Becoming a podiatrist takes about 11 years after high school in the United States. That path includes 4 years of undergraduate study, 4 years of podiatric medical school leading to a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, and a 3-year residency accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Many future podiatrists add 1 more year for a fellowship in foot and ankle reconstruction, sports medicine, or wound care.
The specific problem this topic addresses is timeline confusion. Prospective students often compare DPM training to MD or DO paths without knowing how the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE) and state scope-of-practice laws shape each stage. Miss a step or fail a board part, and your start date as a licensed podiatrist can slip by 6 to 24 months. Federal Medicare rules under 42 CFR §410.20 further limit what a DPM can bill for, which shapes training choices during residency.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, about 98% of DPM graduates match into a 3-year residency each year, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2% job growth for podiatrists through 2033 with a median 2024 wage of $158,490.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 🕒 The full year-by-year timeline from freshman year of college to your first day of private practice
- 📚 The exact courses, exams, and licensing tests, including all 3 parts of the APMLE
- 🏥 How residency, fellowship, and board certification with ABFAS or ABPM stretch or compress the schedule
- ⚖️ State scope-of-practice rules in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois that change what you can legally treat
- 💰 Tuition, debt, and salary projections that tell you if the 11-year investment makes financial sense
The Standard 11-Year Timeline to Become a Podiatrist
The standard path to becoming a podiatrist in the United States lasts 11 years after high school graduation. The path has three locked stages set by federal accreditation and state licensing law. Stage one is a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Stage two is 4 years of podiatric medical school at one of the 9 schools accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education. Stage three is a 3-year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency, known as a PMSR, often with an added Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle credential called RRA.
Every stage has a gatekeeper exam. You must pass the MCAT to enter most DPM programs. You must pass APMLE Part I after your second year of DPM school. You must pass APMLE Part II before graduation. You must pass APMLE Part III during or after residency to get a full license in most states.
Missing one gate pushes everything back. A student who fails APMLE Part I and must retake it 6 months later may still graduate on time but can lose competitive residency spots. The National Matching Services residency match runs once a year, so a delay of even one month can cost a full year.
A common misconception is that podiatry is a shortcut around medical school. It is not a shortcut. The science coursework, clinical rotations, and surgical training follow the same rigor as MD and DO programs, but the focus is locked on the foot, ankle, and related lower extremity structures.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
The first 4 years are undergraduate study. You do not need a pre-podiatry major. The AACPM admissions guide requires 8 semester hours each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, plus 6 hours of English. Most applicants finish a bachelor’s in biology, chemistry, exercise science, or public health. You also need a competitive MCAT score, usually 490 or higher for most DPM schools.
Years 5 through 8 are DPM school. The first 2 years mirror MD training with anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology. Years 3 and 4 shift to clinical clerkships in hospitals and clinics. You rotate through internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, radiology, and multiple podiatric specialties. The Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine curriculum is a typical example.
Years 9 through 11 are residency. You work 60 to 80 hours per week in a hospital under ACGME-aligned and CPME-set rules. You perform hundreds of surgeries, manage inpatients, cover trauma call, and complete research. A fellowship year can follow for sub-specialty training, pushing your total to 12 years.
Accelerated and Extended Paths
Some students finish faster through a 3+4 combined program. The New York College of Podiatric Medicine 3+4 pathway lets you enter DPM school after 3 years of undergraduate, saving 1 year. You still earn your bachelor’s degree along the way because credits from DPM year 1 count back toward the undergraduate institution.
Other students take longer. A post-baccalaureate science program adds 1 to 2 years for applicants who majored in non-science fields. A research gap year adds another. Dual degree programs like DPM/MPH or DPM/MBA at schools such as Rosalind Franklin University add 1 to 2 years.
A common misconception is that accelerated paths hurt residency chances. They do not, as long as your APMLE scores and clinical evaluations stay strong. Program directors care about board scores, clinical grades, and surgical case logs, not the calendar on your diploma.
