QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM)

The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals who are committed to advancing their expertise in managing critically ill patients. This diploma is not intended for fresh candidates but is tailored for experienced practitioners seeking to strengthen their clinical knowledge, refine their decision-making skills, and enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Critical care medicine requires a high level of competence, as it focuses on the assessment, stabilisation, and management of patients with life-threatening conditions. Through this diploma, learners will develop an in-depth understanding of advanced critical care principles, evidence-based interventions, and multidisciplinary approaches essential for delivering high-quality patient-centred care. The programme covers key areas such as emergency interventions, resuscitation, intensive monitoring, organ support, and risk management, ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills required to respond effectively in high-pressure healthcare environments.

The qualification supports career progression by equipping learners with both theoretical knowledge and practical insight, enabling them to excel in hospital settings, intensive care units, and emergency departments. It also emphasises research, ethical practice, and professional development, ensuring that graduates contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare outcomes.

Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that training is led by competent and qualified staff with relevant expertise in critical care medicine. Additionally, they must provide learners with access to appropriate learning materials, clinical resources, and supportive environments that uphold the highest standards of teaching and assessment.

By completing the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine, learners will gain the confidence, knowledge, and skills to excel in advanced clinical practice while furthering their CPD and career advancement in the demanding field of critical care.

Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM):

The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM) 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 TitleCreditsGLHTQT
QC27176- 1Advanced Principles of Critical Care Medicine and Clinical Pathophysiology20100200
QC27176-2Acute and Emergency Assessment in Critical Care20100200
QC27176-3Life Support, Organ Support, and Resuscitation Techniques20100200
QC27176-4Management of Acute and Chronic Critical Illness20100200
QC27176-5Patient-Centred Care, Ethics, and Risk Management in Critical Care20100200
QC27176-6Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Critical Care Medicine20100200

Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM):

  • Minimum Age
    Learners must be at least 21 years of age at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Background
    A relevant undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification in medicine, nursing, or a healthcare-related field is required. Learners with other professional healthcare qualifications may also be considered.
  • Experience
    Applicants should have a minimum of two years of professional experience in a healthcare or clinical environment, ideally with exposure to acute care or critical care settings.
  • Language Proficiency
    Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English to ensure they can fully engage with the study materials, assessments, and professional discussions.
  • Commitment to CPD
    This diploma is aimed at healthcare professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), seeking to expand their expertise in critical care medicine.
  • Access to Required Resources
    Learners must have access to appropriate clinical settings, digital learning resources, and reliable internet connectivity to support independent study and research.

These requirements ensure that participants are equipped with the necessary knowledge, experience, and commitment to succeed in this advanced diploma and apply their learning effectively within professional practice.

Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM):

Advanced Principles of Critical Care Medicine and Clinical Pathophysiology

  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of the pathophysiological processes underlying critical illness
  • Apply advanced knowledge of critical care principles to clinical decision-making
  • Analyse the impact of organ dysfunction on overall patient management
  • Integrate theoretical frameworks into evidence-based clinical practice

Acute and Emergency Assessment in Critical Care

  • Perform systematic assessment of critically ill patients using recognised protocols
  • Interpret clinical findings to support accurate and timely diagnosis
  • Prioritise interventions in emergency and acute care situations
  • Utilise diagnostic tools and investigations to inform care planning

Life Support, Organ Support, and Resuscitation Techniques

  • Apply advanced life support protocols in critical and emergency settings
  • Demonstrate competence in organ support techniques including ventilation, renal replacement, and circulatory support
  • Implement resuscitation strategies tailored to specific patient needs
  • Evaluate outcomes of life support interventions for continuous improvement

Management of Acute and Chronic Critical Illness

  • Develop and implement management plans for acute and chronic conditions in critical care
  • Monitor and evaluate patient progress to adjust interventions as necessary
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary approaches for long-term critical illness management
  • Apply best practice guidelines to improve patient outcomes

Patient-Centred Care, Ethics, and Risk Management in Critical Care

  • Integrate patient-centred approaches into critical care delivery
  • Apply ethical principles to decision-making in high-pressure environments
  • Identify, assess, and manage risks in the critical care setting
  • Promote safety, dignity, and wellbeing for patients and families

Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development in Critical Care Medicine

  • Critically evaluate research relevant to critical care practice
  • Apply evidence-based strategies to improve quality of care
  • Engage in reflective practice for ongoing professional development
  • Contribute to advancements in critical care medicine through research and innovation

The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM) is designed for experienced healthcare professionals who are actively involved in the management of critically ill patients and wish to strengthen their expertise in this highly specialised field. This qualification is not intended for beginners, but rather for those who already possess relevant clinical knowledge and experience and are seeking to enhance their professional competence and career progression.

This course is ideally suited to:

  • Doctors, physicians, and medical practitioners working in intensive care or emergency medicine
  • Critical care nurses and senior nursing professionals responsible for patient care in high-dependency units
  • Anaesthetists and healthcare specialists involved in perioperative and critical care management
  • Allied health professionals supporting multidisciplinary teams in critical care settings
  • Healthcare managers, educators, and leaders aiming to expand their understanding of advanced critical care practices

Learners undertaking this qualification will gain the advanced skills, confidence, and evidence-based knowledge required to deliver safe, ethical, and patient-centred care in critical care environments. It is particularly valuable for those committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and for professionals seeking to progress into leadership, advanced practice, or specialist consultancy roles within healthcare.

Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Critical Care Medicine (Dip CCM) must ensure that the highest standards of teaching, assessment, and learner support are maintained. To deliver this qualification effectively, centres are required to meet the following conditions:

  • Qualified Staff: Centres must employ suitably qualified and experienced tutors, trainers, and assessors with a strong background in critical care medicine or related healthcare specialisms. Staff should demonstrate both academic competence and professional practice expertise.
  • Appropriate Facilities and Resources: Centres must provide access to appropriate learning facilities, including clinical simulation equipment, digital learning platforms, medical reference materials, and case study resources to support applied and evidence-based learning.
  • Robust Assessment and Quality Assurance: Centres must have reliable assessment procedures in place, supported by internal quality assurance systems, to ensure that learner achievements are valid, reliable, and consistent with qualification standards.
  • Learner Support Systems: Adequate academic and pastoral support must be available to help learners manage the demands of this advanced-level qualification. Centres should encourage progression, CPD engagement, and professional growth.
  • Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Centres must comply with all awarding body requirements, maintain accurate records, and provide evidence of delivery, assessment, and learner achievement as required.

By meeting these requirements, centres will ensure the delivery of a high-quality programme that equips learners with the advanced knowledge and practical expertise essential for excellence in critical care medicine.