A Unique Program Leading to 2 Degrees & a Career in Podiatric Medicine

Foot problems - even small ones - can significantly impact a person's health and quality of life. As a podiatrist, you can get people back on their feet and moving forward. As a Podiatry Program student at Seton Hill, you get all the benefits of a top-notch Biology Program, plus a fast track to Podiatry School. The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) holds seats in its School of Podiatric Medicine just for Seton Hill graduates. You can reserve one of these when you start at Seton Hill, and move straight from earning your bachelor’s degree to getting your Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.

Why Choose the Seton Hill/LECOM Podiatric Medicine Program?

As a student in this program, you will spend four years at Seton Hill:

• Learning the science that supports the practice of podiatric medicine, using advanced technology in state-of-the-art facilities like the Boyle Health Sciences Center.
• Building confidence, as expert faculty and career professionals work with you one-on-one to keep you moving toward your goals.
• Studying in the liberal arts, to ensure that you have a broad knowledge base that will support you in the years to come. 

Then, you’ll move directly into the School of Podiatric Medicine at LECOM, where you’ll benefit from programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care and community service.

Phase I - Undergraduate Study at Seton Hill

If accepted into the program, you will begin Phase I of the program at Seton Hill as a biology major. After completing all undergraduate degree requirements, you will receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hill. Seton Hill’s experienced faculty will provide you with individualized attention in the classroom and the labs, and will also work with you to ensure that all of the prerequisites for Podiatric School are met. 

Phase II - LECOM School of Podiatric Medicine 

If you fulfill the requirements for Phase I and all LECOM entrance requirements, you can then begin Phase II: four years of study at LECOM’s School of Podiatric Medicine in Erie, Pa. Upon successful completion of your studies at LECOM, you will receive a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Podiatric Medicine. 

Careers in Podiatric Medicine

Medical professionals often choose podiatry careers because they can make a direct positive impact on their patients' health while also having a more flexible work/life balance than in other specialities. Podiatrists can:

• Treat a variety of foot and ankle ailments, including heel spurs, arthritis and arch problems.
• Address foot and leg problems associated with diabetes, obesity and other health conditions.
• Perform surgery, such as foot and ankle reconstruction.
• Choose a specialty, such as sports medicine, pediatrics or diabetic foot care.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities in this field are steady. The average median pay for podiatrists in 2022 was more than $148,00 per year. 

Career services at Seton Hill are a lifetime benefit. Our award-winning Career and Professional Development Center will help you with career planning while you’re at Seton Hill, and will remain available to you throughout your time at LECOM and beyond.

Admissions & Aid

At Seton Hill University, we offer streamlined admissions requirements and a comprehensive aid program.