The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Pathology (Dip CP) is an advanced qualification designed for experienced healthcare and laboratory professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in clinical pathology. This diploma is not intended for beginners; it is specifically structured for practitioners who wish to deepen their knowledge, develop specialised skills, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this Level 6 Diploma will explore a comprehensive range of topics, including advanced diagnostic techniques, laboratory investigation methods, clinical biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, and the interpretation of complex pathology results. The programme emphasises evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and practical application, enabling learners to contribute effectively to clinical decision-making and patient care.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to maintain the highest standards of training. This includes employing fully qualified and experienced staff, providing access to comprehensive learning materials, laboratory facilities, and relevant technologies, and ensuring a supportive environment to promote learner success. By adhering to these standards, centres guarantee a robust educational experience that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical competence.
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Pathology offers a significant opportunity for healthcare and laboratory professionals aiming to advance their careers, achieve specialist recognition, and contribute effectively to diagnostic and clinical services. Learners completing this qualification will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles, apply advanced laboratory techniques, interpret complex pathology results, and support high-quality patient care across diverse clinical and laboratory settings.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Pathology (Dip CP):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Pathology (Dip CP) consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27173- 1 | Advanced Principles of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27173-2 | Haematology and Coagulation Disorders | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27173-3 | Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27173-4 | Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Disease Diagnostics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27173-5 | Laboratory Quality Management, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27173-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Clinical Pathology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Pathology (Dip CP):
- Minimum Age: Learners must be at least 21 years old, ensuring sufficient professional experience and maturity for advanced study.
- Educational Background: Candidates should hold a Level 5 qualification in medicine, biomedical sciences, laboratory technology, or a related healthcare discipline. Equivalent professional qualifications or substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
- Professional Experience: Learners are expected to have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working in clinical, laboratory, or diagnostic settings, with exposure to pathology or related fields.
- Language Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate a strong command of English, including reading, writing, and comprehension, to effectively engage with advanced pathology materials and assessments.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Candidates should actively participate in CPD and demonstrate a commitment to applying advanced knowledge and skills in professional practice.
- Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to laboratory facilities, clinical settings, or healthcare environments, as well as the necessary learning materials and technology to complete practical and independent study components successfully.
These entry requirements ensure learners are fully prepared to succeed in this advanced qualification, enhancing their professional skills, career prospects, and ability to contribute effectively to high-quality diagnostic and laboratory services.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Pathology (Dip CP):
Advanced Principles of Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Analyse the fundamental principles of clinical pathology and laboratory medicine
- Evaluate the role of laboratory diagnostics in patient care and clinical decision-making
- Apply advanced theoretical knowledge to practical laboratory settings
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches in diagnostic and clinical pathology practice
Haematology and Coagulation Disorders
- Assess and interpret haematological test results accurately
- Evaluate the pathophysiology and management of coagulation disorders
- Apply advanced diagnostic techniques in haematology
- Develop strategies for effective patient care based on haematology findings
Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics
- Analyse biochemical parameters and their clinical significance
- Apply molecular diagnostic techniques for detecting diseases
- Interpret complex biochemistry and molecular test results
- Integrate biochemical and molecular data to inform clinical decisions
Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Disease Diagnostics
- Identify pathogens and evaluate their clinical relevance
- Apply advanced immunological techniques in diagnostics
- Interpret microbiology and infectious disease laboratory results
- Develop strategies for infection management and control based on laboratory findings
Laboratory Quality Management, Safety, and Regulatory Compliance
- Implement quality assurance and control procedures in laboratory practice
- Apply safety protocols and regulatory standards effectively
- Evaluate laboratory processes for efficiency, accuracy, and compliance
- Maintain best practices to ensure patient and staff safety
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Clinical Pathology
- Conduct research using appropriate laboratory and clinical methodologies
- Critically appraise scientific literature to inform practice
- Apply evidence-based findings to improve laboratory and clinical outcomes
- Develop a structured plan for ongoing professional development in clinical pathology
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Pathology is specifically designed for experienced healthcare and laboratory professionals seeking to advance their expertise and career prospects in diagnostic and clinical pathology. This course is ideal for:
- Senior laboratory scientists, clinical pathologists, and healthcare practitioners working in hospital or diagnostic laboratory settings
- Professionals involved in haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, or molecular diagnostics
- Healthcare practitioners seeking specialist recognition or leadership roles in laboratory and diagnostic services
- Professionals committed to improving patient outcomes through accurate laboratory testing, evidence-based practice, and clinical decision-making
- Individuals dedicated to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who wish to enhance their knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies in clinical pathology
Learners completing this diploma will gain advanced laboratory and clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional confidence necessary to lead diagnostic initiatives, implement advanced laboratory techniques, and contribute effectively to high-quality patient care and laboratory services.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Pathology must uphold the highest standards to ensure high-quality training and learner success. To achieve this, centres must:
- Employ competent and qualified staff with expertise in clinical pathology, laboratory diagnostics, haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics
- Provide access to comprehensive learning materials, laboratory facilities, and relevant technologies necessary for effective teaching, practical work, and independent study
- Ensure learners have access to clinical or laboratory environments to support applied learning and real-world practice
- Maintain a robust quality assurance system to monitor teaching standards, learner progress, and assessment integrity
- Facilitate an environment that supports Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and encourages learners to apply advanced clinical pathology knowledge in professional practice
- Comply with all health, safety, and ethical regulations relevant to laboratory and clinical pathology training, including patient safety, infection control, and laboratory governance
By meeting these centre requirements, institutions ensure learners receive a high-quality educational experience, gain advanced clinical and laboratory skills, and are fully prepared to excel in clinical pathology, diagnostic services, and healthcare practice.