/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/2024-2025/School-of-Podiatric-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/2024-2025/School-of-Podiatric.json

Graduation Requirements

Graduation from UTRGV SOPM requires the successful completion of pre-clerkship requirements (years 1 and 2), successful completion of the clerkship rotations (years 3 and 4), passing of the APMLE 1, and 2, the demonstration of a degree of professionalism deemed to be essential for all physicians, and satisfactory adherence to all University standards.

The degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is awarded by the Board of Regents upon a student’s successful completion of the graduation requirements, recommendation of the Medical Student Evaluation and Promotion Committee and certification by the Dean of the SOPM to the President. Candidates must:

a. Be at least 18 years of age at the time the degree is awarded;

b. Present evidence of good moral character;

c. Offer evidence of having satisfactorily fulfilled all academic requirements of the four-year medical education program;

d. Comply with all necessary legal and financial requirements;

e. Abide by federal, state, and local statutes and ordinances, both on and off campus;

f. Refrain from behavior incompatible with the responsibilities of the medical profession;

g. Follow the Student Code of Professional Conduct established by The University of Texas System Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents, and UTRGV SOPM prescribed Attributes of Professionalism

h. Complete the medical education program within six (6) years;

i. Complete all required courses and clerkships and the designated minimum number of elective and selective courses with Satisfactory (passing level) performance;

j. Take the APMLE 1 examination before the start of their PMS3 year;

k. Pass the APMLE 1 examination within 3 attempts;

l. Pass the APMLE 2 examination within 3 attempts by October 31 of the year preceding graduation;

m. Demonstrate consistent evidence of professionalism as assessed by the PMSEPC;

n. Receive the PMSEPC’s recommendation for graduation and receipt of the DPM degree.

Degrees will be conferred once a year on Commencement Day in the spring. Students completing requirements for a degree earlier in the year will be conferred the degree on the following Commencement Day but may request the Registrar to provide a Certification of Completion on the date of graduation. Students who fail to meet graduation requirements by the published degree conferral date/Commencement Day may petition the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (or designee) to consider an alternate degree conferral date under extenuating circumstances when the graduating student is expected to begin an internship or residency in July.

Students’ academic and behavioral performances are equally subject to evaluation. Students are expected to be honest, conscientious, respectful, and reliable in carrying out their assignments. Their behavior toward colleagues, faculty, staff, patients, and others with whom they interact in their roles as medical students is expected to be appropriate, reasonable, and considerate—consistent with medical professional standards.