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Our University Approved Foot Health Professional Diploma Course

FHP Course Elements

There are two elements to our FHP course, the Theory and the Clinical Training. The Theory course consists of 12 modules (online or paper-based) and each module incorporates a short essay and module assessment (consisting of 25 multiple choice  questions) . Once the theory element is completed, this is followed by two weeks of Clinical Training in our bespoke Clinic in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Our clinic has over 13,000 patients and treatment for all patients is free of charge.

You can enrol and pay for the Theory only to begin with at just £592 and can pay for the clinical training when you are ready, or you can pay for the full course at just £1,911 with the option of spreading the cost over 12 months.

Theory Course

The Theory element of the Foot Health course consists of 12 Modules each with a module assessment (consisting of 25 multiple choice questions) and a Portfolio Task (a short essay based on each module).

You can work at your own pace, but we do not recommend completion of more than 1 Module per fortnight. The Module assessments completed online give you immediate feedback.

Clinical Course

Upon successful completion of the Theory element you are then welcomed to The SMAE Institute for 2 weeks Clinical Training. We run our clinical training every 2 weeks throughout the year meaning you can choose the dates you would like to attend so you can fit it in and around personal commitments.

You will gain hands-on experience, reinforcing your theory and giving you the core skills with which to work in the world of Foot Health and meet people from all walks of life.

What qualification will I be awarded?

Upon successful completion of the theory and practical element (Diploma) you will receive a Diploma in Foot Health (Dip FH), which is credit rated at 60 Higher Education Credits. Once qualified the initials you may use after your name are “Dip FH”.

Once qualified you are invited to join the British Association of Foot Health Professionals (BAFHP) where membership includes indemnity insurance to practise, and a number of extras, such as a copies of our Quarterly Journal and monthly Newsletters throughout the year. You also have the option of joining one of the 13 regional branches where members meet up quarterly.

You will have eligibility for Membership of the College of Foot Health Professionals (MCFHP) and Membership of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals (MAFHP) meaning upon qualified and insured the initials you may use after your name are “Dip FH, MCFHP MAFHP”.

Overseas students will need to ensure that they can obtain insurance to practice in their home countries after successful completion of their course. They may, however, apply for “Membership Only” which will enable them to use the following initials after their name “Dip FH, MCFHP MAFHP”. The “Membership Only” option is only available to individuals residing overseas and does not include insurance to practice. 

What can I expect once I qualify?

As soon as you qualify you are able to start practising.

In order to practise one requires insurance to practise, and you will be invited to join the British Association of Foot Health Professionals where membership cover includes insurance to practise.

We offer unbeatable Insurance cover and can cover you as soon as you qualify with us. We also offer full dedicated support to our Members when they set up their own practice, because our Members’ success is our success.

Extra Qualifications

The SMAE Institute offers a number of further qualifications to its members:

  • Biomechanics Diploma (3 Levels)
  • Cryotherapy Diploma 
  • BSc (Hons) Podiatry Degree (distance learning)

Continual Professional Development

Continual Professional Development (CPD) is a way for all FHPs to keep up to date within the profession. We offer CPD in a large variety of formats: Workshops held here at The SMAE Institute, DVDs, CD-ROMs and Online Subjects. In addition to this, we also run two exciting Annual CPD events, which both Students and Members are invited to (Annual Convention and Summer School).

You can visit www.smaecpd.com for more information on CPD and visit www.smaeinstitute.co.uk for more information regarding our upcoming CPD events.

"Great course and really pleased I chose the SMAE Institute! Really pleased with the quality of the books we were sent to study from, and the speed at which everything arrived!"

– J PHILIPS

"Even though it is distance learning I feel that you are not far away for help or even a chat. I like the fact that you have photos on the site as it feels like you are talking to real people, which is reassuring!"

– J. Cole

"The Clinical practice has been an amazing experience and the Tutors were fabulous. So, so helpful and everyone wants to see you succeed so it is extremely motivating and uplifting. You will all enjoy!"

– L. Woodward

"I am completely happy with the content and structure of the course and find it fits in well with work as I do shift work so can't always study at a regular time. I feel the support is there when you need it and the feedback you get is excellent."

– Mrs Bee

"I had to make some phone calls and they could not have been nicer or more helpful. The person who answered my queries was very professional and knowledgeable without having to be passed to a different department or person."

– J. Kenna

"When contacting the Institute, I always received excellent support."

– T. Wright

"Online tutor chat is very, very helpful and great due to quick response times."

– L. Hockey

"Really enjoyed the clinical training, everything was very absorbing and interesting. I like the way we were taught because it was organised, comprehensive and easy to follow."

– I. Rowlands

"I attended an open day and enrolled on the same day... I was very impressed with the organisation, all staff were extremely helpful."

– C. Victor

Call our friendly team to book your open day visit 01628 621100