Podiatry (Pre)

Why study Pre-Podiatry?

Podiatrists are physicians who provide medical care for conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. They diagnose and treat diseases, prescribe medications, order physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. Some podiatrists choose a specialty such as sports medicine, pediatrics, or diabetic foot care.

Why study Pre-Podiatry at AU?

As a student in the Pre-Podiatry program at Aurora University, you will major in Health Science, acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the ever-changing field of health care. You will also enroll in the Pre-Podiatry program, which offers a curated collection of prerequisite courses necessary to be accepted into a medical school specializing in podiatry.

To help you navigate your academic career and prepare for podiatric medical school, AU offers one-on-one guidance with our own Pre-Medical Professions Advisor C.J. Chen. A longtime biology professor at AU, Chen is an expert in the application process for health profession schools. Advanced coursework prepares you for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) examination. Internship opportunities are also available so you can experience firsthand what it is like to practice podiatric medicine.

At AU, you will also have an opportunity to participate in research, a step that will enhance your podiatric medical school application. AU offers students unique opportunities to conduct laboratory research with expert faculty in the field. Developing research experience deepens your understanding of what you learn in the classroom and prepares you with the skills to succeed in podiatric medical school.


How much education is required to become a podiatrist?

After you earn your undergraduate degree, you need to attend a medical school specializing in podiatry for four years to earn your Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), followed by a three-year Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency (PMSR). You must also pass National Board exams to receive your license to practice.

Qualified students may benefit from AU’s agreement with Midwestern University. Please visit our academic affiliations page to learn more.

Pre-Podiatry Curriculum
  • General Biology I
  • General Biology II
  • General Chemistry I
  • General Chemistry II
  • Organic Chemistry I
  • Organic Chemistry II
  • Physics I
  • Physics II
  • Second English Class
Campus Opportunities
  • AU Science Organization
  • Aurora University HOSA - Future Health Professionals
  • Mu Sigma Pi: Mind. Body. Spirit.
$148,720

2022 annual median salary for podiatrists

300

2022-2032 job openings projected each year

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Experiential learning

Experiential learning

You will have the opportunity to have an internship, clinical, or field experience at a podiatric medical facility. AU’s pre-medical professions advisor will work with you to find internships in the podiatry field that fit with your interests so you can experience your targeted profession first hand. You will also have the unique opportunity to conduct laboratory research with faculty, an important element in your podiatric medical school application.