Admissions: FAQ
Q. What can you tell me about Podiatry's professional outlook?
Approximately 10,500 podiatrists currently practice in the United States, and employment is expected to grow 10%-20% by the year 2014. Currently there is a national average of one podiatrist for every 20,000 people.
Most podiatrists have traditionally elected to go into private practice, although more are now entering into partnerships and multi-specialty group practices. Those in partnership tend to report higher earnings than those in solo practice, due to some shared business expenses. 23% of practicing podiatrists are self-employed, and must provide for their own health insurance and retirement benefits.
Other key sources of employment for podiatrists are hospitals, nursing homes, the U.S. Public Health Service, and the Department of Veteran Affairs. 96% of practicing podiatrists report to having staff privileges at local hospitals.
One attractive aspect of the job is the ability to maintain a quality of life. Podiatrists on average work an excess of 36 hours per week for 45 weeks of the year. A majority of work time is spent directly interacting with patients. A manageable workload, combined with infrequent after-hours emergencies, allows podiatrists to have balance in their personal lives. Many podiatrists have chosen the field because it gives them the opportunity to have a fulfilling family life and explore outside interests and hobbies.
The median net income for a podiatrist was reportedly $113,000 in 2004. 18% of respondents reported an annual income greater than $500,000.
Sources: American Podiatric Medical Association (www.apma.org); American Association of the Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (www.aacpm.org); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos075/htm).
Q. What are you looking for in an OCPM candidate?
The historical profile of an OCPM student indicates:
Overall GPA 3.25
Science GPA 3.14
MCAT Test Score 22 (total score, averaged)
Average Age 25 years old
Matriculants Conferred:
Bachelor's Degree: 98%
Dual Degree: 4%
Master's Degree: 11%
OCPM is competitive in acceptance of candidates. Students interested in applying to OCPM should possess critical thinking and problem solving experiences from a comprehensive undergraduate experience. In addition to the standard pre-requisites, we encourage advanced coursework such as: Biochemistry, Physiology, Epidemiology, Genetics, Zoology, etc.
Successful students also report other non-traditional courses can serve to enhance support of the podiatric medical experience: Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Statistics, Global Health, Health Policy, Medical Terminology, Psychology, Economics, and Gerontology and Aging.
It is most important that the candidate's curriculum should serve to benefit the candidate's knowledge in meeting humanism and professionalism compliances in today's medicine.
Do you see yourself in this profile? All candidates are individually reviewed and assessed for propensity of success. Please contact the Dean of Student Affairs if you have additional personal questions or concerns.
What is your preferred admissions test?
We prefer the MCAT test because of its relevance to science-based courses.
Q. Will you accept other standardized tests in place of the MCAT?
At the discretion of the Enrollment Management Committee and under certain circumstances, we will accept other science-specific test scores. Any substitutions will be made at the discretion of and by pre-approval of administrators on an individual and case-by-case basis.
All acceptable, official standardized test scores must have been completed within three years of the date of matriculation to OCPM.
Q. I want to take the preferred MCAT but cannot afford the fees. Is there any way you can assist me financially?
The AAMC, who administers the MCAT test is well aware there are those with extreme financial limitations. You are encouraged to request eligibility to the Fee Assistance Program (FAP) with AAMC before you register for the test. The Program reduces the cost of the test from $210 to $85 for eligible individuals. Visit: www.aamc.org/students/applying/fap for details.
Q. What is the required score from the MCAT test?
For OCPM, the minimum acceptable MCAT score is 21.
A number of students find MCAT Test Preparation courses beneficial. MCAT Practice Tests avaliablePractice Tests available online: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/practicetests.htm
We encourage you to contact the Pre-Health Advisor at your undergraduate institution for guidance in success of MCAT testing.
Q. When is OCPM's application deadline?
We traditionally accept applications until July 1st for fall admissions of the same year, but advise you contact the Dean for exceptions.
We operate on a rolling admissions basis and usually begin receiving applications immediately after Labor Day in September for fall admissions the following year. Scheduling interviews early in the year will ensure optimal scholarship funding availability to qualified applicants.
