Podiatric medicine is a specialized branch of healthcare focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures. In the United States, there are only nine accredited colleges of podiatric medicine, each granting the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree. Because of this small number, rankings are less meaningful than in larger fields. Instead, applicants should evaluate programs based on residency match rates, board pass outcomes, clinical training opportunities, and overall fit. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all accredited schools, highlighting their histories, strengths, and reputations.

Top 9 Podiatric Medical Schools In The US – All The Accredited

1. Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM)

TUSPM, part of Temple’s health system, is renowned for its strong surgical training and high clinical volume. Students gain early patient exposure through the Foot and Ankle Institute, one of the largest podiatric clinics in the nation. With excellent residency match rates and robust faculty mentorship, TUSPM prepares graduates for surgical excellence and comprehensive patient care. Its Philadelphia location provides diverse clinical opportunities, while Temple’s reputation ensures strong networking and career advancement for future podiatric physicians.

2. New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM)

Founded in 1911, NYCPM is the oldest and largest podiatric medical college in the U.S. Located in Manhattan, it offers unmatched clinical opportunities through its affiliated Foot Centers of New York and partnerships with major hospitals. Students benefit from high surgical volume, diverse patient populations, and strong faculty mentorship. NYCPM consistently achieves excellent residency match rates and board pass outcomes. Its urban setting and historic reputation make it a premier choice for students seeking rigorous training and broad exposure.

3. Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine (Rosalind Franklin University)

Scholl College, integrated into Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, offers podiatric education alongside MD, PA, and PT programs, fostering interprofessional collaboration. Students benefit from strong research opportunities, modern facilities, and diverse clinical rotations across Chicago. The program emphasizes surgical training, limb preservation, and evidence‑based practice. With consistently strong residency match rates and board pass outcomes, Scholl prepares graduates for leadership in podiatric medicine. Its integration within a comprehensive medical university enhances both academic and clinical experiences.

4. Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (CPS)

Kent State’s College of Podiatric Medicine is one of the largest podiatric schools, offering modern facilities and a strong curriculum. Students gain extensive clinical training through partnerships with hospitals and clinics across Ohio. The program emphasizes surgical excellence, sports medicine, and diabetic limb salvage. With consistently high residency match rates and board pass outcomes, Kent State prepares graduates for diverse careers in podiatric medicine. Its affiliation with a respected public university system provides strong academic resources and affordability.

5. Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DMU‑CPMS)

DMU‑CPMS, part of a respected osteopathic medical university, offers a supportive environment with a strong emphasis on foundational sciences and clinical training. Students benefit from early patient exposure, diverse rotations, and interprofessional collaboration with DO and other health programs. The curriculum emphasizes surgical training, evidence‑based practice, and community service. With consistently strong residency match rates and board pass outcomes, DMU prepares graduates for successful careers in podiatric medicine. Its Midwest location offers affordability and a collaborative campus culture.

6. Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine (BUSPM)

Barry University’s School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami Shores emphasizes serving diverse populations and community health. Students gain extensive clinical experience through rotations in South Florida’s large retiree and active communities. The program emphasizes surgical training, sports medicine, and diabetic limb care. With strong faculty mentorship and supportive culture, Barry prepares graduates for comprehensive podiatric practice. Its location in Florida provides unique patient demographics and clinical opportunities, while its commitment to diversity makes it a respected program nationally.

7. Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine (WUCPM)

WUCPM in Pomona, California, emphasizes a humanistic, patient‑centered approach to podiatric education. Integrated within a health sciences university, students collaborate with peers in medicine, dentistry, and nursing. The program is known for strengths in limb preservation, wound care, and interprofessional training. With modern facilities and diverse clinical rotations across Southern California, WUCPM prepares graduates for surgical and medical excellence. Its commitment to innovation and community service makes it a respected choice for aspiring podiatric physicians.

8. California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM – Samuel Merritt University)

CSPM, located in Oakland, California, is integrated into Samuel Merritt University’s health sciences programs. Students benefit from rotations across Northern California, including major hospitals and clinics. The program emphasizes surgical training, leadership, and producing future leaders in podiatric medicine. With strong faculty mentorship and diverse patient populations, CSPM prepares graduates for comprehensive careers in podiatric practice. Its Bay Area location provides unique opportunities in urban and suburban healthcare, while its reputation continues to grow nationally.

9. Western University of Health Sciences College of Podiatric Medicine (WUCPM)

As noted above, WUCPM is the second California program and fully accredited. It emphasizes interprofessional education, patient‑centered care, and innovative approaches to podiatric medicine. Students gain diverse clinical experiences across Southern California, preparing them for surgical residencies and comprehensive practice. With strong board pass rates and residency match outcomes, WUCPM continues to establish itself as a respected institution. Its integration within Western University’s health sciences framework provides collaborative opportunities and a supportive environment for future podiatric physicians.

Closing

Ultimately, every accredited podiatric medical school prepares graduates to sit for the same licensing exams and pursue surgical residencies. The real differentiators are clinical exposure, residency placement success, and the environment in which you will spend four years of intensive training. Focus on outcomes data, hospital affiliations, and the culture of each program rather than prestige alone. By choosing the school that best aligns with your goals and strengths, you’ll position yourself for success in podiatric medicine and a rewarding career improving patients’ mobility and quality of life.