Level 4 RQF Diploma for the Foot Health Care Practitioner

The IA Level 4 RQF Diploma for the Foot Health Care Practitioner is a regulated qualification in the UK that equips learners with the skills and knowledge to deliver professional, advanced foot health care services.

The IA Level 4 RQF Diploma for the Foot Health Care Practitioner is a government-regulated qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and it’s recognised across Europe via the European Qualifications Framework (EQF).

This qualification is designed for individuals who want to become fully qualified foot health care practitioners. Upon completion, you will be able to assess, treat, and manage a variety of foot and nail conditions that go beyond the scope of cosmetic pedicures.

Qualification Overview

• Level: 4 (equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study)
• RQF Status: Regulated by Ofqual, giving it national recognition.
• EQF Equivalent: Level 5 across Europe.

It’s ideal for

·      Career changers seeking entry into the health and wellness field

·      Individuals wanting to open a private foot health clinic or work in medical/healthcare settings.

·      Beauty or nail professionals looking to expand into advanced clinical foot care

·      A new qualification that aligns to the NHS England Standards for the Foot Health Workforce.

Purpose of the Diploma

This qualification is designed to train practitioners in advanced foot health care so they can provide treatments beyond the scope of beauty therapists or pedicure professionals. It bridges the gap between beauty-based pedicures and podiatry.

Graduates are qualified to:

• Diagnose and treat common foot and nail conditions (such as ingrown toenails, fungal infections, corns, calluses, verrucae, etc.)
• Use specialist instruments and clinical techniques safely.
• Understand anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the foot and lower limb.
• Deliver care for patients with conditions like diabetes where specialist foot care is crucial.
• Work independently in private practice, alongside podiatrists, or within NHS/community health settings.

 Career Pathways After Completion

 Learners who achieve this qualification could progress into employment working as a Foot Health Care Practitioner, either in private practice, care homes, domiciliary or hospitals.

Learners could also progress to generic management qualifications, specialist management qualifications for the health and social care sector, or further study or training such as the Level 5 Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship or foundation degree.

• Open your own Foot Health Clinic
• Work in multidisciplinary practices (GP surgeries, podiatry clinics, care homes)
• Provide mobile foot health care services

·       Collaborate with GPs, Podiatrists, Care Homes, or even the NHS (in some areas)

• Progress to further study in podiatry or related healthcare fields

About your Level 4 RQF Diploma

This qualification carries 40 credits which can be transferred to progress onto further study (e.g. a Degree)

Qualification Number: 610/4007/1

Credit Value: 40

Entry requirements: There are no formal entry requirements. The qualification is regulated for learners aged 18 years and older and is particularly suitable for learners who have achieved qualifications or apprenticeships at Level 2 or Level 3 in Adult Care or Healthcare Support.

Innovate Awarding RQF Level 4 Diploma for the Foot Health Care Practitioner 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

including professional referrals and managing client information effectively.

This qualification has been developed in line with the Standards for the Foot Health Workforce published by Health Education England in 2021.

·      Enrol any time

·      12 months to complete — but can be done sooner

·      Work at your own pace with flexible learning

·      Complete the theory modules from home, with tutor support

·      Once theory is complete, attend a 2-week intensive clinical training at our academy in Bournemouth, Dorset

·      Flexible Payment Options

·      Spread the cost with interest-free instalments over up to 18 months.

Core Skills Include:

                  •               Anatomy & Physiology of the Lower Limb

                  •               Common Foot & Nail Disorders (e.g. fungal infections, ingrown nails, calluses)

                  •               Infection Control & Clinical Hygiene

                  •               Client Assessment & Consultation Skills

                  •               Nail Trimming and Debridement

                  •               Corn and Callus Removal Techniques

                  •               Diabetic Foot Assessment

                  •               Use of Instruments and Equipment

                  •               Legal, Ethical, and Professional Practice

Structure and guided learning hours:

 There are 10 units to complete.

1. Therapeutics, medications and

instruments for the foot health care practitioner 10hrs

2. Treatment of dermatological pathologies for the foot health care practitioner 10hrs

3. Nail and skin dystrophies in foot health care 11hrs

4. Circulation for the foot health care practitioner 3hrs

5. Communicate and record

information in a foot health care environment 5hrs

6. Infection prevention and control for foot care practitioners 6hrs

7. Supporting clients with diabetes in foot health care 10hrs

8. Principles of anatomy and

physiology for the foot health care practitioner 25hrs

9. Setting up a practice in foot health care 10hrs

10. Conduct a foot examination 20hrs

You can enrol any time and start learning straight way at your own pace.

Enrolment & Course Guide

IA Level 4 RQF Diploma – Foot Health Care Practitioner

Enrolment Process

1. Complete the Course Booking Form

• Fill in the booking form and email it to: hello@nailtrainingacademy.com

• Once we receive your form, we’ll register you and issue your invoice for payment.

• After your first payment is received (processed in 1–2 working days), you will receive confirmation of enrolment and access to the online learning platform with all theoretical course materials.

• Printed course modules will be sent to you within 2 weeks of enrolment.

 Course Duration & Practical Training

• You will have 12 months to complete the full qualification.
• The theoretical part is studied at home and includes 10 assignments.
• The practical training runs for 2 consecutive weeks at our Bournemouth clinic, working with real patients under supervision.

Practical Training Details

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
• Lunch Break: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
• Attendance: 100% attendance is required to complete practical hours

Please note:

• Practical dates must be booked in advance with your tutor.
• Once booked, practical dates cannot be changed.
• The theoretical part must be fully completed before your practical training.

Training at the Clinic

• Our clinic is learner-focused, with no more than 5–6 students per cohort, making places highly sought after.
• Homework will also be allocated during your time at the clinic (including weekends), so please ensure you are fully available and free from distractions throughout the course duration.
• You will gain hands-on experience by working with real patients, carrying out full assessments and treatments appropriate to their needs. Our clinics are very busy with a large patient waiting list, ensuring you have plenty of practice opportunities to develop your skills.
• The academy provides access to the latest equipment, giving learners the chance to trial different tools and technologies to help decide what works best for their future practice.

Assessment

• There are no written exams.
• Learner competence is assessed in-clinic, while working directly with patients.

Ongoing Support

• Learners will have access to online practical content for 2 months after completing clinic training, offering additional guidance and support.
• This includes templates, resources, and practical demonstrations, all designed to help graduates build confidence and feel fully supported as they begin their careers.
• Many of our graduates find this invaluable during the early stages of setting up in practice.

Student Kit

 The academy provides each learner with a comprehensive starter kit, containing essential tools and products for beginning practice, including:

• Metal tools and nippers
• Metal files and burrs
• Offloading materials
• Cleaning products
• Kart Podology aftercare products
• Catalogues and additional starter resources

While at the academy, you will only need to use a small selection of your own kit (e.g., monofilament). All other tools and products for training will be provided.

Certification

• Upon completing the course, you will be issued an official confirmation letter for professional bodies and insurance providers, enabling you to begin practicing.
• Your final certificate will be issued within up to 6 months the latest, following the awarding body’s internal and external verification process.
• Learners will be notified as soon as certificates are approved and ready.

Payment schedule:

We offer various payment options and interest free instalments.

 Payment option 1 Full Payment can be made in full or as stated below

£1,225 on registration
£1,000 balance prior to attending clinic training

£397 FHCP Kit prior to attending clinic training

Payment option 2 / 4 months payment £655.50

Payment option 3 / 6 months payment £437

Payment option 4 / 9 months payment £291

Payment option 5 / 12 months payment £218.50

Payment option 6 / 18 months payment £145

Important Information

• You may complete the course while continuing to pay instalments.
• Your Diploma will be issued once full payment has been received.
• After completing the course, you will be issued a qualification completion letter, which enables you to begin practicing and arrange professional insurance while awaiting your official Diploma.
• Please note: there is no government funding available for this qualification.
• Some podiatry clinics may offer sponsorship towards your training costs—this is worth exploring.

🎁 INTA Student Bonuses

As an INTA graduate, you’ll enjoy a range of exclusive benefits designed to support your professional growth and career development:

✅ CPD Discounts & Membership

• 10% discount on all INTA CPD courses.
• Complimentary Institute of CPD membership for your first year.

✅ Events & Workshops

• Access to academy-led events and workshops, keeping your skills and knowledge up to date.

✅ Furniture & Equipment Discounts

• 10% discount on clinic furniture and equipment, including podorills and other electrical tools.
• Flexible payment options available to help you invest in setting up your own clinic.

🎉 FREE Enrolment Bonus

When you enrol, you’ll also receive:

• Advanced Foot Health Pedicure with Kart Peels (worth £390) – completely free!

This course is accredited by CPD Standards Office CPDSO which is globally recognised. Whilst based in the UK, the CPD Standards accreditation operates internationally and meets the CPD requirements and expectations for all professional bodies, regulators and membership organisations across the globe. This means that a professional attending an accredited CPD training activity will receive a CPD Certificate of Attendance, which can then be used towards their national CPD requirements.

• Combine luxury pedicures with essential foot health care, offering a unique service that appeals to both health-conscious and aesthetic-focused clients.
• Learn 3 levels of pedicure services, Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced.
• Online course with 12 months access. Practical part is covered at the clinic.
• Learn how to safely and effectively use peels in foot care, providing your patients with smooth, healthy skin.
• Attract new clients seeking high- quality foot care and pedicures, boosting your practice’s revenue potential.
• Offer a holistic approach to foot care that addresses both appearance and health, setting your practice apart in the industry.
• Receive 35% trade discount to all retail products and full access to the professional product range.
• Various product packages are available

Learn more about the treatments and products on our website

www.kartpodology.com

Parking Information

• There is no on-site parking at the academy.
• Nearby parking options include:

Paid Parking

• The Libertine Car Park (Westbourne) – Closest option.
  • Maximum stay: 4 hours
  • You can move your car and re-park during the lunch break.

Free Parking

• West Overcliff Drive Road – Around a 10-minute walk from the academy.

🚆 Travel

• The coach station is just a 1-minute walk from the academy.
• The nearest airports are Bournemouth and Southampton.
• The nearest train station is Branksome, approximately a 15-minute walk away.
• Alternatively, you can take the M1 or M2 bus, which run every 2–4 minutes.
  • The academy is just 3 stops away, followed by a 1-minute walk from the Westbourne bus stop.

🏨 Where to Stay

• There are plenty of B&Bs and guesthouses in the Westbourne area.
• The academy is located only 15 minutes from the beach, making it a pleasant area to stay.
• The closest hotel is the Premier Inn, Poole Road which ia around 10min walk from the academy.
• Academy postcode: BH4 9AE (use this when booking nearby accommodation).

📩 Contact Us

Tel: 01202 884404

Email: hello@nailtrainingacademy.com
Location: Bournemouth, UK BH4 9AE

www.nailtrainingacademy.com

www.kartpodology.com

www.foothealthcarepractitioner.com