RCPod Learning Academy
Vascular and lower limb arterial disease
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4 December 2026 to 29 January 2027 | Flexible online learning | Live webinars | Certificate on completion
Overview
Build confidence in lower limb vascular assessment, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) recognition, chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) identification and referral decision-making through this evidence-aligned online course supported by live webinars.
Further detail
This CPD course is designed to provide a modern, clinically relevant and evidence-aligned foundation in lower limb vascular assessment, PAD, CLTI, and vascular decision-making in people with and without diabetes.
The course refers to current research including updates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) and the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS)/Global Vascular Guidelines, while retaining practical application for podiatry services. Weekly online content is supported by live webinars.
Who should attend?
Registered HCPC podiatrists, foot protection clinicians, community and hospital podiatrists, diabetes specialist podiatrists, clinicians developing capability in lower limb vascular assessment and appropriately registered international applicants.
Learning outcomes
- Recognise PAD and CLTI
- Undertake vascular assessment
- Interpret ABPI, TBI and toe pressures
- Understand WIfI
- Identify referral thresholds
- Apply vascular findings in clinical decision-making
- Support secondary prevention and cardiovascular risk communication.
Course delivery 
Learn on your terms. Each week combines recorded video lectures, directed reading and interactive tasks. Everything is online and self-paced and provides around half-a-day's content per week to study.
Built-in self-assessment lets you check progress as you go. Pass the final self-assessment quiz to unlock your completion certificate.
Content releases and webinar dates
New content lands every week. Live webinars turn the theory into discussion. Bring your questions and your toughest cases. Missed one of the sessions? Don’t worry, every webinar is recorded for repeat viewing.
Topics and learning time
| Week | Date | Topic | Key focus |
| 1 | 4 December 2026 | Contemporary vascular science; history and examination | Cardiovascular physiology and clinical application |
| 2 | 11 December 2026 | Pulse palpation, Doppler, ABPI, TBI and toe pressures | Assessment methods and interpretation |
| 3 | 8 January 2027 | Diabetes-related foot disease, CLTI and WIfI | Diagnosis and limb threat assessment |
| 4 | 15 January 2027 | Referral thresholds and service pathways | When and how to refer |
| 5 | 22 January 2027 | Secondary prevention and patient communication | Managing chronic disease and reducing complications |
Webinar schedule
| Date and time | Topic |
| 10 December 2026 at 6.00pm | Introduction and Competency Framework |
| 14 January 2027 at 6.00pm | Pharmacology and key medicines |
| 28 January 2027, at 6.00pm | Safe practices and course conclusion |
Why this course matters
Podiatrists are frequently the first healthcare professionals to identify the warning signs of vascular disease. Early recognition and referral can support improved cardiovascular and limb outcomes. This course focuses on turning assessment findings into confident clinical decisions.
Fees and booking
- Member fee: £300
- Non-member fee: £600 + VAT
- Applications open: 6 November 2026
- Course starts: 4 December 2026
- Course ends: 29 January 2027
Frequently asked questions
Is the course online?
Yes, the programme is delivered through online learning supported by live webinars.
No. The course is suitable for clinicians wishing to develop or refresh vascular assessment knowledge.
Will I receive a certificate?
A certificate of completion will be issued following successful completion of the course requirements.
Yes, where applicants hold an appropriate professional registration in their home country.
How is the course relevant to diabetes care?
The course explores vascular assessment in people with diabetes and its role in ulcer prevention, limb preservation and referral decision-making.
Bookings now open
Non-member and group bookings
Closing date: 29 November 2026 at 5.00pm