How to Become a Licensed Podiatrist in 2026: Complete State-by-State Guide

Podiatrists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. Across the 51 states we track, 51 require the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE), and 0 states authorize podiatrists to perform ankle surgery. The average initial licensing fee is $437. Becoming a licensed podiatrist involves earning a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, completing a three-year residency, passing national board exams, and meeting state-specific licensure requirements.

This guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a licensed podiatrist in 2026 -- from podiatric medical school and the APMLE to residency training, surgical scope authorizations, state licensure, and continuing medical education requirements in every state.

What Does a Podiatrist Do?

Podiatrists -- also called podiatric physicians or doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) -- are independent physicians licensed to examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and deformities of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. They are distinct from orthopedic surgeons but often collaborate closely with them on complex lower extremity cases.

Day-to-day responsibilities vary widely by practice type and setting but commonly include:

• Medical management: Treating diabetic foot complications, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathy, infections, and wound care
• Orthopedic and sports medicine: Managing fractures, sprains, tendon injuries, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), and sports injuries of the foot and ankle
• Surgical procedures: Performing bunionectomies, hammertoe corrections, flatfoot reconstructions, ankle arthroscopy, and trauma repair -- scope depends on state authorization
• Dermatological care: Treating ingrown nails, warts, fungal infections, calluses, and ulcerations
• Orthotics and biomechanics: Fabricating custom orthotics and addressing gait abnormalities
• Pediatric foot care: Managing flatfoot, in-toeing, and congenital deformities in children
• Prescribing medications: Writing prescriptions for antibiotics, analgesics, antifungals, and other pharmaceuticals

Podiatrists work in private practices, multi-specialty group practices, hospitals, Veterans Affairs medical centers, community health centers, nursing homes, and academic medical institutions. Podiatric surgeons may have hospital privileges and perform procedures in ambulatory surgical centers or hospital operating rooms.

Podiatric Medical Education: The DPM Degree

All podiatrists must earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from a school of podiatric medicine accredited by the Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME). There are nine CPME-accredited podiatric medical schools in the United States. The DPM degree is the entry-level credential for the profession -- no other degree qualifies a graduate to sit for podiatric licensing exams or practice independently.

Prerequisites and Admission

Applicants to podiatric medical school must hold at minimum a bachelor's degree (or have completed all prerequisite coursework) and apply through the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS). Typical prerequisite coursework includes:

• General biology with lab (1 year)
• General chemistry with lab (1 year)
• Organic chemistry with lab (1 year)
• Biochemistry (1 semester)
• Physics with lab (1 year)
• English composition and communication (1 year)
• Mathematics (calculus or statistics recommended)

Most applicants also submit MCAT scores, letters of recommendation from physicians (ideally including a DPM), and documentation of healthcare shadowing experience. Competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.3 or higher and MCAT scores in the 50th percentile or above.

What You Learn in Podiatric Medical School (4 Years)

• Biomedical sciences (Years 1-2): Gross anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and neuroscience -- covering the entire body, not just the lower extremity
• Podiatric clinical sciences (Years 1-2): Podiatric anatomy and biomechanics, lower extremity radiology, dermatology, sports medicine, orthopedics, and podiatric surgical principles
• Systemic medicine (Years 1-2): Internal medicine, diabetes management, vascular disease, rheumatology, and other systemic conditions that affect the lower extremity
• Clinical rotations (Years 3-4): Supervised patient care in podiatric clinics, hospital settings, emergency medicine, radiology, internal medicine, and surgical rotations
• Surgical training (Years 3-4): Pre-clinical cadaveric and model-based surgical labs, followed by supervised surgical assisting and procedures

The nine CPME-accredited podiatric medical schools include institutions such as the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine (Rosalind Franklin University), Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine, and Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, among others. Programs typically take 4 years and result in significant student loan debt comparable to other medical professions.

The APMLE: American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination

The APMLE is the national examination for podiatric medical licensure, administered by the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME). 51 of 51 states we track require passage of APMLE as a condition of licensure. The exam is divided into three parts, each targeting a different phase of training:

All three parts are required for full licensure in states that mandate the APMLE. Candidates who fail a part may retake it, though specific retake policies vary by part and by state board requirements. Scores are pass/fail, and the NBPME sets the passing standards. The APMLE is separate from the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) used by MDs and DOs.

Podiatric Residency Training (3 Years)

Following graduation from podiatric medical school, all aspiring podiatrists must complete a 3-year podiatric surgical residency in a CPME-approved program. Residency is a mandatory prerequisite for licensure in virtually all states -- it cannot be waived or shortened. Podiatric residencies are hospital-based programs that provide intensive supervised clinical and surgical training.

