How Do I Become a Podiatrist
Working your way to a career in podiatry can be quite difficult. Just like any other career in medicine, podiatry requires extensive education, training, and experience before getting qualified and certified as a podiatrist. Basically, podiatrists are qualified physicians or surgeons who treat injuries and ailments to the lower leg. Most podiatrists deal with foot and ankle injuries, often treating sports-related injuries. Read on to learn how you can become a podiatrist.
Educational requirements
To become a podiatrist you will have to undergo most of the basic science courses. Biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, and physics are among the required science courses at the pre-medical level. To qualify in the United States and other English-speaking countries, you will most likely have to take a number of English courses as well. Although a bachelor’s degree is not required by all schools, it would be a great advantage to have one before going into medical school. After the pre-med stage, you will have to submit your application to the American Association of College of Podiatric Medicine, with MCAT scores. Once you are accepted into a podiatric college, you will undergo a four-year course, which will have you rotating in different clinical positions to get accustomed to, trained in, and knowledgeable about all fields of podiatry and medicine from anesthesiology to general surgery.
Other requirements for qualification
When you graduate from a podiatric college, you will receive a degree as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). Then, you will have to go through a residency program, which normally lasts between 24 months and 36 months to gain experience, sharpen your skills, and improve your knowledge in the field. Finally, you will have to meet the state requirements for licensure and certification. In podiatry, as with most other medical professions, you will have to undergo continuing education in your field to keep up with the latest in medicine and to renew your license in the future.
Related links:
Educational Requirement for a Podiatrist — About the educational requirements to become a podiatrist
What is education and license requirements for podiatrist? — License and education requirements for podiatrists
Podiatry — The basics about podiatry
Career Centra – Podiatrist — About what it takes to become a podiatrist
How to Become a Podiatrist — On what it takes to become a podiatrist