Which Degrees Do Podiatrists Have?

Podiatrists are licensed health care providers who receive a degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, or DPM. They diagnose and treat diseases, disorders and injuries of the lower legs and feet, and may specialize in one or more areas of subspecialty, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.

Schools of Podiatric Medicine

• Applicants to schools of podiatric medicine are accepted based upon grade point average, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, recommendations and an undergraduate program that is appropriate for premedical students. Courses in biology, chemistry and physics are important prerequisites, explains the Education-Portal website.

Graduate Study

• The America Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), as of 2010, lists nine schools of podiatric medicine in the United States, eight of which are accredited by The Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME), according to their websites. Medical studies include general anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, genetics and bacteriology of the body.

Masters Degrees

• Graduate degrees related to podiatric medicine may include a Master of Podiatric Medicine or a Master of Science in Anatomy. The School of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Barry University in Florida offers the opportunity to earn a master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Public Health (MPH) concurrently while earning the DPM degree.

Residency

• Most graduates enter hospital residency programs for two to four years for advanced training in podiatric medicine, orthopedic and general surgery, infectious disease, anesthesiology, emergency medicine and pediatrics, according to the BLS website.

Licensure

• After receiving a DPM degree, graduates must undertake the certifying examination offered by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery to be licensed. All U.S. states and the District of Columbia require a license to practice podiatric medicine, and each state has its own requirements. Most also require continuing education for the renewal of a license to practice podiatric medicine. The BLS notes that most managed-care organizations prefer to hire board-certified podiatrists.

Board Certification Specialties

• Podiatrists may achieve certificates in board-certified specialties such as surgery or orthopedics. They also may practice other specialties in foot care, including pediatrics, geriatrics, diabetic foot care, sports medicine, radiology or dermatology, states the BLS.

FACFAS

• After certification, DPMs may apply to be Fellows of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons in orthopedics, primary care or surgery. Members of this professional society are conferred the title of FACFAS.

Ph.D.

• Some Doctors of Podiatric Medicine, particularly if entering the fields of teaching or research, also may attain the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D.