Stage One: Undergraduate Education (4 Years)
Undergraduate study is the foundation stage. You build the science base needed to pass the MCAT and survive DPM year 1. The AACPM sets the minimum prerequisites but most successful applicants take extra courses in biochemistry, genetics, anatomy, and statistics. You also build a clinical shadowing record of 50 to 100 hours with a licensed DPM. Schools want to see that you understand what podiatry is, not just what you hope it will be.
The consequence of a weak undergraduate record is real. A sub-3.2 GPA or a sub-485 MCAT often forces a gap year, a post-bacc, or a retake of the MCAT. Each delay pushes your DPM start date back by at least 12 months. The MCAT scoring guide shows the 2025 mean total score was around 501, and most DPM matriculants land between 490 and 505.
A real-world example helps. Maria Delgado is a first-generation student at UC Davis majoring in animal science. She takes the MCAT once, earns a 492, shadows a DPM in Sacramento for 80 hours, and applies to 4 DPM schools. She gets in on the first try and saves herself a gap year. Her path to licensure stays on the 11-year schedule.
A common misconception is that you need a 3.9 GPA to get into a DPM program. You do not. The AACPM matriculant data shows the average GPA for entering DPM students is around 3.4, well below the 3.7 average for allopathic MD matriculants.
Choosing Prerequisites and a Major
You can major in anything. Biology, chemistry, biochemistry, kinesiology, and psychology are common. What matters is finishing the prerequisite set with grades of C or better, because most DPM programs will not count a D or F. You should plan the prerequisites across 3 years so you have senior year free for MCAT prep, applications, and interviews.
The consequence of scattering prerequisites too late is steep. A student who takes organic chemistry in senior year may not have the MCAT-ready material in time. The MCAT tests biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. Missing any of those courses means self-study, which lowers score averages.
A real-world example is James O’Brien at the University of Florida. He majors in exercise physiology, takes organic chemistry in sophomore year, and uses junior year summer to study for the MCAT. He scores 504, applies early through AACPMAS, and secures an interview at Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine.
MCAT Timing and Application Cycle
The application cycle opens each August through AACPMAS, the centralized service. You should take the MCAT by May or June of the year you apply, because scores take 30 days to release. Submitting a complete application in August or September gives the best interview chances. Late applicants, meaning those who finish after November, often get pushed to the waitlist.
The consequence of a late application is a lost cycle. DPM schools use rolling admissions. Seats fill first-come, first-served within each quality tier. A strong applicant in November can lose a seat to a weaker applicant in August.
A common misconception is that you can submit with missing letters of recommendation. You cannot. Your file is incomplete until every letter, transcript, and MCAT score arrives. The AACPMAS verification step alone takes 4 to 6 weeks during peak season.
Stage Two: Podiatric Medical School (4 Years)
DPM school is 4 years long. The CPME currently accredits 9 colleges of podiatric medicine in the United States. Each college follows a shared core curriculum but adds its own electives, research tracks, and international rotations. You earn the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at the end. The degree is a full medical doctorate focused on the lower extremity.
Years 1 and 2 are the basic science years. You study anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, pathology, and neuroscience. You also take lower-extremity-specific courses such as podiatric biomechanics and lower-extremity surgical anatomy. The Western University College of Podiatric Medicine is one example where podiatric students share the first 2 years with MD and DO students in some courses.
Years 3 and 4 are the clinical years. You complete core rotations in internal medicine, general surgery, emergency medicine, infectious disease, and radiology. You also rotate through podiatric surgery, wound care, sports medicine, pediatric podiatry, and diabetic foot care. You must pass APMLE Part II before graduation, plus a clinical skills exam called APMLE Part II CSPE.
A real-world example is Priya Shah at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. She passes Part I with a 610, completes a 4-week externship at the Mayo Clinic, and secures a strong letter from an ABFAS-certified surgeon. She matches into a competitive Midwest residency on her first try.
Accredited Schools and Curriculum
The 9 accredited DPM schools include Barry University, California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University, Des Moines University, Kent State, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine at Kent State, Rosalind Franklin’s Scholl College, Temple, Western University, and the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University.
The consequence of attending a non-CPME-accredited school is total. You cannot sit for APMLE. You cannot enter a CPME residency. You cannot get a state license. Before enrolling, verify accreditation status on the CPME list of accredited schools.
