Decree No. 2012-848 of July 2, 2012, published in the Official Journal on July 4, 2012, introduces a significant reform concerning the state diploma of chiropodist-podiatrist. This reform, applicable from the start of the school year in September 2012 for new students, aims to modernize and strengthen the training of chiropodists-podiatrists in France.
Main points of the reform:
Access to training:
Candidates must validate theoretical and practical teachings, as well as internships integrated into their training. The access rules are now stricter, with an increased requirement on validated skills.
Training program:
The training extends over three years, divided into six semesters of twenty weeks each. The program includes 2,028 hours of theoretical and practical teaching, 1,170 hours of clinical training, and a volume of 2,202 hours of personal work. This distribution ensures complete preparation of future professionals.
Credit system:
The diploma corresponds to 180 European credits, divided between teaching units (141 credits) and clinical training (39 credits). This system allows easier recognition of skills at European level.
Evaluation and validation:
Skills are validated through continuous assessment, final exams, or a combination of both. Each validated semester earns 30 European credits. The decree establishes a system of capitalization of teaching units, which means that the credits obtained are acquired definitively.
Exemptions and equivalences:
Exemptions from certain tests or teaching units may be granted to holders of diplomas or previous professional experience. The terms of these exemptions are specified by ministerial decree.
Transition and application:
Students who began their training before September 2012 will continue under the old system until 2019. The transition arrangements for repeaters or those who interrupted their studies are also defined.
This reform, led by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health under the direction of Marisol Touraine, aims to align the training of chiropodists and podiatrists with European standards, thus guaranteeing a high level of competence of future practitioners. The changes made demonstrate a desire to further professionalize this training, with an emphasis on continuous assessment of skills and European recognition of diplomas.
