Podiatrists are professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat diseases or disorders of the foot and related structures.
Podiatrists treat arch problems, bunions, heel spurs, calluses, corns, and ingrown toenails; ankle and foot injuries, deformities, and infections; and foot complaints associated with disease. They may prescribe drugs, order physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. They also fit corrective inserts called orthotics and design custom-made shoes and plaster casts or strappings to correct deformities.
The University of Iowa does not offer degree programs in podiatry, but does offer course work to help students prepare to enroll in podiatry programs elsewhere.
This is a graduate-level health program that requires specific undergraduate courses and typically a bachelor's degree for admission. Acceptance into these programs is usually competitive. Entrance requirements may change from year to year, so research the requirements for the school(s) you are considering, to make sure you have the most current information.
Course requirements are primarily in the sciences, including one year each of introductory courses in chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biology, each with accompanying labs. The mathematics prerequisite to physics is usually required.
An adviser from our Academic Advising Center will help you plan your course work at Iowa. Visit the Academic Advising Center website for more information.
To learn more about podiatry, visit the websites of the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine and the American Podiatric Medical Association.