What’s happened 

The Royal College of Podiatry has issued a statement clarifying training expectations for podiatrists who use diagnostic ultrasound as part of their scope of practice. 

The statement confirms that podiatrists who have not yet completed, or registered for, a CASE-accredited postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) in ultrasound have until the end of July 2026 to meet this requirement to maintain appropriate insurance cover for diagnostic ultrasound practice. 

Previously completed non-CASE accredited short courses in diagnostic ultrasound no longer meet current expectations relating to recognised competency, governance, assurance of practice or insurance requirements. 

Why this matters to members 

Diagnostic ultrasound is used by some podiatrists within their professional practice, and training requirements are linked to regulatory, governance and insurance expectations. 

The clarification is intended to ensure that podiatrists can demonstrate appropriate educational attainment and validated clinical competence through nationally recognised and quality-assured training pathways. 

The College has been working with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that deliver CASE-accredited PG Certs in Medical Ultrasound to explore options for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). However, non-CASE short courses do not equate to the academic level, credit volume or clinical competency framework required for a Level 7 postgraduate certificate. 

What to be aware of 

A CASE-accredited PG Cert in ultrasound comprises 60 postgraduate credits, including defined clinical competencies, supervised practice and structured assessment. Short courses are not designed to meet these requirements and cannot be transferred or counted towards the formal award. 

Similar developments have taken place in other clinical areas, including obstetrics and gynaecology, where ultrasound training has also been aligned with nationally recognised accreditation routes. 

Podiatrists who have previously undertaken non-CASE accredited ultrasound training are advised within the statement to contact relevant HEIs directly to discuss whether prior learning and experience can be evidenced through APL or RPL processes.