How to Be a Successful Podiatry Student

Being a successful podiatry student begins from the ground up -- literally. Podiatrists specialize in conditions of the foot. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), podiatrists "treat corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, arch problems, foot injuries, deformities and infections." A podiatrist may prescribe medications, treat problems using physical therapy or surgically repair a foot. Learn the tricks to podiatry studies and go on to work for a podiatry clinic or open a private practice.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• English and science textbooks
• MCAT certification

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Instructions

• 1

  Research undergraduate and medical schools. Consider undergraduate degrees in pre-podiatry, business, English or biology, according to the University of Oregon. Go online and visit the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) to research accredited podiatry schools, admissions requirements and academic programs.

• 2

  Enroll in appropriate courses and stay on top of your grades. Enroll in English composition, basic chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and physics classes. Take a minimum of eight semester hours for each subject, per the recommendation of the BLS. Study anatomy, pathology and pharmacology as well. A high grade-point average is essential for admission to a post-graduate podiatry school.

• 3

  Prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a three-part, multiple-choice test administered to all potential podiatry school enrollees. Give yourself a 90-day study period prior to the test. Review all physical and biological science texts. Go over verbal reasoning lessons and information -- educational tools that help you form medical opinions and assess conditions. Practice writing to articulate cohesive thoughts and ideas pertaining to podiatry. Display your knowledge of biology, chemistry or physics in writing samples.

• 4

  Register for the exam at least two months before you decide to take it. Contact the American Medical College Application Service for additional information and exam preparation at: AMCAS, Association of American Medical Colleges, 2450 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037-1127 or 202-828-0600.

• 5

  Take the exam the year you are applying for podiatry school and at least two months in advance of the exam date.