Podiatrists who have yet to complete or register for a Consortium for the Accreditation of Sonographic Education (CASE) accredited postgraduate certificate (PG Cert) in ultrasound are reminded that they have until the end of July 2026 to fulfil this requirement for continued insurance for diagnostic ultrasound. If you have previously undertaken a non-CASE accredited short course in diagnostic ultrasound, you are advised that this level of training no longer meets current expectations for recognised competency, governance, assurance of practice, or the insurance requirements of the Royal College of Podiatry.
The College has been working closely with Higher Education Institutes (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, depth, or credit volume required for a Level 7 PG Certificate.
Those who have previously undertaken a non-CASE accredited short course should contact the relevant HEI to discuss whether they can APL or RPL across, by evidencing their prior learning and experience within this field.
A CASE-accredited PG Cert comprises of 60 credits at postgraduate level, with defined clinical competencies, supervised practice, and robust assessment frameworks. Short courses are not designed to meet these standards and therefore cannot be transferred or counted toward the formal award. This approach reflects similar developments within obstetrics and gynaecology, where clinicians are also being required to align their ultrasound training with nationally recognised, quality assured pathways to ensure optimal clinical practice.
Podiatrists using ultrasound as part of their scope of practice are therefore required to register for a CASE accredited Ultrasound PGCert before the end of the HCPC renewal period, July 2026. This will ensure that you can demonstrate appropriate educational attainment, validated clinical competence, and full compliance with regulatory and professional standards.
Lawrence Ambrose
Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Royal College of Podiatry
Dr Helen Branthwaite
Chief Clinical Advisor, Royal College of Podiatry
11 February 2026