C.Ped study plan
C.Ped · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Patient Assessment
Build a one-page checklist of the history-taking elements used in a lower-extremity pedorthic assessment, covering chief complaint, medical history, medications, occupation, footwear history, and activity level
Explain how to screen for vascular, neurologic, and dermatologic findings that change pedorthic decision-making, and list the red flags that trigger referral
Diagram the phases of the gait cycle and label joint motion, muscle action, and ground reaction force at each phase
Practice writing two mock patient intake notes in SOAP format from written case vignettes
Your checkpoint
A one-page assessment checklist plus two completed SOAP-format intake notes written from vignettes
Patient Assessment & Formulation of the Treatment Plan
Perform and document static and dynamic biomechanical observations on three volunteer feet, recording arch configuration, deformity, leg-length difference, and foot progression angle
Compare measurement methods for foot length, width, and volume, and state the situation in which each method is appropriate
Map each assessment finding to the condition category or diagnosis it supports
Identify which assessment findings require physician or therapist referral before any pedorthic intervention begins
Your checkpoint
A completed assessment-to-finding mapping table with at least 15 entries, plus three volunteer observation worksheets
Formulation of the Treatment Plan
Draft written treatment plans for 10 case vignettes, selecting orthotic, footwear, or modification options and justifying each selection
Differentiate the design intent of accommodative, functional, and offloading devices, and match each design to appropriate case types
Outline the elements of a written pedorthic plan of care, including goals, materials, timelines, and expected outcomes
Set measurable short-term and long-term functional goals for three sample patients
Your checkpoint
Ten written treatment plans with justifications, plus one reusable plan-of-care template
Patient Assessment & Formulation of the Treatment Plan
Complete a timed 50-question mixed practice set on assessment and treatment planning, then review every missed item to its root cause
Reconstruct the assessment-to-treatment-plan pathway from memory without notes
Rank your three weakest sub-areas and build a targeted re-study list with dates
Cross-check your plan-of-care template against each of the 10 vignettes from the prior week and revise it
Your checkpoint
A scored practice-set log with a written remediation list naming each missed item and its fix
Implementation of the Treatment Plan
Sequence the steps of impression capture, positive model modification, and device fabrication for common foot orthoses
Compare material properties across foam densities, thermoplastics, carbon fiber, and cushioning options, then select a material for five case types
Describe common footwear modifications including rocker soles, wedges, lifts, flares, and closure changes, and state the clinical reason for each
List the fit and safety checks to perform before dispensing a finished device
Your checkpoint
A materials-and-modifications selection matrix covering at least 10 device and footwear scenarios
Implementation of the Treatment Plan & Follow-Up and Maintenance
Write step-by-step dispensing instructions that include patient education on wear schedule, break-in period, and warning signs
Design a follow-up schedule and list objective criteria for judging whether a device is meeting its goals
Describe adjustment and repair options for common device failures, and decide when to modify versus remake
Draft two patient education handouts in plain language for two different device types
Your checkpoint
Two plain-language patient handouts plus a follow-up and adjustment decision flowchart
Follow-Up and Maintenance & Practice Management and Professional Responsibility
Work through Domain 4 scenarios and decide whether to modify, remake, refer, or discharge in each
Summarize documentation standards, coding and billing considerations, and record-retention responsibilities relevant to pedorthic practice
Outline scope of practice, ethical obligations, and the situations that require referral outside your scope
List regulatory and safety considerations including device labeling, facility safety, and infection control
Your checkpoint
A one-page documentation-and-compliance checklist plus a written scope-of-practice summary
Follow-Up and Maintenance & Practice Management and Professional Responsibility
Complete two timed 100-question full-length practice exams and review every item to root cause
Recite from memory a one-page summary sheet for each of the five domains
Close every remaining item on your remediation list and log the evidence for each closure
Rehearse exam-day logistics including schedule, permitted materials, and a timed warm-up section
Your checkpoint
Two scored full-length practice exams with a final "weak spots closed" log
Milestones
Week 4: Score at least 70% on the timed 50-question assessment and treatment-planning practice set, and show a remediation list in which no missed item is left unexplained
Week 6: Write out one complete device episode on paper from assessment through fabrication to fitting with all safety checks documented, and score at least 80% on a Domain 3 practice set
Week 8: Score at least 75% on both full-length practice exams and show zero unresolved items on the remediation list