Podiatry Education

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.