The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition) is a comprehensive, advanced qualification designed for healthcare professionals who wish to deepen their expertise in the specialised field of critical care nutrition. This diploma equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to assess, plan, and implement nutritional support strategies for critically ill patients, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
This qualification is ideal for dietitians, nutritionists, nurses, and other healthcare practitioners who are committed to enhancing their career prospects and expanding their professional capabilities. By completing this diploma, learners will not only strengthen their clinical and theoretical knowledge but also demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), staying at the forefront of evidence-based nutritional care.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to maintain the highest standards of training. They must have competent and qualified staff who are experienced in critical care nutrition, as well as access to all essential learning materials, resources, and assessment tools. This ensures that learners receive high-quality education and guidance, enabling them to confidently apply their learning in real-world clinical settings.
The Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care provides a structured pathway for learners to develop advanced competencies, improve patient care outcomes, and establish themselves as experts in this specialised area of nutrition. By combining rigorous academic learning with practical application, this qualification supports learners in achieving professional excellence and making a meaningful impact within the healthcare sector.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition), 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 |
| QC29085- 1 | Advanced Clinical Nutrition in Critical Care | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29085-2 | Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29085-3 | Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Support | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29085-4 | Metabolic and Disease-Specific Considerations | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29085-5 | Clinical Governance and Risk Management in Nutrition | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC29085-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and CPD | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
Educational Background:
- Learners should hold a Level 5 qualification in Nutrition, Dietetics, Nursing, or a related healthcare field, or have equivalent professional experience.
Experience:
- Applicants should have practical experience in clinical nutrition, critical care, or healthcare settings to ensure they can effectively apply learning to real-world scenarios.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must have a strong command of English, both written and spoken, to engage fully with course materials, assessments, and professional communication.
Commitment to CPD:
- Learners should demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a willingness to enhance their knowledge and professional skills throughout the course.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to necessary resources, including clinical environments for practical application, up-to-date reference materials, and reliable digital tools for learning and assessment.
Learning Outcomes for theQualCert Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition):
Advanced Clinical Nutrition in Critical Care
- Analyse the role of nutrition in critically ill patients
- Evaluate energy and nutrient requirements for diverse patient populations
- Apply evidence-based nutritional strategies in intensive care settings
- Integrate advanced nutritional knowledge into patient care planning
Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments in critical care
- Interpret laboratory results and clinical indicators to guide nutrition plans
- Monitor patient progress and adjust nutritional interventions accordingly
- Identify and manage potential nutrition-related complications
Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Support
- Design and implement safe and effective enteral nutrition plans
- Formulate parenteral nutrition solutions tailored to patient needs
- Manage complications related to artificial nutrition support
- Evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition support interventions
Metabolic and Disease-Specific Considerations
- Examine metabolic responses to critical illness and organ dysfunction
- Develop nutrition strategies for patients with trauma, sepsis, or other critical conditions
- Integrate disease-specific requirements into nutritional care plans
- Apply advanced clinical reasoning to complex patient scenarios
Clinical Governance and Risk Management in Nutrition
- Evaluate legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities in critical care nutrition
- Implement risk assessment and patient safety measures
- Maintain high standards of clinical governance in practice
- Apply protocols to ensure safe and effective nutrition support
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and CPD
- Critically appraise research relevant to critical care nutrition
- Apply evidence-based practices to inform clinical decision-making
- Develop a CPD plan to enhance professional growth
- Demonstrate the ability to integrate research into practical care settings
The Course is ideal for :
- Healthcare professionals aiming to specialise in critical care nutrition
- Dietitians and nutritionists seeking advanced knowledge in intensive care settings
- Nurses and clinical practitioners working in ICU or high-dependency units
- Professionals looking to enhance their career prospects and professional credibility
- Learners committed to continuing professional development (CPD) in clinical nutrition
- Individuals passionate about improving patient outcomes through evidence-based nutrition support
- Educators and clinical trainers who wish to deliver or supervise nutrition care in critical care environments
- Must be a registered and accredited training centre or educational institution
- Have qualified and experienced staff in critical care nutrition or related healthcare fields
- Provide suitable learning environments, including classrooms, clinical practice areas, or online learning platforms
- Ensure access to up-to-date educational materials, textbooks, and digital resources
- Maintain systems for monitoring learner progress and providing ongoing feedback
- Be equipped to conduct both theoretical and practical assessments to support learner competency
- Comply with all health, safety, and accessibility standards to provide a safe learning environment
- Have administrative processes to manage enrolment, certification, and accurate learner records according to QualCert standards