Program Overview

---

University Catalog

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine - D.P.M.

Overview

Our Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to diagnose, treat and prevent foot and ankle disorders. With a comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, you'll be prepared to make a difference in patients' lives.

Admissions

Kent State's College of Podiatric Medicine participates in the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS). Candidates to Kent State's D.P.M. degree apply and submit materials to AACPMAS.

• Minimum 90 semester credit hours (or minimum 135 quarter hours) of undergraduate coursework, including the following prerequisites:
  • 6 semester credit hours (or 9 quarter credit hours) of English
  • 8 semester credit hours (or 12 quarter credit hours) each of biology, physics, organic chemistry and general/inorganic chemistry
• Official transcript(s)
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores
• Two letters of recommendation:
  • one letter from a faculty member, advisor or composite letter from a pre-medical advisory committee
  • one letter from a doctor of podiatric medicine or other medical professional
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 94 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 7.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 65 PTE score
  • Minimum 120 DET score

Coursework

Major Requirements

• GMD 80121 - Physical Assessment and Diagnosis
• GMD 80216 - Medicine I
• GMD 80217 - Medicine II
• GMD 80314 - Neurology
• GMD 80315 - Dermatology
• GMD 80327 - Behavioral Medicine
• GMD 80328 - Women's Health
• ORT 80131 - Biomechanics I
• PCS 80109 - Human Anatomy
• PCS 80110 - Embryology
• PCS 80124 - Lower Extremity Anatomy
• PCS 80128 - Medical Microbiology/Immunology
• PCS 80130 - Foundations of Life Sciences I
• PCS 80131 - Foundations of Life Sciences II
• PCS 80132 - Foundations of Life Sciences III
• PCS 80133 - Foundations of Life Sciences IV
• PCS 80218 - Human Systems Pathology I
• PCS 80219 - Pharmacology and Therapeutics I
• PCS 80228 - Human Systems Pathology II
• PCS 80229 - Pharmacology and Therapeutics II
• PMD 80113 - Medical Ethics
• PMD 80114 - Principles of Medical Research
• PMD 80117 - Podiatry, Professionalism and Society I
• PMD 80132 - Lower Extremity Assessment and Diagnosis
• PMD 80133 - Introduction Medical Imaging
• PMD 80222 - Podiatric Medical Skills
• PMD 80226 - Introduction to Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
• PMD 80317 - Podiatry, Professionalism and Society III
• PMD 80318 - Pediatrics
• PMD 80323 - Podiatric Public Health and Law
• PMD 80417 - Podiatry, Professionalism and Society IV
• SUR 80227 - Podiatric Medicine and Surgery I
• SUR 80313 - Podiatric Surgery
• SUR 80323 - Podiatric Surgery
• SUR 80325 - Traumatology

Clinical Requirements

• Second-Year Clinical Option
• Third-Year Clinical Options
• Fourth-Year Clinical Options

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major.

First Year

• Fall Semester
  • PCS 80109 - Human Anatomy
  • PCS 80110 - Embryology
  • PCS 80130 - Foundations of Life Sciences I
  • PCS 80131 - Foundations of Life Sciences II
  • PMD 80113 - Medical Ethics
  • PMD 80114 - Principles of Medical Research
  • PMD 80117 - Podiatry, Professionalism and Society I
• Spring Semester
  • PCS 80124 - Lower Extremity Anatomy
  • PCS 80128 - Medical Microbiology/Immunology
  • PCS 80132 - Foundations of Life Sciences III
  • PCS 80133 - Foundations of Life Sciences IV
• Summer Term
  • ORT 80131 - Biomechanics I
  • PMD 80132 - Lower Extremity Assessment and Diagnosis
  • PMD 80133 - Introduction Medical Imaging

Second Year

• Fall Semester
  • GMD 80121 - Physical Assessment and Diagnosis
  • GMD 80216 - Medicine I
  • PCS 80218 - Human Systems Pathology I
  • PCS 80219 - Pharmacology and Therapeutics I
  • PMD 80222 - Podiatric Medical Skills
  • PMD 80226 - Introduction to Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
• Spring Semester
  • GMD 80217 - Medicine II
  • PCS 80228 - Human Systems Pathology II
  • PCS 80229 - Pharmacology and Therapeutics II
  • SUR 80227 - Podiatric Medicine and Surgery I

