Certified Pedorthist – Practicing in Canada

In addition to holding a pedorthic designation, applicants must have a university degree, courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Biomechanics/Kinesiology and Ethics – or equivalent.

Once the pre-requisites have been verified a candidate may enroll in a Pre-certification Program – the program selected must be recognized by the American Board (ABCOP) or College of Pedorthics of Canada (CPC)

If the applicant has training or a credential from another organization please contact PFA Canada to have your program evaluated.

Pedorthic Professional Curriculum

The professional curriculum portion is the academic “core” of the curriculum and is intentionally designed to provide each student with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for entry into the practice of pedorthics. All learning experiences must be accompanied by instructional objectives. These objectives will clearly outline the educational expectations with measurable outcomes while delineating the responsibilities of the learning facilitator and the participating student.

BASIC SCIENCES

The following sciences are required as a foundation for the pedorthist:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Biomechanics/Kinesiology
• Gait analysis (normal and pathological gait)
• Clinical pathology in relation to pedorthics

CURRICULUM CONTENT AREAS

The following content areas related to pedorthics must be included in the curriculum:

• Material science
• Shoe theory and fitting techniques
• Orthotic theory related to the foot and ankle
• Practice/Business management
• Pedorthic Professional Issues: organizations, licensure, accreditation and certification

Each student must demonstrate the ability to complete the following essentials of the patient evaluation process competently:

PATIENT EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT

Perform a comprehensive assessment of the patient using standardized assessment tools and skills to obtain an understanding of patient’s pedorthic needs. These include:

1. History
2. Patient Assessment

• Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)
• Range of Motion (ROM)
• Sensory testing
• Joint stability
• Observational gait analysis
• Cognitive ability
• Skin integrity
• Proper foot size measurements
• Leg measurement (length and circumference)
• Plantar foot pressure analysis

COMMUNICATION

• Consultation with other health care professionals and caregivers
• Determine appropriateness and method for referring patient to other health care professionals.
• Document services using established record-keeping techniques to record patient assessment and treatment plans, communicate manufacturing requirements and meet standards for reimbursement and regulatory agencies.
• Effectively communicate with the patient and/or caregiver regarding recommended pedorthic treatment plan.

FORMULATION OF A TREATMENT PLAN

• Interpret evaluation findings to formulate a pedorthic treatment plan.
• Develop a comprehensive pedorthic treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of the patient.
• Discuss the indications for and uses of pedorthic devices.
• Identify design, materials and components to support the pedorthic treatment plan.
• Demonstrate the ability to educate the patient, caregiver and family in the use and care of pedorthic devices.
• Effectively interact through written, oral and nonverbal communication with the patient, family, caregiver and other health care professionals in a professionally appropriate manner.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A TREATMENT PLAN

• Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate techniques to obtain accurate impressions and measurements.
• Perform the necessary procedures using accepted techniques, tools and equipment to provide appropriate pedorthic services.
• Demonstrate an understanding of indications/contraindications of current pedorthic components and materials.
• Select appropriate materials and components for the pedorthic device based on patient needs.
• Modify the positive model using accepted practices and techniques.
• Describe the possible interaction between the device and the patient with respect to corrective and accommodative treatment.
• Use mechanical principles such as mechanical advantage, multiple point force systems, and torque to address pathomechanical problems in pedorthic device design.
• Demonstrate current and accepted fabrication and assembly procedures in order to prepare for fitting and delivery of pedorthic device.
• Review quality and structural stability of the pedorthic device based on the needs and goals of the patient.
• Evaluate the fit and function of the pedorthic device(s) as used by the patient and adjust as necessary to obtain optimal function for the specific patient.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the use of ground reaction force vectors during ambulation with and without the pedorthic device.
• Use appropriate and safe patient transfer methods during sessions. Provide appropriate instruction to patients, families and caregivers on care, use, maintenance, donning and doffing procedures, skin care and wearing schedules for pedorthic interventions.
• Document services using established record-keeping techniques and standards for reimbursement and regulatory agencies.
• Document patient and caregiver understanding of instructions.

FOLLOW-UP TREATMENT PLAN

• Develop a long term follow up plan for comprehensive pedorthic care that includes periodic evaluation for pedorthic interventions and modifications as needed to maintain optimal fit and function.

PRACTICE/BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

• Demonstrate proper documentation and billing techniques.
• Demonstrate knowledge of common business policies and procedures for pedorthic practice. (i.e., premise/product/professional liability insurance, inventory management)
• Demonstrate awareness and an understanding of federal regulations pertaining to pedorthic practices.

SPECIFIC PEDORTHIC CONTENT AREAS

Common Pathologies in Pedorthic Practice Students must identify the clinical aspects of common diseases, pathologies and deformities that involve the foot and ankle. These must include, but are not limited to:

1. Abnormal pronation
2. Abnormal supination
3. Convex pes valgus
4. Talipes calcaneovalgus
5. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
6. Metatarsalgia
7. Metatarsus adductus
8. Hallux rigidus
9. Hallux abducto valgus
10. Hallux adducto varus
11. Metatarsus adductus
12. Forefoot varus
13. Rearfoot varus
14. Forefoot valgus
15. Rearfoot valgus
16. Plantar flexed first ray
17. First ray insufficiency
18. Toe deformities
19. Tarsal coalitions
20. Plantar fasciitis
21. Morton’s neuroma
22. Hindfoot osteoarthritis
23. Midfoot osteoarthritis
24. Diabetic ulcerations
25. Musculoskeletal: fractures, post-surgical procedures
26. Neuromuscular: hereditary sensory motor disorders, spinal cord injuries, polio
27. Charcot changes in the diabetic neuropathic foot
28. Rheumatoid arthritis
29. Overuse syndromes
30. Pediatric disorders
31. Diabetes mellitus
32. Peripheral vascular disease
33. Trauma
34. Pediatric and congenital etiologies
35. Osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle

TREATMENT MODALITIES

Over-the-counter (OTC) Shoes – The student must demonstrate the ability to:

• Perform a lower limb assessment including a detailed foot assessment (rearfoot and forefoot alignment, subtalar and midtarsal stability and function) to obtain accurate information for formulating a treatment plan.
• Apply knowledge of normal anatomy, normal and abnormal biomechanics of the lower limb in combination with a foot assessment to develop an effective treatment plan.
• Identify the clinical considerations for use of off the shelf footwear for managing relevant pedorthic pathologies.
• Explain the indications and contraindications for use of the commonly used shoe designs and materials with relation to patient diagnosis and clinical presentation.
• Demonstrate competency in footwear material and design selection as well as fit assessment and improvement.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Arch Supports and Foot Care Products – The student must demonstrate the ability to:

• Perform a lower limb assessment including a detailed foot assessment (rearfoot and forefoot alignment, subtalar and midtarsal stability and function) to obtain information for formulating a customized pedorthic treatment plan.
• Apply knowledge of normal anatomy, normal and abnormal biomechanics of the lower limb in combination with a foot assessment to develop a pedorthic treatment plan.
• Identify the clinical considerations for use of OTC arch supports and foot care for relevant pedorthic pathologies.
• Explain the indications and contraindications for use of common designs and materials with relation to the patient diagnosis and clinical presentation.
• Demonstrate competency in device selection, measurement acquisition, and material and component selection for various functional and accommodative designs.
• Demonstrate competency in fit assessment and improvement of these devices.
• Understand the clinical indications and uses of both prefabricated and custom foot orthoses to enhance function and mobility.
• Use knowledge of shoe wear and modifications in the pedorthic treatment plan to optimize outcomes for the patient.

Custom Foot Orthoses – The student must demonstrate the ability to:

• Perform a lower limb assessment including a detailed foot assessment (rearfoot and forefoot alignment, subtalar and midtarsal stability and function) to obtain information for formulating a pedorthic treatment plan.
• Apply knowledge of normal anatomy, normal and abnormal biomechanics of the lower limb in combination with a foot assessment to develop a pedorthic treatment plan.
• Identify the clinical considerations for use of custom foot orthoses for relevant pedorthic pathologies.
• Explain the indications and contraindications for use of the common designs and materials with relation to patient diagnosis and clinical presentation.
• Demonstrate competency in device selection, casting, foam impression, material and component selection and current fabrication processes for various functional and accommodative designs.
• Demonstrate competency in fit assessment and improvement of custom foot orthoses.
• Understand the clinical indications and uses of both prefabricated and custom foot orthoses to enhance function and mobility.
• Use knowledge of shoe wear and modifications in the pedorthic treatment plan for optimal outcomes.

Custom Molded Shoes – The student must demonstrate the ability to:

• Perform an assessment of lower limbs including a detailed foot assessment (rearfoot and forefoot alignment, subtalar and midtarsal stability and function) to obtain information for formulating a treatment plan.
• Apply your knowledge of normal anatomy, normal and abnormal biomechanics of the lower limb in combination with a foot assessment to develop a patient treatment plan.
• Identify the clinical considerations for use of custom molded shoes for relevant pedorthic pathologies.
• Demonstrate competency in impression and measurement acquisition, and material and component selection.
• Demonstrate competency in fit assessment and improvement of custom molded shoes.

Shoe Modifications – The student must demonstrate the ability to:

• Perform a lower limb assessment including a detailed foot assessment (rearfoot/forefoot alignment, subtalar and midtarsal stability and function) to obtain information for formulating a treatment plan.
• Apply knowledge of normal anatomy, normal and abnormal biomechanics of the lower limb in combination with a foot assessment to develop a treatment plan.
• Identify the clinical considerations for use of shoe modifications for relevant pedorthic pathologies.
• Demonstrate competency in safe use of equipment, material and component selection and current fabrication processes for various shoe modifications.

UCBL Orthoses – The student must demonstrate the ability to:

• Perform a lower limb assessment including a detailed foot assessment (joint mobility, rearfoot and forefoot alignment, subtalar and midtarsal stability and function) to obtain information for formulating a pedorthic treatment plan.
• Apply knowledge of normal anatomy, normal and abnormal biomechanics of the lower limb in combination with a foot assessment to develop a pedorthic treatment plan.
• Explain the indications and contraindications for use of the common designs and materials with relation to patient diagnosis and clinical presentation.
• Demonstrate proficiency in design selection, casting and measurement acquisition, material selection and fabrication processes for UCBL’s.
• Demonstrate competency in fit assessment and improvement of UCBL’s.
• Understand the clinical indications and use of UCBL’s to enhance function and mobility.
• Use knowledge of shoe wear and modifications in the pedorthic treatment plan to optimize outcomes.

Subtalar Control Foot Orthoses (SCFO)

A SCFO is defined as a custom device designed to manage the function of the anatomy distal to the ankle joint by primarily controlling the ROM of the subtalar joint; the proximal height does not extend beyond the junction of the gastrocnemius and the Achilles tendon. A SCFO is a method of treatment for conditions related to the foot demanding additional surface area to control forces.

The student must demonstrate the ability to:

• Select and employ appropriate evaluation methods to obtain accurate information for use in formulating a comprehensive pedorthic treatment plan.
• Apply knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and pathomechanics to develop a comprehensive pedorthic treatment plan.
• Formulate comprehensive pedorthic treatment plans to meet patient needs using subtalar control foot orthoses
• Explain the indications and contraindications for use of the common SCFO designs and materials with relation to patient diagnosis and clinical presentation.
• Demonstrate competency in impression and measurement acquisition, material selection, and knowledge of fabrication processes for SCFO designs
• Demonstrate competency in fit assessment and improvement of SCFOs
• Understand the use of SCFOs for the enhancing function and/or decreasing patient pain.
• Use knowledge of shoe wear and modifications in the pedorthic treatment plan to optimize outcomes. Understand and explain the limitations of the pedorthic Scope of Practice and how it relates to the use of SCFO’s in pedorthic treatment.

Toe-filler / Partial Foot Prosthetic Inserts – The student must demonstrate the ability to:

• Perform lower limb assessment including a detailed residual limb assessment (subtalar and talocrural joint range of motion; length assessment of the gastrocnemius, soleus and tibialis posterior; skin integrity; pressure/load tolerant and intolerant tissues and structures), prosthetic device history and activity level (past, current and future expectations) for use in formulating a pedorthic treatment plan for the patient.
• Apply knowledge of kinesiology, biomechanics and pathomechanics to describe the force between the patient and the prosthesis during loading and unloading throughout gait. Explain the biomechanical mechanism for development of an equinovarus deformity. Discuss biomechanical rationale for the addition of a rocker sole and shank to the shoe, including discussion of design principles for rocker placement. Compare and contrast the biomechanical differences between partial foot prosthesis designs that incorporate the ankle vs. designs that do not incorporate the ankle.
• Demonstrate competency in impression and measurement acquisition, material and component selection, and knowledge of accepted techniques for the fabrication of the following partial foot designs (for transmetatarsal and more distal partial foot amputations): Partial foot orthosis / toe filler, Rocker sole, sole stiffener and heel lift.
• Demonstrate competency in fit assessment and improvement of partial foot prosthetic inserts.
• Explain the indications and contraindications for use of the common designs and materials relative to patient diagnosis and clinical presentation.
• Use knowledge of shoe wear and modifications as part of the pedorthic treatment plan to optimize outcomes.

Prefabricated Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO)  – The student must demonstrate the ability to:

• Select and employ appropriate evaluation methods (MMT, ROM, sensory testing, gait analysis, postural evaluation) to obtain accurate information for use in formulating a comprehensive pedorthic treatment plan.
• Apply knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and pathomechanics to develop a comprehensive pedorthic treatment plan.
• Formulate comprehensive pedorthic treatment plans to meet patient needs and achieve goals using the following prefabricated AFO devices (the goal of a pedorthic AFO device is the treatment of foot pathologies): Night splint, Boot type AFO (pressure relief or pneumatic walker)
• Demonstrate competency in measurement acquisition and design and size selection for these specified AFO designs.
• Demonstrate competency in fit assessment and improvement of these devices.
• Understand and explain the clinical indications and use of these AFOs for enhancing function.
• Use knowledge of shoe wear and modifications in the pedorthic treatment plan to optimize outcomes.
• Understand and explain the limitations of the pedorthic Scope of Practice and how it relates to the use of AFO’s in pedorthic treatment.

Candidates must also complete clinical training under a certified pedorthist.   All candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all curriculum areas and be signed off by a certified pedorthist prior to being permitted to write the certification exam.

Candidates must meet exam eligibility requirements, write and pass the Pedorthic Certification exam offered by ABCOP or CPC and be awarded either a C.Ped, or  C.Ped (C) designation. All exams may be written in Canada.

Submit the PFA Canada “Exam / Membership Application” along with the $150 fee. This fee covers application processing and the exam. Exam Application

Who is required to write this exam?

All Certified Pedorthists who have:

• Met the PFA Canada Certified Pedorthic requirements.
• Want to become a certified pedorthist member of PFA Canada

What is the purpose of this exam?
PFA Canada has developed a university level Canadian Standards Pedorthic  exam with both written and practical components.  Passing this exam confirms that individuals meet Canadian pedorthic standards and are Canadian Certified Pedorthists. These pedorthists will be granted a Canadian Pedorthic Licence (CPL) and will be added to the PFA Canada online membership directory as verification of this licence.

Exam Dates
There is no set schedule of dates. Exam dates are scheduled individually upon request.

Exam Fee and Re-writes
$150.00 each
There is a required 30 day period before a candidate can re-write an exam.

Exam locations
Either of the two PFA Canada office locations
1. Bedford, Nova Scotia
2. St. Thomas, Ontario