Are you a Kinesiology or STEM student who is preparing to graduate?
With a post-graduate degree in Pedorthics, you can begin a rewarding healthcare career as a Canadian Certified Pedorthist.
Take Western University’s online post-graduate Diploma in Pedorthics program from anywhere in Canada and earn your diploma in as little as 12 months.
What is a Pedorthist?
A Pedorthist is a certified healthcare professional with specialized education and training in assessing lower limb anatomy, muscle and joint function, and custom-made orthotics and orthopaedic footwear.
Pedorthists work with physicians as part of the healthcare team in Canada to ensure the highest levels of patient care. Three levels of Pedorthic certification are offered in Canada: C. Ped (C), C. Ped Tech (C) and C. Ped MC.
As a Certified Canadian Pedorthist, you’ll help to alleviate pain, abnormalities and debilitating conditions of the lower limbs and feet so your patients can enjoy healthy, active lives.
Become a Canadian Certified Pedorthist
Why should I become a Pedorthist?
Pedorthics is a fast-growing, in-demand healthcare profession with high employment prospects.
With a post-graduate Diploma in Pedorthics from Western University, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to start working as a C. Ped (C) immediately.
- 100% of graduates pass the C. Ped (C) certification exam.
- 100% of graduates secure full-time employment within one year of completion.
- Career options such as becoming a small business owner, working in a multi-professional clinic, hospital, etc.
Job opportunities for a C. Ped (C) are abundant in retail locations, as well as clinic and lab settings. You can open an independent practice working for yourself or as a practician in a Pedorthic facility.
No matter what path you choose, Pedorthics will give you the chance to enjoy a long, meaningful career in healthcare helping people every day.
How do I become a Pedorthist?
Start on your path to becoming a Canadian Certified Pedorthist, or C. Ped (C), by applying for Western University’s Diploma in Pedorthics the only post-degree Pedorthics program offered in Canada and available online to anyone across the country.
- Requirements: Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology (for direct-entry) or any other 3 or 4 year degree (for Bridging Program), with a minimum average of 70% in the last two years of study.
- Program: Eight required courses + Two four-month practicums
- Length: One year, full-time or two years, part-time | Bridging program: additional four months
- When: Application Deadline: May 15 | September Start Date; Bridging Program Deadline: April 15| May Start Date
- Tuition: $9000 for domestic students or $20,600 for international students
After completing the program, Diploma of Pedorthic graduates must pass the Canadian Certified Pedorthist certification exam to become a C. Ped (C).
Testimonials
Pedorthics has proven to be a successful decision for me. I was able to take what I wanted in a career combined with my studies and merge them together in a rewarding work environment. Every day is a new day. I can’t image experiencing career burnout. I couldn’t be more blessed!
Kathy Simpson, Canadian Certified Pedorthist, C Ped (C), BHK., B. ED.I love the variety every day, from working as a clinician, in the lab, and as a business owner!
Julia Hayman, Canadian Certified Pedorthist, C. Ped (C)Notable wins in my career are becoming a Certified Pedorthist, opening my first location, working on opening my second location and having the student I work with pass both her exams on the first try.
Kyle Rogers, Canadian Certified Pedorthist, C. Ped (C), Clinic Manager & OwnerMultiple new clients, who have been lifelong orthotic wearers have expressed that orthotics I made and designed are “the best they ever had!”. They even came in for second pairs! Lets me know I’m doing something right!
Leigh Roper, Canadian Certified Pedorthist, C. Ped (C)Pedorthic Certifications
C. Ped Tech (C)
Certified Pedorthic Technician Canada
These practitioners provide:
- Shoe fitting;
- Shoe modification and orthotic fabrication (from laboratory prescriptions provided by foot care professionals with the scope of practice to assess);
- May perform duties of a clinical pedorthist under the direct supervision of a Canadian Certified Pedorthist.
- A C. Ped Tech (C) cannot independently manage patients.
C. Ped MC
Certified Pedorthic Master Craftsman
The highest level of certification available. This level of clinical pedorthist has all the skills listed for a C. Ped (C) as well as manufacturing custom orthopaedic footwear including:
- Measuring, casting and making original shoe lasts;
- Designing and making upper patterns;
- Manufacturing fitting model of shoes; and,
- Lasting and finishing of custom shoes.
C. Ped (C)
Certified Pedorthist Canada
These practitioners provide:
- Assessment through observation of surface anatomy and palpation of the lower limb;
- Gait analysis, range-of-motion testing, footwear analysis, and review of potentially complicating health factors;
- Casting, manufacturing, fitting, and adjusting foot orthotics;
- Fitting and modifying standard and orthopaedic footwear;
- Accommodating/incorporating complementary devices including various over-the-counter (OTC) products such as compression therapy, dorsiflexion night splints, below knee walkers, ankle braces, drop foot braces, and toe splints; and,
- Casting, measuring, fitting and adjusting custom footwear and Subtalar Control Foot Orthoses (SCFO’s).
Your Path to Become a C. Ped (C)
Direct Entry
OPTION #1
12 months in length
The program includes course work in biomechanics, anatomy, pathomechanics of the lower limb, foot orthotic fabrication and modification, footwear fitting and modification, and pedorthic practice management. In conjunction with their course work, diploma students also complete practical placements, working with C. Ped (C)s across Canada.
Pedorthics Admission Requirements: Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology with a minimum average of 70% in the last two years of study, and successful completion of Undergraduate courses related to the following: Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, and Athletic Injury.
Following completion of the diploma all candidates must pass the Canadian Certified Pedorthist certification exam which consists of two-parts: a 3-hour written component and a 1.5-hour clinical component.
Bridging Program
OPTION #2
16 months in length
Western University’s Bridging Program provides an alternative path for students with science-related backgrounds who do not meet the regular admission requirements. This comprehensive four-month online program covers Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Systemic Functional Anatomy, and Introduction to Athletic Injuries, preparing students who do not have a Kinesiology degree to enroll in the Diploma in Pedorthics.
Pedorthics Bridging Admission Requirements: Undergraduate Degree with a minimum average of 70% in the last two years of study. Students must also enroll with a conditional acceptance in the Diploma in Pedorthics to apply for the Bridging program.
