- Gannon University offers a diverse group of competitive affiliation programs with professional schools to provide qualified students with an advantage over students at other colleges at the time of application. A number of these affiliation programs allow the student to complete the undergraduate phase of the program in three years rather than four, although the majority of students choose to complete a bachelor’s degree prior to attending professional school.
- Gannon offers podiatry affiliation programs with Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine (KSU/CPM) and Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM).
- Gannon graduates have pursued podiatric degrees at the following institutions: Kent State University, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University, Barry University, and Temple University.
You Will Learn
Podiatrists are physicians whose primary focus is to diagnose and treat conditions associated with the foot and ankle. A number of diseases (i.e., diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and kidney disease) initially manifest through symptoms of the lower extremities, and as a result podiatrists are often the first to detect many conditions which may otherwise go unnoticed. Our small class sizes, high-quality academics and customized curricula collectively create a strong foundation for students preparing to apply to podiatry school. Students are able to complete the necessary prerequisite coursework and major in a degree of their choosing (most commonly biology, chemistry or biochemistry). Students are provided with expert advising and numerous resources as they work toward becoming a competitive professional school applicant.
You Will Experience
Gannon University’s pre-podiatry students have the opportunity to
become well-rounded leaders both in and out of the classroom. Their
involvement in service and scholarship activities helps to prepare them
for a career in the health professions. Pre-podiatry students are
eligible to participate in:
- Gannon faculty-led research.
- Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU), a program sponsored by the NSF.
- shadowing opportunities coordinated by the Career Exploration and Development Office.
- workshops reviewing the application process, personal statements, interviewing, etc.
- unique courses including Community Health Coaches (course and
internship), Medical Practice and Training, and an MCAT prep course.
- Gannon University Pre-Health Club.
- Health Professions Theme Community, a residency enrichment program located in North Hall.
You Will Achieve
There are many specific career paths stemming from podiatric medicine. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- orthopedics
- podiatric primary care
- podiatric sports medicine
- podiatric surgery
- podopediatrics
- wound care and management
You Will Earn
Estimates show that the job outlook will continue to increase much faster than average for podiatrists (14-percent growth) through 2024. The median annual salary for these healthcare professionals in 2015 was:
You Will Study
Gannon University has a long history of helping a number of qualified and motivated students successfully achieve acceptance into podiatry school. Students may pursue a major of their choice in which they will receive expert advising. They take a balanced and rigorous course load that includes the fundamental science and math courses podiatry schools require as prerequisite coursework.
Curriculum highlights include hands-on laboratory experiences for most biology and chemistry courses, which are conducted in small interactive group settings of 20-30 students. Some of these courses include:
BIOL 368 and BIOL 369: Animal Physiology and Lab
This course deals with the normal functioning of the body (primarily human body) and its component parts. The course focuses on physiological mechanisms involved in neuronal and chemical signaling, movement, metabolism, respiration, circulation, excretion, etc. The principles and concepts learned in the lecture class are reinforced through hands-on experience in the lab.
BIOL 365 and BIOL 366: Human Gross Anatomy and Lab
The Human Gross Anatomy course is lecture-based and uses a regional approach to study the human body. It is taken simultaneously with Human Gross Anatomy Lab. Dissection of human cadavers by students is a key component of the lab. In addition, learning is facilitated through the use of anatomical models.
CHEM 366: Structural Biochemistry
This course focuses on a systematic study of the biologically important compounds including the amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, carbohydrates and lipids. Emphasis is placed upon the structure, properties, syntheses, reactions and functions of these compounds.
Liberal Studies Core
The Liberal Studies Core Curriculum is one reflection of Gannon University's commitment to
its Catholic identity. The Core's design offers students a defined, integrated, shared
experience as the foundation for their undergraduate program.