MissouriPodiatrist License Requirements

Podiatrists must earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree from a Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME) accredited program. Programs typically span 4 years, including didactic coursework in podiatric medicine and surgery followed by clinical rotations across various specialties.

The APMLE (American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination) consists of three parts: Part I covers basic sciences, Part II covers clinical sciences, and Part III covers clinical competency. All three parts must typically be passed for state licensure. Some states also require a state-specific jurisprudence exam covering podiatric medical laws and regulations.

Most states require completion of a CPME-approved podiatric medicine and surgery residency (PMR). Residency programs are typically 3 years and include rotational training in podiatric surgery, medicine, orthopedics, and related specialties. Some states accept 1-2 year residencies completed before current standards were implemented.

Scope Level Guide

Surgical Privileges Notes

Missouri permits podiatrists to perform medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle. Separate ankle surgery privilege requires additional CME.

Podiatric surgical scope varies significantly by state. Some states allow full ankle and rearfoot surgery, while others restrict podiatrists to forefoot procedures only. Additional surgical training or board certification may be required for expanded surgical privileges. Hospital credentialing may further define surgical scope.

Podiatrists have prescriptive authority in all states, including controlled substances. DEA registration is required for controlled substance prescribing. Many states also require a separate state-level controlled dangerous substance (CDS) registration. Podiatric scope includes wound care, orthotics, biomechanical assessment, and sports medicine within the foot and ankle.

CME Details

24 CME hours per 2-year renewal cycle (26 hours with ankle surgery privilege); 2 hours infection control required; up to 6 hours distance learning allowed

Regulatory Board

Podiatric licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state board. Continuing medical education (CME) requirements vary by state, typically ranging from 20-50 hours per renewal period. Some states require specific topics such as pharmacology, infection control, or pain management. Board certification maintenance through ABFAS or ABPM may also be required.

Reciprocity Requirements

• •Active DPM license in good standing in another state
• •Graduation from a CPME-accredited podiatric medical program
• •Passage of all three parts of the APMLE
• •Completion of a CPME-approved podiatric residency (minimum 2 years)
• •Complete Missouri state application requirements
• •Pass criminal background check
• •Submit endorsement application to the Missouri Board of Podiatric Medicine

Most states offer licensure by endorsement for podiatrists holding a license in another state. Requirements typically include APMLE passage, verification of residency completion, good standing in all current jurisdictions, and meeting any state-specific requirements such as jurisprudence exams.