B.S.,
Natural Science,
Pre-Podiatry Track
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
What You'll Do
The rewards of being a podiatrist go beyond its high income potential. There is great satisfaction in helping someone who suffers pain when walking or in helping a child with disabilities stand more comfortably. As a Natural Science Pre-Podiatry major at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, you’ll have the advantage of an accelerated, three-year program that is your first step toward becoming a physician that deals exclusively with diseases and disorders of the foot and ankle.
Students in the Pre-Podiatry track gain an outstanding academic preparation for the challenges of studying podiatric medicine. You’ll benefit from arrangements IUP has made that permit you to transfer credits from your first year at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia to IUP to meet your senior-year graduation requirements.
At IUP, you’ll take classes in the humanities and social sciences and a core of science classes covering biology, chemistry, and physics to prepare you for the challenges of the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. If you prefer to finish your bachelor’s degree in four years, there are other options and majors at IUP you may want to consider.
What You'll Become
The Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science achieved in pursuit of the Pre-Podiatry track will prepare you for admission, after your junior year, to Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, where you can earn a D.P.M. (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) degree. After earning this degree and receiving passing scores on national and state examinations, you can become a licensed podiatric physician.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of podiatrists is expected to increase at an average pace. Job prospects should be good, in part due to the aging population, according to the labor report. Podiatrists may find more opportunities in group medical practices, clinics, and health networks than in traditional solo practices, the report noted.