Academics - Pre-Podiatry

Podiatry is a specialty in the medical field dealing with foot and ankle problems. Nearly a quarter of all of the bones in the human body reside in the feet! Because we spend a lot of our time on our feet and because of our increasing involvement with sports and exercise, the need for proper foot care becomes very important. Podiatrists treat a variety of problems, ranging from ingrown toenails to deformities, infections, and difficulties associated with diabetes. They can be trained to perform surgery and/or become involved in the design and implementation of corrective inserts, called orthodics.

If you have a problem with your feet, and you go to your primary care physician, that physician will refer you to a doctor of podiatric medicine for diagnosis and treatment. In other words, Podiatry is a specialty in the field of medicine.

Podiatrists may also practice in subspecialties, including sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, and others.

The requirements for admission to podiatry school are similar to those for medical and dental schools. In addition, Bloomfield College has an articulation agreement with the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) , making the application process to that school much easier and less problematic, provided the minimum requirements are met.

In the event that students wish to attend NYCPM, they have two choices of undergraduate curriculum.

1. The 96-credit option (link to catalog): This option allows students to go to NYCPM without having completed the requirements for the BS degree. Following successful completion of designated credits at NYCPM, the student will be awarded a BS degree prior to completing the requirements for the doctor of podiatric medicine.

2. The 132-credit option (link to catalog): This option is recommended for students who wish to earn the BS degree BEFORE matriculating into NYCPM, or any other school of podiatric medicine.

Prior to being able to practice, doctors of podiatric medicine will need to pass a licensing examination. Most podiatrists work in solo practices, although group practices are becoming increasingly popular. Many podiatric physicians also have staff privileges in hospitals and nursing homes. Prospective students are encouraged to build a close relationship with the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Students are encouraged the NYCPM web site to learn more about the school, their program, and, most important, their Open House events.

Students are also encouraged to periodically check the Science Bulletin Board (second floor of the Science Building), as well as postings outside of classrooms for notification regarding timely events, such as lectures regarding speakers coming to Bloomfield to address various aspects of this profession.

The contact for more information regarding these programs at Bloomfield College is: