Foot Care Nurse Training
5-Day Hands-On Foot Care Nurse Training in Maine – 2026/27
Real Patients. $600 in Tools. Business Support.
Learn how to deliver medically based, compassionate foot care with confidence. Our 5-day immersive training equips you with clinical skills, business know-how, and $600 worth of essential tools to launch your career as a certified foot care nurse.
Foot Care Nurse Certification Process
How to Become a Certified Foot Care Nurse
While our hands-on training is a vital part of preparing for certification, it does not certify you on its own. Certification must be earned through recognized organizations such as the American Foot Care Nurses Association (AFCNA) and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB). These certifying bodies require a combination of clinical experience, approved education hours, and passing a national exam. Most certification pathways also require CEs (continuing education credits) as part of eligibility. To learn more, visit AFCNA.org and WOCNCB.org. For nurses looking for additional prep and CE opportunities, we also recommend Rainier Medical Education, led by Dr. Julia Overstreet, DPM. Our program provides hands-on clinical experience and expert guidance to help you take the next step toward national certification in foot and nail care.
Disclaimer: Please consult the board of nursing in your state and the legislative rulings that govern your scope of practice as a registered nurse. Not all states allow independent practice of RN’s. Licensed practical nurses must have clinical oversight by a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, podiatrist or physician to practice. LPN’s may not practice independently providing the foot care taught in this program.
Ready to leave hospital burnout behind?
Our immersive, hands-on training gives you the skills and confidence to build a more flexible, fulfilling nursing career.
Rediscovering Your “Why”
Remember why you became a nurse? The desire to help others, make a difference, and use your skills in meaningful ways? For many of us, those foundational motivations get buried under charting requirements, staffing shortages, and institutional constraints.
Specialized foot care nursing offers a return to nursing’s core purpose: providing compassionate, preventative care that truly impacts quality of life. Our graduates consistently report a renewed sense of purpose and professional satisfaction after transitioning to this specialty.
The Freedom to Practice Differently
Foot care nursing provides what many hospital and facility-based positions cannot:
- Control over your schedule— whether full-time, part-time, or as a side practice
- Meaningful time with each patient— appointments typically last 30-60 minutes
- Continuity of care— build relationships with returning clients
- Immediate, visible results— patients often experience relief during their very first session
- Reduced physical strain— proper ergonomics and scheduling control reduce injury risk
- Professional autonomy— practice according to your clinical judgment
- Income potential— specialized skills command appropriate compensation
A Growing Need Meets Professional Opportunity
The aging population and rising diabetes rates have created unprecedented demand for specialized foot care. Yet most nurses graduate without these essential skills, creating both a critical care gap and a significant professional opportunity.
By mastering foot care, you position yourself at the intersection of:
- Rising patient need— an aging population requiring specialized care
- Healthcare service gap— insufficient providers with proper training
- Professional differentiation— a specialized skill set that sets you apart
- Entrepreneurial potential— the ability to create various practice models
From One Nurse to Another – Our Approach
What makes our training unique is that it’s designed by nurses, for nurses. We understand:
- The challenges you face in traditional healthcare settings
- The desire for more control over your professional life
- The need for hands-on learning rather than just theory
- The importance of business guidance alongside clinical skills
- The value of ongoing mentorship during career transitions
Our training doesn’t just teach techniques—it creates a pathway to professional transformation.
Small Classes, Big Impact
We deliberately limit each training session to just five nurses because we believe in:
- Personalized attention— ensuring each nurse masters every technique
- Abundant hands-on experience— no competing for practice time
- Individual feedback— tailored to your learning style and career goals
- Community building— creating connections that last beyond training
- Safe learning environment— where questions are welcomed and mistakes are part of learning
Beyond the Clinical Skills
While mastering foot care techniques is essential, our training uniquely addresses the whole transition:
- Clinical excellence— ensuring you have the skills to provide exceptional care
- Business fundamentals— guiding you through practice models and startup essentials
- Professional identity— supporting your evolution as a specialized care provider
- Confidence building— developing both clinical and entrepreneurial self-assurance
- Ongoing support— providing mentorship as you implement your new skills
Hands-On Clinical Training with Real Patients
Over 5 days, in Hampden, Maine, you’ll work directly with real patients at a low-cost clinic, building hands-on experience through 40 clinical hours and expert-led instruction. Beyond technique, we teach the business foundations to help you launch your own practice or add services to your current role. Small classes ensure personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
Training Package Includes
- 40 precepted hands-on hours
- Flexible training schedule
- All tools and supplies you need during training
- Textbook and supplementary materials
- New kit of foot care tools and supplies to get you started
- Mentorship by nationally certified foot care nurses
Reasons to become certified as a foot care specialist
Additional Income
A side hustle can provide an extra source of income, helping you meet financial goals, pay off debts, or save for specific purposes.
