Pre-Podiatry

As a regional leader in health care education, USD offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs that provide students with an education alongside other future health care professionals. With the state's only comprehensive health sciences school and medical school, USD creates a unique learning environment mirroring the health care industry, where students from various disciplines collaborate in coordinated teams. This collaborative approach enriches education and fosters connections among future colleagues.

USD's commitment to supporting undergraduate research ensures pre-podiatry students gain valuable experiences early on, with opportunities to engage in research teams, earn mini-grants, present at national conferences and conduct research within the health care field.

The university also emphasizes a comprehensive liberal arts degree, placing humanity at the center of health care education. USD focuses on developing communication, emotional intelligence and teamwork skills to prepare students not only as experts in their field but also as capable leaders who serve with confidence, empathy and compassion. The university's commitment to producing practice-ready professionals equipped for the evolving health care landscape positions graduates to lead and serve their communities effectively.

USD's pre-podiatry program is crafted to align with recommended coursework, recognizing podiatrists' role as health care professionals with a focus on foot and ankle care. There is no preferred major to cater to diverse interests, but students are encouraged to pursue a Bachelor's degree. Advisors play a key role in helping students navigate specific admission requirements for individual podiatry schools.

Undergraduate Program Finder

Initiate a conversation with your advisor when registering for classes, expressing your interest in pre-podiatry studies. Your advisor will guide you through course selections aligning with the pre-podiatry track and connect you with a dedicated pre-podiatry advisor for ongoing support. Engage in coursework spanning anatomy, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology and statistics to meet podiatry school prerequisites. Beyond the classroom, explore opportunities like undergraduate research and involvement in student organizations to enrich your academic experience. After three years of coursework, allocate time for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) preparation and examination before applying to podiatry school.

A USD education prepares you for various career paths. As a liberal arts university, we offer a well-rounded education that instills versatile skills for success in different fields. Whether you decide to explore other medical-related programs, enter the workforce or pursue graduate studies in diverse fields, your USD education lays the foundation for a fulfilling and successful future.