Podiatric Medicine Program Admission
The Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine considers for admission those students who possess the academic, professional, and personal qualities necessary for development as exemplary podiatric physicians. The School uses multiple criteria to select the most qualified candidates including cumulative grade point average (GPA), science GPA, Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), personal experiences and character, ability to communicate, familiarity with the profession, volunteer and community involvement, research experience, and other considerations. The School uses a competitive rolling admissions process and candidates are encouraged to apply early and take the MCAT no later than March prior to admission. Scores will be accepted only from tests taken less than three years prior to the time of application.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, the successful candidate must submit the following documented evidence:
- Minimum cumulative GPA and science GPAs of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- Ability to successfully complete a rigorous curriculum which requires critical thinking skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and voluminous reading, as well as the capacity for responsible, self-directed learning.
- Competitive scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
- Completion of the necessary course prerequisites. The candidate must complete a minimum of 90 semester hours at a regionally accredited college or university. A bachelor's degree or higher is preferred.
- Letters of Recommendation are not required but will be accepted.
- A good understanding of podiatric medicine and a sincere interest in a career in the field. Candidates will not be accepted if they have not visited at least one podiatric practice.
- Demonstration of extracurricular or community activities that indicate a well-rounded background and demonstrate a service orientation.
- Medically-related experiences that indicate sufficient exposure to allow an informed decision about a medical career.
- Personal integrity and sound moral character.
- Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to relate effectively with others.
- Passage of the Midwestern University criminal background check.
- Commitment to abide by the Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
Prerequisite Courses
| Course |
Sem Hrs |
Qtr Hrs |
| Biology with lab |
8 |
12 |
| General/Inorganic Chemistry with lab |
8 |
12 |
| Organic Chemistry with lab |
8 |
12 |
| Physics |
8 |
12 |
| English |
6 |
9 |
Grades less than C are not acceptable for any prerequisite courses (grades of C- are not acceptable).
International Students
International applicants must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or from a recognized post secondary Canadian institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation. Of the 30 semester hours, 15 hours must be in the sciences, six hours in non-remedial English composition, and three hours in speech/public speaking.
Applicants who wish to receive credit for prerequisite coursework completed outside the US or at a Canadian institution that does not use English as its primary language of instruction and documentation must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation obtained from one of the following evaluation services:
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): 414/289-3400 or Fax 414/289-3411 (www.ece.org, e-mail: info@ece.org)
- Josef Silny & Associates International Education Consultants: 305/273-1616 or Fax 305/273-1338 or visit www.jsilny.com
- World Education Service (WES): 212/966-6311 or Fax 212/739-6100 (www.wes.org, e-mail: info@wes.org)
International applicants who do not provide documentation of acceptable US or Canadian course/degree equivalency will not receive credit, and will be required to complete all prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university in the United States, or at a recognized post-secondary institution in Canada that uses English as its primary language of instruction and documentation.
For clarification about recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada that use English as a primary language of instruction and documentation, international applicants should contact the Midwestern University Office of Admissions.
Click here for more information on International Student Financial Services
Technical Standards for Admission
A candidate for the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree must have abilities and skills in five areas: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative; and 5) behavioral and social. Technological compensation can be made for some limitation in certain of these areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner.
I. Observation: The candidate must be able to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and sense of touch and is enhanced by the functional use of all of the other senses.
II. Communication: The candidate must be able to communicate effectively, efficiently, and sensitively in both oral and written form and be able to perceive nonverbal communication.
III. Motor: Candidates must be able to coordinate both gross and fine muscular movements, maintain equilibrium, and have functional use of the senses of touch and vision. The candidate must possess sufficient postural control, neuromuscular control, and eye-to-hand coordination to perform profession-specific skills and tasks.
IV. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: The candidate must be able to problem solve, measure, calculate, reason, analyze, record, and synthesize large amounts of information in a timely manner. The candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand spatial relationships.
V. Behavioral and Social Attributes: The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the consistent, prompt completion of all responsibilities, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. The candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, and interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process.
Candidates are required to certify that they understand and meet these Technical Standards. Candidates must provide such certification prior to matriculation. Candidates who may not meet the Technical Standards must inform the Director of Admissions, who will then contact the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students, in consultation with the CHS Dean and the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine Associate Dean and Director, will identify and discuss what accommodations, if any, the School would need to make that would allow the candidate to complete the curriculum. The School is not able to grant accommodations that alter the educational standards of the curriculum. Students must meet the Technical Standards for the duration of enrollment in their professional program.