Third Year

• Fall Semester
  • GMD 80314 - Neurology
  • GMD 80315 - Dermatology
  • GMD 80327 - Behavioral Medicine
  • GMD 80328 - Women's Health
  • PMD 80318 - Pediatrics
  • SUR 80313 - Podiatric Surgery
• Spring Semester
  • PMD 80317 - Podiatry, Professionalism and Society III
  • PMD 80323 - Podiatric Public Health and Law
  • SUR 80323 - Podiatric Surgery
  • SUR 80325 - Traumatology

Fourth Year

• Fall Semester
  • Fourth-Year Clinical Options
• Spring Semester
  • Fourth-Year Clinical Options
• Summer Term
  • PMD 80417 - Podiatry, Professionalism and Society IV
  • Fourth-Year Clinical Options

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to recall and apply current and emerging knowledge of human structure, function, development, pathology, pathophysiology and psychosocial development to patient care.
2. Provide effective patient-centered care that is compassionate and appropriate for prevention and treatment of medical conditions, which promotes overall health with special emphasis on the lower extremity.
3. Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families and health professionals.
4. Demonstrate professionalism in medicine.
5. Apply scientific methods and utilize clinical and translational research to further the understanding of contemporary podiatric medicine and its application to patient care.
6. Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care, as well as the ability to call on other resources to provide optimal and cost-effective health care.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of common societal problems (e.g., issues of addiction or abuse) and their impact on patients.

Policies

Academic Dismissals

The following will lead to academic dismissal:

1. Two or more failures (in any combination of courses or rotations) in one academic level during the same academic year.
2. A failure in a course or clinical rotation (including remedial) during a semester in which the student is on academic probation and/or with a failure still outstanding on their academic record.
3. An overall GPA below 2.400 at the end of the spring semester of the student's second year.
4. Three failures on APMLE Part I.
5. Failure on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OCSE) in combination with one or more failures in any other 803xx rotation or course.
6. Failure on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OCSE) combined with a failure on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) remediation.
7. Failure on the second attempt on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OCSE) for students who were dismissed for failing the first attempt along with any additional 803xx failure (course or rotation) and were reinstated to repeat all 803xx rotations and any outstanding failures on their record.
8. Failure on the third attempt on the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OCSE) for students who were dismissed for failing the first attempt and the remedial attempt and were reinstated and required to repeat all 803xx rotations.
9. Failure in a remedial course or rotation.

Academic Readmission and Reinstatement Committee

The Academic Readmission / Reinstatement Committee meets with eligible students who are reapplying to the program.

Academic Performance and Student Organizations

The College of Podiatric Medicine offers a number of student organizations, fraternities and sports clubs to serve the student population.

American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE)

All podiatric residency programs require passage of APMLE Part I and Part II — written examination and the Clinical Skills Patient Encounter (CSPE) examination (if available) — prior to the beginning of the residency.

Attendance

Attendance is expected of all students; and the course coordinator may require, at their discretion, compulsory attendance in a course.

Background Checks and Drug Testing

Incoming students are required to complete a background check prior to matriculation.

Cheating and Academic Dishonesty

Students found responsible for cheating or academic dishonesty in any form on any examination, quiz, assignment or on anything related to the College of Podiatric Medicine curriculum will automatically be given a failing grade (0.000, F grade) for that specific academic item.

Clerkship and Senior Medicine Rotations

Information on clerkship and senior medicine rotations, including the selection process, can be obtained by contacting the college's Office of Academic Operations and Institutional Research.

Cleveland Foot and Ankle Clinic (CFAC) Shadowing

Students should contact the Office of Academic Operations and Institutional Research for assistance regarding shadowing opportunities in the Cleveland Foot and Ankle Clinic (CFAC).

Clinical Affiliation Agreements

For external clinical rotations completed during the third and fourth year, the college has executed affiliation agreements with facilities where students rotate.

College and Clinical Incident Reporting

A college and clinical incident report needs to be completed when any of the following occurs:

1. A student or faculty member is involved in an accident, is injured or becomes ill at a clinical site.
2. A hospital incident report is completed that involves a student or faculty member.
3. A student or faculty member is involved in an accident, is injured or becomes ill at any College of Podiatric Medicine academic laboratory.

Clinical Rotations

For all clinical rotations, students are randomly assigned to a group.

Course Exemptions

To be considered for a course exemption, students must file a request by contacting the Office of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.

