you love!
- Connect with a Pre-health advising team.
- Consider volunteer opportunities (campus and community) during 2nd quarter.
- Go to your professors’ office hours.
- Explore student organizations.
- Shadow/volunteer during breaks and summer.
- Continue with next sequence of science courses (see "Sample Schedule" above.
- Stay involved in extracurricular activities (shadow, volunteer, etc).
- Begin to think about becoming an officer in your organizations or explore other leadership opportunities.
- Begin research on professional schools and their requirements, and assess your competitiveness.
- Investigate Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) preparation options.
- Identify specialties you are interested in.
- BOTTOM LINE: Keep working on the things you established your first year!!
- Talk to your staff pre-health advisor member to narrow program options and assess competitiveness.
- Identify at least 3 individuals (professors, TAs, supervisors, coaches, etc.) to write letters of recommendation.
- Keep working on the opportunities and experiences you've established.
- Schedule a mock interview with Career Services.
- Register for the MCAT.
- Study for MCAT and take it.
- Complete American Association of Colleges Podiatric Medical Services (AACPMAS) application.
Note: If you plan to take a Gap Year, then taking the MCAT and completing the application can wait until senior year.
If not taking a Gap Year:
- Submit application(s) if you haven’t already.
- Wait to be contacted by the schools for interview.
- Continue with activities and professional experiences/shadowing.
- Talk with an advisor about an alternate path, if necessary.
- Finish degree requirements and GRADUATE!
If taking 1 or more Gap Years:
- Schedule a mock interview with Career Services.
- Register for the MCAT.
- Study for MCAT and take it.
- Complete American Association of Colleges Podiatric Medical Services (AACPMAS) application.
Academic Requirements & Admissions Considerations
GPA
Minimum GPA requirements vary by program, but most competitive applicants have at least a 3.5 overall GPA and a 3.5 GPA in their science courses (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math).
Transcript Review & Grade Trends
Admission committees consider more than final grades. They look at course load per quarter, P/NP grading, repeated courses, and withdrawals (W). Applicants are encouraged to review the AAMC's Anatomy of an Applicant Guide for more insights on transcript evaluation.
Exam Scores
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a standardized examination that consists of multiple choice sections that assess your knowledge of natural and behavioral sciences. In addition to concepts from biology, general and organic chemistry, and physics, the MCAT also includes material from biochemistry, basic research and statistics, and psychology and sociology concepts. Review the MCAT information below for more details.
What you should know about the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
The Four Sections of the MCAT
-
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living System
-
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological System
-
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
-
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- The first three sections are organized around 10 foundational scientific concepts and draw from year-long courses in biology, organic chemistry, general chemistry, and physics, as well as first-semester courses in biochemistry, psychology, and sociology.
- The last section includes questions that test your ability to comprehend and analyze what you read and requires no specific outside knowledge.
Application Fees
- Three zones range from $310 - $365.
- Other fees may apply for rescheduling or canceling testing appointments.
- Fee waivers available for eligible testers.
Testing Limits
- You may only hold one MCAT exam reservation at a time.
- You may attempt the exam up to 3 times in a testing year.
- You may attempt the exam up to 4 times over two consecutive testing years.
- You may attempt the exam up to 7 times in your lifetime.
Total Exam Time
The test consists of approximately 7 hours and 33 minutes of active testing time, not including breaks or administrative tasks.
Study Time & Tips
Study Time Commitment: Expect to dedicate about 300-400 hours for preparation after completing prerequisite coursework, which equates to 37.5 full 8-hour study sessions, or 75 shorter 4-hour study sessions.
Reading Comprehension is Key: Strong reading and analytical skills are essential. Practice reading regularly!
Practice Tests: Take as many full-length practice tests as possible under simulated test-day conditions to ensure effective preparation.
Podiatry Program Application Timeline
Refer to this guide to understand what steps to take—and when to take them—during the year leading up to your application cycle.
November
Reach out to individuals regarding letters of recommendation.
January to April
Begin working on your personal statement.
August
AACPMAS opens for students to apply on August 1st.
You can submit applications through the end of June of the following year for Fall admission of the same year. Many schools will have priority deadlines, so be sure to review the specific dates for your desired programs.
September
Last MCAT test opportunity.
Pro Tips for Podiatry School Applicants
- Prepare Ahead: Gather your journal, resume, unofficial transcript, personal statement, and a list of relevant experiences to streamline the process.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Use proper grammar and have your written components reviewed by others.
- Request Official Transcripts: Follow UCSB Registrar's instructions and check your program's application guide to ensure proper submission.
- Fee Assistance Programs: Review eligibility for discounts on application services and entrance exams, and allow time to gather necessary documentation.