From Primary Care to Podiatry

 

From Primary Care to Podiatry

 

Advanced practice providers such as PAs and NPs within Podiatry practices is not novel but also not common, as such,  I have not seen specific podiatric certifications for APPs.  Podiatrists manage a large share of wound care related to diabetic and vascular ulcers as well as lower extremity decubitus.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) permits any licensed professional with an interest in podiatry (MD, DO, RN, PA) to become a member which includes access to continuing education. This inclusion is quite a progressive stand as most professional medical associations restrict membership to those with corresponding board credentials. 

And while the American Academy of Family Physicians only permits members holding family practice board certification and medical students and residents, the AAFP does permit non-members to subscribe to their journals which are full of continuing education and practice updates.

When I was hired into my current role, the podiatrists felt that some level of training was needed and as such had recommended the following certifications:

1.      American Foot Care Nurses Association AFCNA’s Certified Foot Care Specialist (CFCS)

a.      Certification Eligibility Here: https://www.afcna.org/Eligibility

b.      In addition to the training videos, the AFCNA offers monthly training as well as an annual conference for continuing education hours to maintain certification.

c.      The AFCNA also provides CFCS credentials to WOCN nurses holding CFCN certification.

d.    I was able to obtain the CFCS series of training videos, which provided the didactic component needed and simply worked with the attending podiatrists for needed clinical hours to meet eligibility. 

2.      Wound Ostomy and Continence Nursing (WOCN) Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN-AP)

a.      Multiple options for certification eligibility listed here: https://www.wocncb.org/certification/advance-practice-certification/eligibility

b. Acquired CE and practice hours for Experiential Learning Path

c. Awaiting Authorization to Test and studying for the exam.