Non Nurses

NON Nursing Applicants Taking an advanced foot care course can be a valuable opportunity, especially if you are interested in providing care in your community. Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect and consider: Course Overview Content : Advanced foot care courses typically cover anatomy, common foot conditions, assessment techniques, and practical skills like nail care, callus removal, and diabetic foot care. Certificate: Upon completion, you would receive a certificate indicating your competency in advanced foot care. Implications for Non-Nurses Scope of Practice: As a non-nurse, it’s crucial to understand the scope of practice in your region. You must ensure that the services you provide align with local regulations regarding foot care. Insurance : Obtaining liability insurance is essential when offering foot care services. This protects you in case of any claims arising from your practice. Community Impact : Providing foot care in the community can be immensely beneficial, especially for individuals with diabetes or mobility issues. Your services can help improve overall foot health and prevent complications. Limitations Medical Conditions: You should not provide care for complicated medical conditions (e.g., severe neuropathy or infections) without the guidance or supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. Referral: Be prepared to refer clients to appropriate healthcare providers when necessary. Additional Considerations -Training: Look for courses that are recognized and reputable, ideally accredited by a professional body.

PSA

Alright friends, let’s clear the air—because there’s a whole lot of creative storytelling happening in Ontario right now about “associations,” “institutes,” and what counts as credible in the world of foot care education.

Here’s the straightforward, no-party-hats version:

In Canada, there is only one legitimate national body that sets recognized standards for Foot Care Nursing—and that’s the Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses (CAFCN).

Their original national standards were published in 2012, and their updated 2026 National Standards are aligned with the Canadian Nurses Association’s projected rollout of foot care nursing certification. In other words: if you’re planning your career for where nursing is heading—not where it was—you want to be following those standards.

Now, around the province you may see all kinds of “institutes,” “associations,” and “academies” popping up. And listen… I’m not knocking anyone’s hustle. Many are run by well-meaning nurses who wanted to teach—and there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. But branding something as an “institute” doesn’t magically turn it into a regulatory body, a certifying authority, or a standards-setting organization.

It also doesn’t guarantee that the theory you’re learning aligns with any national framework.

Some of the bargain-priced programs rely heavily on marketing language and very lightly on national standards. Clinical may be fine—hands-on is hands-on—but the theory matters when it comes to safe, evidence-based practice, liability, and where the profession is heading after the CNA certification lands.

So before you invest your time, money, and career direction, do yourself a favour:

➡️ Check if the program’s curriculum is built on CAFCN’s National Standards (2012 + 2026 updates).
➡️ Confirm the education aligns with the CNA’s upcoming certification requirements.
➡️ Remember: a catchy brand name ≠ a governing body.
➡️ Make sure you’re being trained for the future of our profession—not just sold a course.

No shade, no finger-pointing. Just facts that every nurse deserves to know.

If you’re serious about foot care nursing, choose education that’s actually grounded in national standards—not just good marketing.

When & where is the in-class portion? How Many days?

Clinical (in-class) is 3 days it runs from a Thursday to a Saturday in Barrhaven at TiredSole™ Complete Medical Foot Care. Class starts promptly at 09:30 to 4:30pm- Ample free parking and a full kitchen to store lunches.

What are the costs?

Cost is $3,550 plus tax and once you’ve completed the course you can apply to RPNO RPNAO for their $1500 reimbursement for their educational initiative

When will I receive my certification?

There’s no national certification yet

CNA plans to start the certification process in 2026
more info at the Toronto conference in May 2026 and on the CNA website
we follow national standards so grads can apply once it opens
until then in Ontario, there’s no national standard in force, so you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion.

What type of support can I expect to master my skills.

The course includes a one on one mentorship with one of our Foot care nurses at TiredSole™ prior to clinical and here you can see what we do, and how we do it. This is included in the course and is not mandatory. You will also get a full day of hands on with volunteers on day 3 of clinical

1. Perform a comprehensive lower-extremity assessment

Identify circulatory, neurological, dermatological, and structural concerns.
Use CAFCN-recommended assessment frameworks.
Interpret findings to guide safe, evidence-based nursing judgment.

2. Apply infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices to national standards

Demonstrate CSA-compliant cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and packaging.
Maintain aseptic technique throughout foot care interventions.
Implement safe instrument handling and reprocessing workflows in clinical settings.

3. Safely use and maintain professional foot care instruments

Identify instrument purpose, risks, and contraindications.
Demonstrate proper usage for reduction, debridement, and conservative nail care.
Perform cutting, thinning, and contouring techniques safely and effectively under educator supervision.

4. Provide evidence-based care for common foot and nail pathologies

Assess and treat conditions such as corns, calluses, fissures, thickened nails, involuted/ingrown nails, fungal infections, and skin integrity concerns.
Recognize red flags and know when to refer or escalate.
Use appropriate tools and techniques according to national foot care guidelines.

5. Deliver competent diabetic foot care

Understand neuropathy, vascular compromise, and high-risk indicators.
Apply evidence-informed strategies to prevent ulcers and complications.
Conduct risk assessments and create preventative care plans.

6. Demonstrate safe and effective use of a rotary tool

Select correct burs, speeds, and techniques.
Apply tool use safely for nail and callus reduction.
Recognize when NOT to use the rotary tool (because skin is not a sanding project).

7. Plan and implement client-centered foot care

Develop care plans that reflect assessment findings, client goals, and CAFCN competencies.
Educate clients using accessible language.
Document clearly, defensibly, and in alignment with regulatory standards.

8. Apply ethical, legal, and professional standards to practice

Maintain boundaries, informed consent, and client dignity.
Understand scope, accountability, and regulatory responsibilities.
Work according to CAFCN ethics and the CNA’s future certification expectations.

9. Demonstrate safe practice in diverse workplace settings

Adapt care for home-care, community clinics, long-term care, and mobile practice.
Understand workplace safety, ergonomic considerations, and collaborative care roles.

10. Build confidence for independent or employer-based practice

Set up a safe, compliant workspace.
Understand referral pathways and interdisciplinary communication.
Demonstrate readiness for real-world foot care demands — not just textbook scenarios.

Advanced Foot Care Nursing – Course Objectives

(Aligned with CAFCN National Competencies & CNA’s 2026 Certification Direction)

By the end of this program, the learner will be able to: