QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM)

The QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM) is a specialised qualification designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and practical understanding required to support patients in critical and intensive care settings. With a focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centred care, this programme equips learners to contribute effectively to one of the most demanding areas of modern healthcare.

Critical care medicine plays a vital role in the management of patients with life-threatening conditions. The Diploma has been carefully developed to meet UK professional standards, giving learners a strong academic and practical foundation in critical care principles, monitoring techniques, and clinical interventions. By completing this course, learners gain confidence in supporting multidisciplinary teams within hospital wards, high dependency units, and intensive care environments.

Critical care medicine is an essential field within modern healthcare, requiring highly skilled staff who can respond to emergencies with precision and compassion. This qualification not only provides learners with the tools to understand the complexities of critical care, but also prepares them for progression into higher-level healthcare studies or professional roles. With patient safety, dignity, and outcomes at the centre of its approach, the Diploma reflects the standards expected in UK healthcare practice.

Completion of the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine can support learners in pursuing roles within healthcare, particularly in hospitals, emergency departments, and intensive care units. It also provides a stepping stone towards higher-level qualifications in medicine, nursing, paramedic science, or critical care specialisations.

QualCert qualifications are designed to meet UK and international education standards, ensuring learners receive rigorous training that is relevant, recognised, and career-focused. With a balance of academic knowledge, practical skills, and professional development, this Diploma supports learners in becoming confident, capable, and compassionate contributors to healthcare.

Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM):

The QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM), offers 60 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 300 hours, including 210 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).

Unit Ref#Unit TitleCreditGLHTQT
QC27133-1Principles of Critical Care and Patient Stabilisation103550
QC27133-2Assessment and Monitoring in Acute and Critical Care103550
QC27133-3Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Neurological Emergencies103550
QC27133-4Life Support, Emergency Interventions, and Clinical Procedures103550
QC27133-5Infection Control, Patient Safety, and Risk Management103550
QC27133-6Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, and Professional Development in Critical Care103550

Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM):

To enrol on the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM), learners must meet the following entry requirements:

Minimum Age

  • Learners must be 16 years or above at the time of enrolment.

Educational Background

  • A minimum of a Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) is recommended.
  • Learners without formal qualifications may be accepted based on relevant experience or prior learning.

Experience

  • No prior experience in critical care medicine is required.
  • An interest in healthcare, medicine, or emergency care is encouraged.

Language Proficiency

  • Learners must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to engage with study materials, assessments, and discussions.

Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM):

Principles of Critical Care and Patient Stabilisation

  • Understand the core concepts and scope of critical care medicine.
  • Describe the physiological priorities in patient stabilisation.
  • Recognise the role of critical care within emergency and acute medicine.
  • Demonstrate awareness of multidisciplinary team roles in critical care delivery.

Assessment and Monitoring in Acute and Critical Care

  • Apply methods of patient assessment, including ABCDE approaches.
  • Explain the use of monitoring equipment such as ECG, pulse oximetry, and blood gases.
  • Interpret key clinical parameters to identify deterioration in critically ill patients.
  • Understand documentation and reporting requirements for patient monitoring.

Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Neurological Emergencies

  • Recognise signs and symptoms of common life-threatening emergencies.
  • Understand the pathophysiology of respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and neurological crises.
  • Explain the principles of immediate interventions for emergency conditions.
  • Apply safe approaches to supporting clinicians in emergency management.

Life Support, Emergency Interventions, and Clinical Procedures

  • Demonstrate knowledge of Basic Life Support (BLS) and principles of Advanced Life Support (ALS).
  • Describe emergency interventions, including airway management and fluid resuscitation.
  • Understand the safe preparation and use of equipment in emergency procedures.
  • Apply infection prevention and patient safety standards during interventions.

Infection Control, Patient Safety, and Risk Management

  • Identify infection risks within critical care environments.
  • Understand principles of aseptic technique and hygiene control.
  • Explain strategies for managing patient safety and preventing clinical errors.
  • Apply risk assessment and incident reporting procedures in practice.

Evidence-Based Practice, Ethics, and Professional Development in Critical Care

  • Understand the importance of research and evidence-based practice in critical care.
  • Apply ethical principles and professional standards in clinical decision-making.
  • Recognise the impact of cultural, social, and psychological factors on patient care.
  • Develop reflective skills and identify opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

Centres offering the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine must:

  • Be approved by QualCert as a recognised training provider.
  • Have suitably qualified tutors with clinical or academic expertise in critical care medicine.
  • Provide access to appropriate learning resources, facilities, and equipment to support teaching and assessment.
  • Ensure fair and transparent assessment methods, in line with UK awarding standards.
  • Offer learner support services, including academic guidance and pastoral care.
  • Maintain internal quality assurance procedures and comply with external quality monitoring by QualCert.

Centres offering the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine must:

  • Be approved by QualCert as a recognised training provider.
  • Have suitably qualified tutors with clinical or academic expertise in critical care medicine.
  • Provide access to appropriate learning resources, facilities, and equipment to support teaching and assessment.
  • Ensure fair and transparent assessment methods, in line with UK awarding standards.
  • Offer learner support services, including academic guidance and pastoral care.
  • Maintain internal quality assurance procedures and comply with external quality monitoring by QualCert.