For priority consideration we suggest applicants submit their admissions materials by April 0 1 of each year for the corresponding academic year.
Q. I don't do well on standardized tests. Can you advise me?
Some students do not perform well on standardized tests. You may generate some anxiety in anticipation of your performance on the scheduled test day.
Most clinicians will advise you to study well in advance of the test and prepare fully for the examination --- and get a good night's sleep!
If you find there are other physiological indicators, we strongly advise you seek medical counsel or therapy.
A comprehensive medical education will be comprised of a series of tests and continuous examinations in demonstrating proficiency and competency throughout your podiatric medical career.
Q. What are the academic requirements for admission?
Successful candidates must complete at least three years of an undergraduate education for a total of 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours.
More than 95% of entering OCPM students will have been conferred a baccalaureate or advanced degree prior to matriculation. Some students may receive their degree upon satisfaction under institutionally established binary agreements.
Candidates should have a science grade point average in the range of 3.0, and must submit acceptable standardized admissions test scores. Completed coursework must include 8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours each in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics with at least 6 semester hours or 9 quarter hours of English as minimal base requirements for candidacy eligibility.
Q. What additional documents are required for admission?
In addition to the academic requirements previously outlined, we ask candidates to submit an online application including a personal statement, with an overview of extracurricular activities and employment experiences.
We also require two (2) letters of recommendation: one from a faculty or pre-med health advisor and one from a podiatrist or other health professional.
An Official Campus Visit will assist in a final decision on an applicant's candidacy.
Q. What is OCPM's rate of Residency placement?
OCPM boasts a 100% Residency placement for the past twenty (20) consecutive years.
This statistic means each year the OCPM graduate has been adequately trained and highly desirable to hospital administrators in all areas of the country. The quality of national programs OCPM residents obtain are often the most highly sought after and respected.
We believe a great component of the successful outcomes in the OCPM podiatric medical education is in our national relevance to an exceptional, quality medical treatment of the patient community in Residency - - - and beyond.
Q. What is OCPM's institutional commitment?
Our commitment is evident in the institutional Mission Statement:
The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine's mission is to educate students to behighly competent doctors of podiatric medicine who excel in residency training.
Q. How successful was the recent campus relocation?
We are all still very excited with the Summer 2007 relocation of our podiatric didactic and related clinical facilities.
The new campus provides 26+ acres in a pristine, suburban setting of Independence, OH, and we have opened three (3) thriving treatment centers in the environs of Cleveland.
Our 7,000 square foot Berlin Auditorium (Steven Berlin DPM, '66) provides two additional classrooms, with combined capacity for a 300-seat lecture hall to complement the existing 115,000 square foot site.
In August 2009, we completed an additional 150-seat classroom (H. Darrell Darby, '56). It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, affording our students a dedicated, enhanced podiatric medical environment.
The technology within the Auditorium provides "smart technology" including interactive whiteboards, screens, video, data projector, lights, and electronic window shades. The "sympodium" operates all media and electronic devices so each professor can control the exact teaching atmosphere from a touch of a button. Lectures can be viewed on-line, and with this new technology, OCPM has the capability of providing distance learning for students and podiatrists for continued medical education courses.
Q. Has OCPM given up its affiliations or clinical training centers?
In the relocation, OCPM has retained - and even gained - successes in all areas.
The new campus building offers moderate clinical provisions to be made available to area residents, with the prospects of expansion in the next few years.
The College has secured clinical sites through a Cleveland Clinic Foundation affiliate which prides itself in care of the diabetic population. This relationship with Huron Hospital results in an optimal effort of providing a continued, extensive podiatric medical education to a deserving Community.
The College has also customized a clinical structure in midtown Cleveland, The Cleveland Foot and Ankle Institute. This site will afford visitation to the population previously serviced by its on-site clinic while providing additional clinical application. The College will also hold community service screenings to benefit both its educational component for students and to the Community.
Additional sites are also being reviewed for future feasibility.
In effect, OCPM has realized increased modes in operation for our student -physicians' clinical and pathological experiences.
OCPM remains committed to its Missions, Visions and Goals for immediate and long-term consideration to our students and to the Podiatric profession.