A common misconception is that all 9 schools cost the same. They do not. Private schools like NYCPM and Scholl charge over $50,000 per year in tuition, while public-partner schools such as Samuel Merritt may offer lower in-state rates. Total DPM tuition ranges from $180,000 to $260,000 across the 4 years.
APMLE Part I, Part II, and Clinical Rotations
APMLE Part I is taken after the second year. It covers basic sciences. The APMLE technical bulletin shows a passing score of 75 on a scaled system. Part II is a written exam taken in the fourth year and covers clinical medicine, surgery, and podiatric sciences. Part II CSPE is an in-person clinical skills exam at the Concorde Career College testing center.
The consequence of failing any APMLE part is serious. You can retake, but delays in Part I push back residency applications. Failing Part II delays graduation. Failing Part III delays full licensure.
A real-world example is Dr. Kevin Tran, who passes Part I on his first try but fails Part II on the first attempt. He retakes 4 months later, passes, graduates on time, and completes his residency match because he already had a signed residency contract before the retake.
Stage Three: Residency Training (3 Years)
Residency is the final required stage. Every new DPM must complete a 3-year CPME-accredited Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency. The PMSR trains you to diagnose and treat all lower-extremity conditions. Many programs add a Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle credential, marked PMSR/RRA, which signals advanced surgical training.
Residents work in hospitals under attending physicians. You rotate through podiatric surgery, internal medicine, general surgery, vascular surgery, infectious disease, emergency medicine, and anesthesia. You cover trauma call, manage diabetic inpatients, and perform or assist in hundreds of surgeries each year. The CPME 320 document sets minimum surgical case numbers.
A real-world example is Dr. Alicia Morgan, a resident at a Level 1 trauma center in Chicago. Over 3 years, she logs 1,200 surgical cases, including 300 bunion corrections, 150 ankle fracture repairs, and 50 Charcot reconstructions. She graduates residency ready to sit for ABFAS board certification.
PMSR and RRA Programs
The base PMSR is 36 months. Adding RRA does not extend the timeline; it simply means your program met higher rearfoot and ankle case volume standards. The ABFAS foot surgery certification still requires 3 years of approved training for Foot Surgery and additional documented rearfoot and ankle cases for the separate Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle certification.
The consequence of choosing a PMSR-only program without RRA is narrower surgical scope. Some hospitals limit ankle surgery privileges to DPMs with RRA training or ABFAS RRA certification. You can still add cases as an attending, but credentialing becomes harder.
A common misconception is that RRA lets you practice outside the foot and ankle. It does not. Federal 42 CFR §410.20 defines the Medicare scope for podiatric services as limited to the foot.
Fellowship Options (Optional +1 Year)
A fellowship is optional. It adds 12 months of sub-specialty training after residency. Common fellowships include foot and ankle reconstruction, sports medicine, limb salvage and wound care, and podiatric research. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons fellowship directory lists open programs each year.
The consequence of skipping fellowship is mostly career-path specific. You can practice without one, but academic jobs, tertiary trauma centers, and pediatric reconstructive roles often prefer fellowship-trained DPMs. Compensation data from the Medscape Physician Compensation Report suggests fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons earn 10 to 20% more than peers without the credential.
A real-world example is Dr. Marcus Bell, who finishes residency in Miami and adds a 1-year foot and ankle reconstruction fellowship at a Level 1 trauma center in Houston. He joins an orthopedic surgery group as the first DPM partner and earns equity in the practice within 3 years.
Licensure, Board Certification, and State Variations
After residency you need a state license to practice. Every state requires APMLE Parts I, II, and III, a CPME-accredited residency, and a background check. Some states add jurisprudence exams or additional interviews. The Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards maintains a state-by-state guide to licensure requirements.
Board certification is separate from licensure. The two main boards are the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). ABFAS certifies surgical podiatrists. ABPM certifies medical and wound-care podiatrists. Both require written and oral exams, plus case logs from your first years in practice. The full board-certification process can take 5 to 7 years after residency.
