Scope of Practice

Pedorthists and their Designations

A pedorthist is an individual who is trained in the manufacturing, fitting and modification of foot appliances and footwear to assist in:

  • Alleviating painful or debilitating conditions of the lower limb.
  • Accommodation of foot deformities.
  • Re-alignment of anatomical structures.
  • Redistribution of external and internal forces.
  • Improvement of balance.
  • Control of biomechanical function.
  • Accommodation of circulatory special requirements.
  • Enhancement of the actions of limbs compromised as a result of accident, congenital deformity, neural condition, or disease.

C. Ped (C) – Certified Pedorthist Canada

These health professionals can provide:

  • A comprehensive assessment of the lower limb that includes postural and gait analysis, range of motion testing, palpation, special testing, footwear analysis, a detailed history and review of potentially complicating health factors.
  • A treatment plan for musculoskeletal injuries, medical conditions, disabilities, and diseases affecting the lower limb, that is developed following a comprehensive assessment and incorporates non-invasive treatment options to improve patient biomechanics, comfort and mobility. A treatment plan is implemented with a patient-centred approach, including patient education and shared decision making. It is evaluated over time in conjunction with other healthcare professionals when necessary.
  • Design and manufacturing of foot orthoses to support a treatment plan that is developed following a comprehensive assessment, using a theoretical & applied understanding of appropriate casting methods, pedorthic lab materials, and manufacturing techniques. Manufacturing also includes modifications and adjustments of foot orthoses and footwear based on the assessment results and patient goals.

*C. Ped (C)’s may extend their scope of practice via additional qualifications, experience, or training, providing the area of practice is within the professional competence of the C. Ped (C). 

C. Ped MC – Certified Pedorthic Master Craftsman

The highest level of certification available. A clinical pedorthists and custom shoemakers who provide:

  • All of the skills listed for a C. Ped (C).
  • 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 Tech (C) – Certified Pedorthic Technician Canada

These health professionals can provide:

  • Shoe fitting;
  • Shoe modification and orthotic fabrication (from laboratory prescriptions provided by foot care professionals with the scope of practice to assess);
  • Orthotic fabrication;
  • Shoe modifications;
  • May perform duties of a clinical pedorthist under the direct supervision of a Canadian Certified Pedorthist. See the supervisory statement for further details;
  • A C. Ped Tech (C) cannot independently manage patients.

COFS- Certified Orthopaedic Footwear Specialist

This is a closed membership category. Historically, COFS members were one of the founding groups that merged to create the Pedorthic Association of Canada. Recognizing the contribution COFS members have made to the pedorthic profession, The CPC verified their competency and has added the COFS category.

These practitioners provide:

  • Assessment for orthotics and custom footwear.
  • Casting and measuring for custom footwear.
  • manufacturing of custom orthopaedic footwear, including:
  • measuring, casting and making original shoe lasts;
  • designing and making upper patterns;
  • manufacturing fitting models of shoes;
  • lasting and finishing of custom shoes;
  • Casting, manufacturing, fitting and adjusting of orthoses;
  • Fitting and modifying standard and orthopaedic footwear; and,
  • Accommodating/incorporating complementary assistive devices.