Flexibility
Foot care services can often be scheduled flexibly, allowing you to work around your primary job or other commitments. This flexibility is especially valuable if you have a busy schedule.
In-Demand Skill
Foot care is essential for many people, especially those with foot conditions, diabetes, or other health concerns. There is a constant demand for foot care specialists.
Career Growth
Learning to be a foot care specialist can open up opportunities for career growth within the healthcare and wellness industry. You may choose to expand your services or explore related fields.
Autonomy
Running a foot care business allows you to be your own boss. You can set your own hours, choose your clients, and create a business that aligns with your values and goals.
Skill Development
Acquiring the skills to be a foot care specialist can enhance your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and common foot conditions. This knowledge can be valuable in both personal and professional contexts.
Helping Others
As a foot care specialist, you have the opportunity to improve the well-being of others by addressing foot problems and promoting overall foot health. This sense of purpose can be fulfilling and rewarding.
Low Startup Costs
Compared to some other businesses, starting a foot care service may have relatively low startup costs. You may not need a large initial investment in equipment and supplies.
Growing Aging Population
With an aging population, there is an increasing demand for healthcare and wellness services, including foot care. This demographic trend can contribute to the sustainability and growth of your side hustle.
Part-Time Commitment
Being a foot care specialist can be pursued on a part-time basis, allowing you to test the waters before fully committing. This can be particularly advantageous if you're unsure about transitioning to a new career.
Why Learn with Fundamental Foot Care
We are experts
Fundamental Foot Care is a Maine-based company providing expertise in preventative and restorative, medically-based foot care for older adults with diabetes, vascular disease, and other high-risk conditions. Our patient-centered care and training focus on improving the health and well-being of patients.
Class size and personalized attention
To ensure a high-quality learning experience and personalized instruction, class sizes are limited to a maximum of five participants. This small-group setting allows for direct mentorship and individualized feedback throughout the week. Each nurse will complete a total of 40 hands-on training hours, meeting the practical requirements for foot care nurse certification while building the confidence and skills needed to deliver safe, effective care.
Schedule and time commitment
Our 5-day intensive training runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM during training week, at our Hampden, Maine location.
Pre-requisites: (Prior to attending this training)
15 CE’s in foot care (details at www.rainiermedical.netandwww.afcna.orgRECOMMENDED)
25 CE’s in foot care will be required (in total) before you submit to take the National Exam. (CE’s are not included in the price of training)
CE’s do not have to be from Rainier Medical. I recommend them, however, because I feel they are most applicable to what we do as foot care nurses.
Thursday Prior to In-Person Training Week (IMPORTANT)
To allow you to obtain 40 hours of hands-on precepted training while you are here, we will have the “classroom” didactic training via Zoom.
The Thursday PRIOR TO the in-person training week, 6pm-9pm (ET)
Training will include:Common conditions and pathologies we see, our scope of practice, cold sterilization of tools, charting, and much more.
This virtually held didactic training is REQUIRED.
Monday– When you arrive on Monday, you’ll have the chance to get comfortable with your professional-grade instruments before beginning patient care. Your preceptors will show you our process by caring for a client first, allowing you to watch and learn. You will then begin providing the care with the guidance of our preceptors, Nationally Certified by the American Foot Care Nurses Association.
Monday–Friday– Hands-on clinical training with real patients. You’ll practice techniques, refine your skills, and build confidence under the guidance of certified specialists. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, as well as see and care for a wide range of conditions.
All materials are included, including your full professional toolkit (valued at $600).
Lunch is provided daily by Fundamental Foot Care.
Accommodations are required if you’re traveling from outside the area. Our team is happy to provide local hotel recommendations. By the end of the week, you’ll leave fully prepared to start your foot care practice or add services to your existing role.
Equipment and materials provided
All equipment and materials needed for the training are provided. Each participant will receive a professional foot care bag stocked with the essential tools and supplies necessary for safe and effective foot care. This kit is yours to keep and includes everything you need to begin seeing clients, whether you’re launching your own foot care business or offering services through a healthcare facility.