A common misconception is that state licensure equals board certification. It does not. You can practice legally with only a state license, but hospital privileges, insurance panels, and many employer contracts require board certification within a set window.
State Scope-of-Practice Nuances
State law defines what a DPM can legally do. California’s Business and Professions Code §2472 allows ankle surgery and partial amputation of the foot. New York’s Education Law Article 141 limits podiatric scope to the foot and related tendons and muscles up to the knee with an additional ankle certification. Texas Occupations Code Chapter 202 allows foot and ankle surgery. Florida Chapter 461 limits practice to the leg below the knee. Illinois 225 ILCS 100 allows foot and ankle surgery with hospital credentialing.
The consequence of ignoring state scope is severe. Performing a surgery outside your state’s scope is unlicensed practice. Penalties include license revocation, civil liability, and in some states criminal charges.
A real-world example is Dr. Rachel Kim, who trains in Chicago with a full ankle-surgery case log. She takes a job in Florida and discovers her ankle reconstructive skills exceed the Florida scope for elective cases. She adjusts her practice to comply with Florida Chapter 461 and avoids a board complaint.
Federal Medicare and Insurance Rules
Federal rules control what podiatrists can bill. 42 CFR §410.20 defines covered podiatric services under Medicare. 42 CFR §411.15 excludes routine foot care in most cases. The Medicare Benefit Policy Manual Chapter 15 §290 lists exceptions for systemic conditions such as diabetes.
The consequence of incorrect billing is costly. The False Claims Act allows treble damages and per-claim penalties for upcoded routine foot care. Compliance training during residency is essential.
A common misconception is that private insurance follows Medicare exactly. Most do, but not all. Blue Cross, Aetna, United, and Cigna each publish their own podiatric medical policies.
Costs, Salary, and Return on Investment
DPM training is expensive. The AACPM tuition data shows total tuition ranges from $180,000 to $260,000 over 4 years. Add living expenses and the average DPM graduates with $250,000 to $320,000 in student loans. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans cover most of the gap.
Residency pay is modest. PGY-1 salaries run around $60,000, PGY-2 around $63,000, and PGY-3 around $66,000 per the AAMC resident stipend report. After residency, starting salaries range from $150,000 to $220,000. The BLS 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook reports a median podiatrist wage of $158,490. Experienced surgical podiatrists can earn $300,000 or more.
A real-world example is Dr. Samuel Park, who graduates from Kent State with $295,000 in debt. He joins a multispecialty group in Ohio at $185,000, uses Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) to erase his balance after 10 years of nonprofit hospital employment, and finishes the decade debt-free.
Tuition Assistance and Loan Forgiveness
Several programs ease the cost. The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) from the Army, Navy, and Air Force covers full tuition in exchange for service years. The National Health Service Corps offers up to $75,000 in loan repayment for service in underserved areas. The Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program offers similar terms.
The consequence of taking HPSP without a clear service plan can be mismatch. HPSP requires 1 year of active duty per year of scholarship, with a 3-year minimum. Deferring civilian residency by 1 year is common.
A common misconception is that all loan forgiveness is tax-free. It is not. PSLF is tax-free federally. NHSC and IHS awards are tax-free. But Income-Driven Repayment forgiveness after 20 to 25 years has historically been taxable, though current law under the American Rescue Plan treats such forgiveness as tax-free through 2025, and future years depend on Congress.
Salary by Setting and Region
Location shapes pay. Urban surgical practices in California, New York, and Illinois pay higher but cost more to live in. Rural practices in the Midwest and South may pay less in base salary but offer loan forgiveness, signing bonuses, and lower overhead. The MGMA Provider Compensation Data shows regional swings of 15 to 30%.
The consequence of chasing only the highest base salary is often burnout. High-volume surgical practices in high-cost cities can demand 60+ clinical hours per week. Many podiatrists trade 10% of income for better lifestyle balance.
A real-world example is Dr. Leah Washington, who accepts a hospital-employed position in rural Georgia at $195,000 plus $100,000 in NHSC loan repayment. Her effective compensation exceeds a $240,000 New York City private-practice offer after taxes, cost of living, and loan interest.
