Most podiatrists have completed eight years of university-level education before beginning to practise as a podiatrist. Most students entering a College of Podiatric Medicine today have a Bachelor of Science or higher degree in the sciences. In addition, they must achieve the required results in the medical school entrance exam known as the Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) designed for medical doctors. The podiatry course spans four years at an accredited College of Podiatric Medicine in the United States or at UQTR in Québec. Students study courses in all the basic medical sciences with the emphasis, in the final two years, on disorders affecting the feet and various types of treatment. These courses are coordinated with clinical training in universities and hospitals and, upon completion graduates obtain a degree of "Doctor of Podiatric Medicine" (DPM). Comprehensive Board exams as well as provincial licensing exams must then be passed before being authorized to practise.

Internship for residency, performed at both hospitals and private clinics, is chosen by many podiatrists for advanced post-graduate training in orthopedics and surgery. In addition, continuing education courses keep podiatrists up to date regarding new developments in podiatric medicine and foot surgery.

North American Podiatry Programs

Canada

In Canada, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières in Trois-Rivières, Quebec provides a four year program that is patterned substantially on the U.S., podiatric medicine programs and on the standards of accreditation of the Council on Podiatric Medical Education.

United States

Arizona Podiatric Medicine Program (AZPod) at Midwestern University

Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine

California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt College

College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Des Moines University

College of Podiatric Medicine at Kent State University

New York College of Podiatric Medicine

Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine

Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science

Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine