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Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Foot Care Nurse in Canada | AFCN Learning Institute

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you enrol. Can't find your answer? Contact us directly.

It's a comprehensive training program for licensed nurses in Canada who want to specialize in foot care. The course combines self-paced online theory with hands-on clinical training so you're prepared to practice safely and confidently.

The curriculum covers:

  • Foot anatomy and assessment
  • Nail and skin care techniques
  • Diabetic foot management
  • Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC)
  • Safe use of foot care instruments
  • Clinical decision-making

You'll complete the theory online at your own pace, then attend three days of clinical training with an experienced educator. See the full course page for the complete curriculum.

The theory is self-paced, so you move through it on your own schedule. The clinical component is three days (approximately 21 hours) with an educator. Both must be completed within one year of enrolment.

Both. The theory portion is 100% online, so you can complete it from anywhere in Canada. The clinical portion (three days) is in-person with one of our clinical partners or via virtual hands-on training with an instructor.

Our programs are designed to align with the CAFCN (Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses) national competencies and infection prevention standards. Upon completion, you receive a Certificate of Completion.

There is currently no governing authority in Canada that formally approves or accredits post-secondary foot care nurse education. It's up to each nurse to evaluate their training options and make an informed choice.

Not yet. The CAFCN is working with the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) to develop a national portfolio certification, expected to launch in 2026. For now, completing a course gives you a Certificate of Completion — not a national certification.

More details: cafcn.ca/education/certification

No formal written exam. Your competency is assessed through course completion and a clinical evaluation by your educator.

No. This is medical and nursing foot care education. The focus is clinical assessment, infection control, and care for medically complex clients — not cosmetic or esthetic pedicures.

Courses are ongoing — you can start at any time. The clinical days are booked around your schedule with your clinical partner.

Webinars run at set dates and times via Zoom. You'll receive the link when you sign up and again the day before the session.

Licensed nurses — RNs, RPNs, and NPs — who want to add foot care to their clinical skill set. Many of our students are nurses leaving hospital or shift work to build an independent foot care practice.

Yes. You must hold current, active registration with your provincial nursing regulatory body. Registered nursing students currently enrolled in an accredited program are also accepted with proof of enrolment.

If you're a PSW, support worker, caregiver, or patient, we offer a separate Basic Foot Care Course designed specifically for non-nurses.

Yes. If you're currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program, you can take the course with proof of enrolment. Many students choose to complete certification courses alongside their nursing education so they're ready to practise sooner after graduation.

No. You need an active or temporary practising licence in good standing with your provincial regulatory body to enrol and complete the clinical component.

Absolutely. You can enrol immediately and work through the theory at your own pace. The clinical placement doesn't need to happen right away. Just remember: both theory and clinical must be completed within one year of enrolment to receive your certificate.

You start with an active nursing licence, then complete a specialized foot care education program that includes theory, infection prevention training, and hands-on clinical skills. That's exactly what this course provides. After completing both theory and clinical, you'll receive your Certificate of Completion and can begin practising.

Three days (approximately 21 hours) of hands-on training in clinic, home, and/or facility settings with an experienced foot care nurse educator. You'll practise real skills in real environments — not just watch demonstrations.

When you register, you'll receive an email with a list of clinical partners across Canada. Choose one in your area and reach out to them. They'll work with you to schedule your three clinical days around your availability.

We're flexible — you don't have to complete all three days consecutively, and clinicals run year-round on days that work for you.

No. All tools and equipment are provided during your clinical training. Purchasing a personal kit is optional and something most nurses do after completing the course.

Yes. If you want more hands-on time beyond the included three days, we offer add-on clinical training:

  • 3 additional days: $1,400
  • 1 additional day: $475

No. You must complete both the theory and the clinical component before practising independently. The clinical training is where you develop the practical skills and confidence needed to provide safe care.

The program doesn't include a physical textbook — all theory content is delivered online through our learning platform.

The course fee is the same for all students, regardless of whether you have a mentor. Every student completes clinical training with our instructors. That said, having a mentor in your area is a great bonus for extra practice. If you don't have one, you can practise on family or friends and submit casework for review.

Both theory and clinical must be completed within one year of enrolment. Extensions are not guaranteed and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you think you may need more time, reach out to us early so we can discuss your options.

Debridement is within the scope of practice for RNs and RPNs in Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. However, scalpel use (sharps debridement) varies by province — for example, it is not permitted in B.C.

Rules also differ by work setting. In hospitals and long-term care homes, you may need a physician's order. In community settings, nurses may initiate debridement independently, but collaboration with a physician is recommended.

Bottom line: Check with your province's nursing college for specific scope-of-practice rules. We cover this topic thoroughly in the course.

We did a national competitive analysis before setting our price. Here's what we found:

  • Most college-level and single-educator courses fall between $600–$1,200
  • A small group of educators charge $3,200–$3,500+
  • Very few courses exist in the middle

We set our tuition at $1,950 intentionally — competitive, accessible to more nurses, and reflective of what you're actually getting: full online theory, three days of hands-on clinicals, and a structured program that's more in-depth than lower-priced options and more affordable than premium-priced ones.

Yes. We offer reasonable payment plans. Email [email protected] to set one up.

Yes — many nurses are eligible for up to $1,500 per year in continuing education funding. In Ontario, apply through:

Include a copy of your Certificate of Completion and your AFCN payment receipt with your application. All other provinces have similar programs through their nursing associations.

All sales are final. There are no refunds for online theory courses, clinical training, forms, or products once payment has been made. This policy is outlined in our Terms of Use, which you agree to when creating your account.

Many of our graduates do exactly that. The course prepares you for clinical readiness, and where your provincial regulations allow, you can start an independent practice. Others add foot care services to an existing nursing role. Either way, you'll leave the course with the skills and confidence to get started.

We have a full catalogue of continuing education to support your growth:

  • Practice Standards Skills Series — sharpen your clinical expertise
  • Forms, Policies & Manuals — build your business toolkit
  • Business Mastery Program — learn to run your practice like a CEO
  • Monthly webinars — stay current on industry topics
  • VIP Foot Masters Network — a private Facebook community for students, graduates, and educators to share resources, get support, and network

We also help connect graduates with employment opportunities when they're available. Many clinical educators hire strong students directly.

Browse everything: Education & Professional Resources

It's a free, interactive directory on our website where qualified foot care nurses in our network can get listed. Clients looking for a foot care nurse in their area can find you directly through the map.

Eligible nurses include course graduates, clinical partners, and anyone who has purchased our products. Registration is free and takes about two minutes.

Register and view the live map →

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