Three Real Scenarios: How Long It Actually Takes
Here are 3 scenarios that show how the timeline shifts in practice.
Scenario 1: Traditional 11-Year Path
| Stage | Time From High School |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree in biology | 4 years |
| DPM school at Temple | 8 years total |
| 3-year PMSR/RRA residency | 11 years total |
| First day in private practice | Year 11 |
Scenario 2: Career Changer with Post-Bacc
| Stage | Time From Career Change |
|---|---|
| 2-year post-baccalaureate premed program | 2 years |
| DPM school at Des Moines | 6 years total |
| 3-year residency plus 1-year fellowship | 10 years total |
| First day as attending | Year 10 |
Scenario 3: HPSP-Funded Military Path
| Stage | Time From High School |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree plus ROTC | 4 years |
| DPM school with HPSP scholarship | 8 years total |
| 1-year transitional internship and 3-year residency | 12 years total |
| 3-year Army service commitment | 15 years total |
Mistakes to Avoid on the Path to Becoming a Podiatrist
Mistakes cost time and money. Here are 8 specific errors and their consequences.
- Skipping DPM shadowing — Applying without 50+ shadowing hours often triggers rejection, pushing your start back a full cycle per AACPM admissions.
- Taking the MCAT unprepared — A low score forces a retake or a gap year and lowers school-list competitiveness.
- Ignoring CPME accreditation — Enrolling in an unaccredited program means no APMLE eligibility, no residency, and no license.
- Missing the APMLE registration deadline — Late registration at APMLE pushes your testing window back by months.
- Choosing a PMSR-only residency when you want ankle surgery — Limits hospital credentialing and ABFAS RRA certification eligibility.
- Ignoring state scope-of-practice laws — Practicing outside your state’s scope under statutes like Florida Chapter 461 can cost your license.
- Delaying board certification — Many insurance panels and hospitals require ABFAS or ABPM certification within 5 to 7 years of graduation.
- Upcoding routine foot care to Medicare — Violates 42 CFR §411.15 and triggers False Claims Act liability.
Do’s and Don’ts for Future Podiatrists
Here are the 5 most important do’s and don’ts.
Do’s
- Do shadow at least 2 different DPMs, because variety shows admissions committees you understand the field’s range per AACPM guidance.
- Do take the MCAT only when practice scores are stable, because a single strong attempt beats multiple weak attempts.
- Do apply early in the AACPMAS cycle, because rolling admissions fills top seats first.
- Do research residency surgical case volume, because higher volumes lead to better ABFAS certification odds.
- Do plan your loan-repayment strategy before year 4, because PSLF enrollment timing affects total forgiveness value.
Don’ts
- Don’t rely on a single letter of recommendation, because admissions committees want 3 or more perspectives.
- Don’t ignore low prerequisite grades, because retakes often raise your composite GPA more than new courses.
- Don’t skip CSPE preparation, because failing the clinical skills exam delays graduation.
- Don’t accept a residency without reading the CPME 320 compliance report, because noncompliance risks program probation.
- Don’t sign an employment contract without reviewing restrictive covenants, because non-competes limit your post-job geography.
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Podiatrist
Here are 5 pros and 5 cons.
Pros
- Shorter training than many MD surgical fields, because residency is 3 years instead of 5 to 7.
- Strong median income of $158,490 per BLS, with upside in surgery.
- High patient demand from aging populations and diabetes rates rising per CDC diabetes statistics.
- Focused scope means deep expertise, which supports faster mastery of procedures.
- Lifestyle flexibility in outpatient and clinic settings, because elective surgery volume is predictable.
Cons
- Debt load averages $250,000 to $320,000, which constrains early-career choices.
- Scope limits by state such as Florida Chapter 461 cap what you can legally treat.
- Medicare scope limits under 42 CFR §410.20 reduce billable services.
- Public awareness of podiatry is lower than MD specialties, which affects referrals.
- Board certification is a multi-year process after residency, delaying full hospital privileges.
