Basic Podiatric School Requirements

The medical profession needs individuals from a variety of backgrounds with diverse interests and talents. While the philosophies and goals vary among the nation's medical schools, all recognize the importance of a broad education--one with a strong foundation in the sciences blended with the social sciences and the humanities.

A thorough understanding of the sciences basic to medicine is necessary for the entering medical student. In order to achieve a minimum level of understanding, medical schools generally require the following:

• General Biology - one year
• General Chemistry - one year
• Organic Chemistry - one year
• Physics - one year
• (All should include laboratory experience)

While only a few medical schools actually require a specific mathematics sequence, all value competence in mathematics and many require or strongly recommend mathematics courses. Mathematics courses provide the foundation for understanding rigorous courses in chemistry, physics, and biology.

The following is an outline of professional requirements. It does not include major, college, or university requirements.

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SUGGESTED SEQUENCING OF PRE-PODIATRIC REQUIREMENTS:

First Semester:

• CHE 105 General Chemistry I (Prerequisite: Refer to current University of Kentucky Bulletin.)
• CHE 111 General Chemistry I Lab
• Mathematics as needed

Second Semester:

• CHE 107 General Chemistry II
• CHE 113 General Chemistry II Lab
• BIO 150 Principles of Biology I
• BIO 151 Principles of Biology Lab I
• Additional Mathematics as needed

Note: Completion of First Year Writing Requirement (ENG 104 may be taken either semester, first semester preferred)

Third Semester:

• CHE 230 Organic Chemistry I
• CHE 231 Organic Chemistry Lab I
• BIO 152 Principles of Biology II
• BIO 153 Principles of Biology Lab II

Fourth Semester:

• CHE 232 Organic Chemistry II
• CHE 233 Organic Chemistry Lab II

Note: Completion of Graduation Writing Requirement - 200 level intensive writing level course

Fifth Semester:

• PHY 211 General Physics I
• or
• PHY 231 General University Physics I
• PHY 241 General University Physics Lab I

Sixth Semester:

• PHY 213 General Physics II
• or
  
• PHY 232 General University Physics II
• PHY 242 General University Physics Lab II
  
• MCAT - Recommended this semester. Suggested additional preparation: basic science courses such as cell biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, or biochemistry.

Some medical schools have additional requirements beyond the courses listed above. It is important that you reference the Official Guide to Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) and the specific medical school for admissions requirements.

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