Residency Curriculum and Training

• Year 1 (PGY-1): Foundational rotations including internal medicine, emergency medicine, radiology, vascular surgery, orthopedics, and podiatric clinic. Heavy emphasis on medical management and pre/post-operative care.
• Year 2 (PGY-2): Increased surgical volume and complexity. Rotations in podiatric surgery, orthopedic surgery, and anesthesia. Residents begin performing forefoot and rearfoot procedures with attending supervision.
• Year 3 (PGY-3): Advanced surgical training including complex rearfoot and ankle reconstructions, trauma, total ankle replacement, Charcot reconstruction, and limb salvage. Chief resident responsibilities in many programs.

Residency programs are offered through hospital systems, academic medical centers, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and health systems nationwide. The match process for podiatric residencies uses the CASPR (Centralized Application Service for Podiatric Residencies) system, similar in structure to other medical residency matches.

Board certification after residency is voluntary but highly valued. The American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) offer separate certification pathways. ABFAS certification in foot surgery and/or reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery requires passing written and oral examinations and submitting a surgical case log.

Surgical Scope: Foot-Only vs. Ankle Surgery

One of the most significant ways podiatric licensure varies by state is in surgical scope -- specifically, whether a podiatrist is authorized to perform surgery on the ankle and related structures of the leg, or only on the foot itself. This is a major policy distinction that affects where and how podiatric surgeons can practice.

0 of 51 states we track authorize podiatrists to perform ankle surgery.

Surgical scope has historically been one of the most contentious aspects of podiatric legislation, with podiatric medical associations advocating for expanded ankle authority and some orthopedic associations opposing it. Many states have expanded scope over the past two decades as podiatric residency training has become more rigorous and standardized. Always check the current statutory and regulatory language in your target state, as scope definitions can be updated by the legislature or state board.

Steps to Become a Licensed Podiatrist

The path to licensure as a podiatrist is one of the longest in healthcare. Here is the typical step-by-step process:

1. Complete undergraduate prerequisites (3-4 years): Earn a bachelor's degree with prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Maintain a competitive GPA and gain healthcare experience -- ideally shadowing a DPM.
2. Prepare and submit a CPME-school application: Take the MCAT, compile letters of recommendation, and apply through AACPMAS to CPME-accredited podiatric medical schools.
3. Graduate from a CPME-accredited podiatric medical school (4 years): Complete the DPM program including biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, and supervised patient care rotations.
4. Pass APMLE Parts I and II: Pass the national board examinations during podiatric medical school (Part I after Year 2, Part II during Years 3-4 or early residency).
5. Complete a 3-year CPME-approved podiatric surgical residency: Match into and complete a hospital-based podiatric residency program. Residency is required before applying for a full unrestricted podiatric license in most states.
6. Pass APMLE Part III: Complete the final board examination during or after residency.
7. Pass the state jurisprudence exam (if required): 2 states require a jurisprudence exam covering state-specific podiatric laws, regulations, and professional conduct standards.
8. Apply for state licensure: Submit your application to the state podiatric or medical/osteopathic board (varies by state) with official transcripts, APMLE scores, residency verification, background check, and required fees.
9. Obtain DEA registration (if prescribing controlled substances): Most practicing podiatrists obtain a DEA number to prescribe controlled substances for pain management and post-operative care.
10. Pursue board certification (optional but recommended): Apply for ABFAS certification in foot surgery and/or reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery through the written qualifying and oral certifying exam pathway.

From start to finish, the process takes a minimum of 11 years after high school: 4 years of undergraduate, 4 years of podiatric medical school, and 3 years of residency. Most podiatrists begin independent practice between ages 29 and 32.

State-by-State Podiatrist Licensing Requirements

The table below summarizes key podiatrist licensing requirements across all 51 states we track. Click any state name for the full breakdown of education, exam, surgical scope, fee, and renewal requirements.

States Requiring the APMLE

The APMLE is the standard national board examination for podiatric medicine. These 51 states explicitly require passage of the APMLE (Parts I, II, and III) for initial licensure:

In states where APMLE is not listed as explicitly required, candidates may still need to present equivalent exam scores or meet alternative examination requirements. Always verify current requirements directly with the applicable state podiatric or medical board before applying.