Comparing Podiatry to Other Medical Paths
Prospective students often compare DPM training to MD, DO, and chiropractic paths. The timelines and scopes differ sharply.
| Path | Years After High School | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| DPM per CPME | 11 (4+4+3) | Foot and ankle (plus leg in some states) |
| MD per LCME | 11 to 15 | Whole body, any specialty |
| DO per COCA | 11 to 15 | Whole body plus osteopathic manipulation |
| DC per CCE | 7 to 8 | Spine and musculoskeletal, no surgery |
The consequence of choosing DPM over MD is a narrower scope, but faster entry into surgical practice. The consequence of choosing MD orthopedic surgery is a 14- to 15-year total path with broader scope. Both paths can end in similar compensation, but the DPM reaches practice 3 to 4 years earlier.
A real-world example is Dr. Emily Rodriguez, who chooses DPM at Scholl instead of MD at a mid-tier school. She starts earning a $195,000 salary at age 29 while her MD friends finish residency at age 31 or 32. Over a career, her earlier start often offsets the broader MD scope in total lifetime earnings.
Continuing Education and Re-Licensure
Your training does not end at residency. Every state requires continuing medical education, known as CME, to renew a podiatric license. Requirements vary from 20 to 50 hours every 1 to 3 years. The APMA CME catalog and ACFAS annual meetings supply most DPMs with hours. ABFAS and ABPM also require ongoing certification activity, called Maintenance of Certification or MOC.
The consequence of missing CME is license suspension. States like California under the Board of Podiatric Medicine can deny renewal until hours are verified. Suspended DPMs cannot see patients, bill Medicare, or maintain hospital privileges.
A common misconception is that board certification lasts forever. It does not. ABFAS MOC requires 10-year cycles with case logs, CME, and periodic exams. Skipping MOC costs your certification status.
A real-world example is Dr. Thomas Nguyen, who completes 30 CME hours per year through online APMA modules and in-person ACFAS conferences. He renews his Texas license smoothly and maintains ABFAS certification through the MOC portal.
FAQs
Can you become a podiatrist without a bachelor’s degree?
No. Nearly all CPME-accredited DPM programs require a bachelor’s degree, though a few 3+4 pathways let you enter after 3 years of college and earn the bachelor’s later.
Is podiatry school easier than medical school?
No. DPM school covers the same basic sciences and clinical rotations as MD and DO school, but with focused training in lower-extremity medicine and surgery at CPME-accredited programs.
Can a podiatrist perform ankle surgery?
Yes, in most states such as California, Texas, and Illinois, a DPM with proper training and hospital privileges can perform ankle surgery, though Florida and some states limit scope.
Do podiatrists do residencies like MDs?
Yes. Every new DPM must complete a 3-year CPME-accredited Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency, often with a Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle credential added.
Can you skip the MCAT for DPM school?
No, for most programs. A few schools accept the GRE or offer MCAT waivers for strong applicants, but the MCAT is the standard entry exam for DPM applicants.
Are podiatrists real doctors?
Yes. A DPM is a doctor of podiatric medicine, licensed to diagnose, prescribe, and perform surgery within the scope defined by state law and federal Medicare rules.
How long is a podiatry fellowship?
Yes, fellowships exist and most last 12 months, covering sub-specialties such as foot and ankle reconstruction, sports medicine, or limb salvage after the 3-year residency.
Can podiatrists prescribe medication?
Yes. Every licensed DPM can prescribe medications within the lower-extremity scope, including antibiotics, pain medications, and controlled substances with a DEA registration.
Is board certification required to practice?
No, it is not legally required in most states, but hospitals, insurance panels, and employers often require ABFAS or ABPM certification within 5 to 7 years of graduation.
Can international medical graduates become podiatrists in the US?
Yes, but they must complete a full CPME-accredited DPM program in the United States. Foreign medical degrees do not transfer directly into podiatric licensure.
Does the military help pay for podiatry school?
Yes. The Health Professions Scholarship Program from the Army, Navy, and Air Force covers full DPM tuition in exchange for equal years of active-duty service after training.
Can you switch from DPM to MD later?
No, not directly. You would need to apply to MD school and start over, because a DPM degree does not convert into an MD degree under LCME rules.