The RCPod Learning Academy is introducing a new continuing professional development (CPD) course covering vascular assessment and lower limb arterial disease. 

The course is designed for podiatrists working in community, hospital and independent practice, including those involved in diabetes care and foot protection services. 

It will focus on recognising peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI), interpreting vascular assessment findings and knowing when patients need referral to specialist services.

What will the course cover? 

Vascular and Lower Limb Arterial Disease begins on Friday 4 December 2026 and runs until 29 January 2027. 

The online programme combines weekly learning materials with three live webinars, allowing participants to study alongside their clinical work. 

The course covers pulse palpation and Doppler waveform assessment, alongside non-invasive vascular testing, including ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), toe-brachial index (TBI) and toe pressure measurements. 

Participants will also examine vascular assessment in people with diabetes, recognising signs of limb threat, and the use of the Wound, Ischaemia and foot Infection (WIfI) classification system. 

Later sessions will focus on referral thresholds, vascular service pathways, secondary prevention and communicating cardiovascular risk to patients. 

The teaching draws on current NICE guidance and international recommendations, with an emphasis on applying findings to everyday podiatric decisions. 

Three live webinars will take place at 6pm on Thursday 10 December 2026, Thursday 14 January 2027 and Thursday 28 January 2027. They will cover the course's competency framework, pharmacology and key medicines, and safe practice. 

Who can take part? 

The course is open to HCPC-registered podiatrists, including clinicians working in general podiatry, diabetes care and foot protection services and those looking to develop their vascular assessment skills. 

Podiatrists based outside the UK may also apply, provided they are registered with an equivalent professional regulatory body in their home country. 

The course costs £300 for Royal College of Podiatry members and £600 + VAT for non-members. 

What happens next? 

The programme begins on Friday 4 December, with online learning continuing into January 2027. 

The final live webinar takes place on Thursday 28 January, and the course concludes on Friday 29 January. 

Full booking information is available on the Royal College of Podiatry's website.