The Lifetime Awarding Level 3 Diploma for the Foot Health Care Practitioner RQF Qualification (601/5502/4) is a fully recognised qualification listed on the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework). It carries 37 credits which can be transferred to progress onto further study (e.g. a degree).

The Lifetime Awarding Level 3 Diploma for the Foot Health Care Practitioner RQF develops the knowledge, skills and competence required for learners to work as Foot Health Care Practitioners. This qualification promotes awareness of preventing and treating foot disorders and provides information on setting up in practice. The knowledge, understanding and skills equip learners to be occupationally competent and gain experience in dealing with common foot and skin problems.

This Level 3 Diploma for the Foot Health Care Practitioner qualification is suitable for learners aged 18 and above who work or who are looking to work within the Health and Social Care sector. It provides Learners with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and understanding to operate as a Foot Health Care practitioner.

About our Foot Health Course

This course is made up of twelve lessons of theory training, which you complete from the comfort of your own home, and two weeks of practical foot health practitioner training, which is completed at our state-of-the-art Foot Health Training Centre in Birmingham. For more information on the practical training, please visit our dedicated Foot Health website at www.foothealthschool.com.

What can I do once I have successfully achieved the Diploma for the Foot Health Care Practitioner RQF Level 3?

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress into working within a Foot Care Practitioner role, running their own Foot Care Practice or progressing to generic management qualifications or specialist management qualifications for the health and social care sector.

Become a chiropodist/podiatrist. If you wish to increase your responsibilities and build your career, you could continue your education and training to become a chiropodist/podiatrist, earning up to £39,000+*/year.

*Source: Payscale.com, Sept. 2012.

Lifetime Awarding Level 3 Diploma for the Foot Health Care Practitioner (RQF)

Unit One: Therapeutics, medications and instruments for the foot health care practitioner (A/506/9529)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand treatments used in foot health care.
• Understand the risks of corticosteroids in foot health care.
• Be able to apply covers and dressing materials to the foot.
• Be able to use foot health care instruments.

Unit Two: Treatment of dermatological pathologies for the foot health care practitioner (A/506/9532)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know the structure and function of the skin.
• Understand the importance of nutrition for skin health.
• Understand disorders and conditions which affect the skin of the foot.
• Understand dermatological pathologies of the foot.
• Be able to treat dermatological pathologies of the foot safely.
• Be able to record details of treatment for legislative purposes.
• Be able to sanitise the work area after treatment.

Unit Three: Circulation for the foot health care practitioner (D/506/9524)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know the importance of measuring blood pressure for foot health care.
• Be able to check the circulation of the lower limb.
• Understand circulatory disorders of the lower limb.      

Unit Four: Communicate and record information in a foot health care environment (H/506/9525)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able communicate with foot health care client.
• Be able to record information relevant to foot health care.
• Understand how to communicate with other professionals.
• Outline the importance of keeping records of communications sent to professionals.

Unit Five: Infection prevention and control for foot care practitioners (K/506/9526)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know how infection of the feet is caused.
• Know how infection can spread.
• Be able to maintain hygiene when administering foot care.
• Be able to use sterilisation methods for foot health care.
• Be able to dispose of waste safely in a foot healthcare environment.

Unit 6: Nail dystrophies in foot health care (M/506/9527)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know the structure and function of nails
• Understand the importance of nutrition for clients’ nail health.
• Know the dystrophies of nails.
• Understand how to treat nail dystrophies safely.
• Be able to treat nail dystrophies.
• Be able to follow procedures to legislative requirements.

Unit Seven: Supporting clients with Diabetes in foot health care (M/506/9530)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the regulation of blood sugar levels.
• Understand complications due to diabetes being uncontrolled.
• Be able to test for sensory function of the lower limb.
• Be able to support clients with diabetes in foot health care.
• Demonstrate how to administer first aid safely to diabetics.
• Explain the importance of recording all treatments and discussions in line with legal requirements.

Unit Eight: Principles of anatomy and physiology for the foot health care practitioner (T/506/9528)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Know the structure and function of the circulatory system.
• Know how the respiratory system functions.
• Understand the structure and function of the muscular skeletal system.
• Know the structure and function of the nervous system.
• Know the process of immunity.
• Know the functions of systems that maintain balance within the body.

Unit Nine: Setting up a practice in foot health care (T/506/9531)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the business logistics of setting up a practice for foot health care.
• Understand the steps in assessing a business opportunity.
• Be able to plan a foot health care business.

Unit Ten: Apply foot care treatment procedures (Y/506/9523)

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to prepare for foot care treatments.
• Be able to make recommendations for treatment.
• Be able to carry out treatment safely.
• Be able to apply nail cutting techniques safely.
• Be able to safely apply abrasion techniques for nails and skin.
• Be able to evaluate foot care treatments.

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support
• The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £75.00).