States Requiring a Jurisprudence Exam

2 states require candidates to pass a state jurisprudence examination before receiving a podiatric license. Jurisprudence exams test knowledge of that state's podiatric practice act, administrative rules, professional conduct standards, and scope of practice limitations:

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Requirements

All states require licensed podiatrists to complete continuing medical education (CME) to renew their license. CME ensures podiatrists stay current with advances in surgical techniques, medical management, pharmacology, and professional standards. Key aspects of CME for podiatrists include:

• CME hours: Average of 43.5 hours per renewal period across all states we track. Requirements typically range from 20 to 50+ hours depending on the state and renewal cycle length (annual, biennial, or triennial).
• Mandatory topics: Many states require CME in specific areas such as opioid prescribing and pain management, infection control, ethics and professionalism, suicide prevention, and human trafficking awareness
• Category 1 credit: A portion of required CME must typically be formal Category 1 credit from approved providers such as the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), podiatric medical schools, hospitals, and recognized CME platforms
• Surgical CME: Podiatrists who perform surgery may have additional CME requirements tied to maintaining hospital or surgical center privileges
• DEA compliance training: In many states, podiatrists holding DEA registrations must complete CME on controlled substance prescribing

The APMA and its state affiliates are major sources of approved podiatric CME, offering conferences, online courses, and journal-based CME. The ABFAS and ABPM also provide educational programming for board-certified diplomates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a podiatrist?

Becoming a licensed podiatrist takes a minimum of 11 years after high school: typically 4 years of undergraduate education, 4 years of podiatric medical school (DPM program), and 3 years of a CPME-approved podiatric surgical residency. Most podiatrists enter independent practice in their late 20s to early 30s, often around age 29-32. Board certification, while not required for licensure, involves additional examination steps completed after residency.

Is a podiatrist a medical doctor (MD)?

Podiatrists hold a DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) degree rather than an MD or DO. However, they are licensed physicians in all U.S. states with full prescribing authority, surgical privileges, and hospital admitting rights (where granted). DPM training includes 4 years of podiatric medical school with a full first-year curriculum comparable to MD/DO programs, plus a 3-year surgical residency. DPMs are not eligible to sit for USMLE boards or obtain an MD/DO license without completing a separate MD/DO program.

What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon?

Orthopedic surgeons hold MD or DO degrees and are trained to treat the entire musculoskeletal system -- spine, hips, knees, shoulders, and extremities. Podiatrists (DPMs) specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower extremity. In states that authorize ankle surgery, there is significant overlap between podiatric foot and ankle surgeons and orthopedic foot and ankle subspecialists. The two disciplines often collaborate, and patients may see either depending on the specific condition, insurance, and geographic availability.

Can a podiatrist perform ankle surgery in all states?

No. Podiatric surgical scope varies significantly by state. In 0 of the 51 states we track, podiatrists are authorized to perform ankle surgery. In other states, scope is limited to the foot. Within "ankle authorized" states, the exact definition of ankle scope can also vary. Refer to the state-specific page using the table above to understand the surgical scope in any given state.

What is the average salary for a podiatrist?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for podiatrists is approximately $148,000-$160,000. However, podiatrists who own private practices or work in high-demand surgical subspecialties frequently earn significantly more. Compensation varies by geography, practice setting, surgical volume, and whether the podiatrist takes insurance or operates a cash-based practice. Podiatrists in rural or underserved areas may qualify for loan repayment programs through NHSC or state-specific initiatives.

Do I need board certification to practice as a podiatrist?

Board certification through ABFAS or ABPM is voluntary -- it is not required for state licensure in any jurisdiction. However, board certification is increasingly expected by hospitals granting surgical privileges, by multi-specialty group practices, and by credentialing organizations for insurance participation. Many podiatrists pursue ABFAS certification in foot surgery and/or reconstructive rearfoot/ankle surgery within the first few years after completing residency.

How do I transfer a podiatric license to another state?

Most states offer licensure by endorsement or reciprocity for podiatrists already licensed in another state. Requirements typically include verification of the existing license, confirmation of residency completion, APMLE scores, and completion of the state jurisprudence exam if required. There is no universal interstate compact for podiatrists comparable to those in nursing or physical therapy, so each state must be applied to individually. Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months.

Sources

Education, exam, surgical scope, and licensure data are sourced from official state podiatric boards, state medical boards, and national podiatric organizations.

• Individual state podiatric and medical board websites (cited on each state page).
• American Podiatric Medical Students' Association (APMSA) -- apmsa.org
• American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) -- abfas.org
• Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) -- accredited podiatric medical school and residency program listings. cpme.org
• National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) -- APMLE examination information and registration.
• American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) -- professional standards, scope of practice, and CME resources.
• American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) -- board certification in podiatric medicine pathway.
• State podiatry board statutes and administrative codes -- scope of practice and surgical authority definitions.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics -- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Podiatrists.

Data was last verified in March 2026. Requirements can change as states update their podiatric practice acts, regulations, and fee schedules. Always confirm current requirements with your state's podiatric or medical board before making educational or career decisions.