Eligibility for Doctor of Podiatric Medicine Degree

All candidates for the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree must have achieved the following:

1. Maintained satisfactory academic performance with no grade below a C, no Unsatisfactory (U) grade and no Incomplete (IN) marks.
2. Demonstrated clinical competence through completion of the performance objectives.
3. Been verified as being in good disciplinary standing.
4. Satisfactorily completed all academic requirements, including clinical rotations and externship/clerkship program requirements, with a minimum C grade or Satisfactory (S) grade on all courses and rotations.
5. Satisfactorily passed the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
6. Fulfilled all responsibilities and financial obligations to the college and to the university.
7. Taken and passed the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination (APMLE), Part I, taken both sections of Part II (written examination and the Clinical Skills Encounter – CSPE examination) and released the score reports to the college.

Essential Requirements for Student Education

Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine is committed to the admission and advancement of all qualified students.

Examination Policy

1. No books, papers, notes, calculators, cell phones, watches, tablets and similar electronic devices, pens, pencils, markers, food, drink, backpacks or any other personal items are permitted in the room during an examination.
2. The use of cell phones or any other forms of electronic communication during any examination is strictly forbidden.
3. Students are expected to be waiting outside of the classroom 15 minutes prior to the start of the examination, but cannot enter the room until the academic support staff or proctors give permission.
4. Students arriving late to the examination, not to exceed 30 minutes, must receive permission from the course coordinator (or designee) to start the examination late.
5. Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom less than 30 minutes following the start of an examination.
6. Students arriving 30 minutes or more after the scheduled start of an examination will automatically receive a score of 0.00 points for the exam, unless they can demonstrate that they have a valid reason to receive an excused absence from the course coordinator.
7. Students arriving late for a laboratory exam must receive permission from the course coordinator (or designee) to take the examination.
8. For students not on an approved leave of absence, only the course coordinator can grant an excused absence for an examination (didactic, lab, clinical).
9. Students who miss an examination receive 0.00 points.
10. Failure of a student to secure an excused absence or to make up all approved eligible assessments, assignments, and examinations by the assigned deadlines will result in 0.00 points.
11. Students are responsible for checking the accuracy of all posted scores within seven calendar days of posting or receipt.
12. Students found responsible for cheating or academic dishonesty in any form on any examination, quiz, assignment, or on anything related to the College of Podiatric Medicine curriculum will automatically be given a failing grade (0.000 points, F grade) for that specific academic item.

HIPAA Training

All students are required to complete HIPAA training.

Immunizations

In order to ensure that all students are protected against preventable communicable illness, the following requirements must be met prior to matriculation or within 60 days of classes starting.

Incomplete Mark

Refer to the policy in the University Catalog for information on the process and deadline for the Incomplete mark for a graduate course.

Lecture Capture

It is a violation of copyright law to copy, download or print any portion of any recorded lectures.

Leave of Absence Procedure

For the university policy on Leave of Absence for Graduate Studies, please refer to the Academic Policies section of this Catalog.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Students in April of their third year summer term are required to take and pass an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) that covers multiple areas and topics, including podiatric medicine, podiatric surgery and biomechanics.

Professionalism Deficiency Evaluation

Professional behavior is always expected of students on campus, in clinic, during college events and while on outside rotations.

Registration for the College Podiatric Medicine

All students must complete a registration each year.

Remediation and Mandatory Academic Counseling

Students may remediate an F (fail) or U (unsatisfactory) grade by receiving a satisfactory grade after remediation of the course or clinical rotation.

Student Conduct

A finding of responsibility for violating college or university policy will lead to a review by the dean of the college and may result in summary dismissal from the program.

Student Malpractice Insurance Coverage

Podiatric Medicine students are covered by the college's malpractice insurance policy for all official clinical rotations.

Technical Standards and Essential Requirements for Student Education in the College of Podiatric Medicine

The College of Podiatric Medicine is committed to the admission and advancement of all qualified students.

Test Review Procedure

Students may review an examination by appointment only with the course coordinator, and only for a period extending two weeks following the conclusion of the exam cycle.

Transfer and Advanced Standing Admissions

Advanced Standing is credit(s) granted by a college to a student for studies completed elsewhere.

Full Description

The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree prepares students for the podiatric medicine field.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio.

Why Kent State University

Students who graduate from Kent State University's College of Podiatric Medicine find themselves at the forefront of the podiatry profession.

Scholarships

Discover all the scholarship opportunities for students at Kent State.

Graduate Aid and Assistantships

Many graduate programs offer one of three types of graduate assistantships: administrative, teaching or research.