The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals who wish to expand their expertise in the care of older adults. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates; rather, it is developed for experienced practitioners who aim to strengthen their clinical knowledge, enhance their career prospects, and actively contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Geriatric medicine plays a vital role in addressing the complex healthcare needs of ageing populations. Through this diploma, learners will gain advanced insight into age-related diseases, comprehensive patient assessment, chronic disease management, and strategies to improve quality of life for elderly patients. The course also emphasises ethical considerations, multidisciplinary teamwork, and evidence-based practice to ensure learners are fully prepared to meet the challenges of modern geriatric care.
The programme is structured to meet international standards and offers a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Learners will be equipped with the skills necessary to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care, while also positioning themselves for professional growth in the healthcare sector.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine must demonstrate a strong commitment to quality. This includes having competent and qualified staff, access to up-to-date learning materials, and the necessary facilities to support effective teaching and assessment. By ensuring high-quality delivery, centres provide learners with the tools they need to achieve success and make meaningful contributions to geriatric healthcare.
The Dip GM is therefore an ideal qualification for healthcare professionals committed to advancing their knowledge and making a positive impact in the field of elderly care.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200889
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200889-1 |
Principles of Geriatric Medicine and Elderly Care |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200889-2 |
Anatomy, Physiology, and Ageing Processes |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200889-3 |
Common Geriatric Conditions: Diagnosis and Management |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200889-4 |
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Multidisciplinary Care |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200889-5 |
Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Older Adults |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200889-6 |
Ethical Practice, Professional Standards, and CPD in Geriatric Medicine |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Geriatric Medicine and Elderly Care
- Explain the role and scope of geriatric medicine in modern healthcare.
- Describe the principles of holistic and person-centred care for older adults.
- Analyse the challenges of ageing populations and their impact on healthcare systems.
- Apply best practices to support dignity, independence, and quality of life in elderly care.
Unit 2: Anatomy, Physiology, and Ageing Processes
- Describe age-related changes in major body systems (cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological, etc.).
- Explain the physiological effects of ageing on functional ability and health outcomes.
- Relate ageing processes to increased vulnerability to illness and disability.
- Evaluate strategies to promote healthy ageing and prevention of age-related decline.
Unit 3: Common Geriatric Conditions: Diagnosis and Management
- Identify common conditions in older adults (e.g., dementia, frailty, falls, incontinence, osteoporosis).
- Explain the signs, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria for major geriatric conditions.
- Evaluate evidence-based approaches to managing acute and chronic conditions in elderly patients.
- Assess the impact of comorbidities on diagnosis, treatment, and patient wellbeing.
Unit 4: Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Multidisciplinary Care
- Explain the purpose and process of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).
- Apply assessment tools for evaluating physical, cognitive, psychological, and social needs.
- Demonstrate the role of multidisciplinary teamwork in managing geriatric patients.
- Evaluate case management strategies to improve patient outcomes and continuity of care.
Unit 5: Pharmacology and Therapeutics in Older Adults
- Explain the principles of pharmacology and prescribing in geriatric medicine.
- Analyse the risks of polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions in elderly patients.
- Apply safe prescribing practices tailored to the needs of older adults.
- Evaluate non-pharmacological interventions as alternatives or complements to medication.
Unit 6: Ethical Practice, Professional Standards, and CPD in Geriatric Medicine
- Demonstrate understanding of ethical and legal principles in elderly care, including consent and safeguarding.
- Apply professional standards and codes of practice relevant to geriatric medicine.
- Reflect on the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in maintaining competence.
- Develop strategies for ongoing learning and professional growth in geriatric healthcare.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM) is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who wish to expand their expertise in elderly care, enhance career opportunities, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This programme is not intended for beginners but for experienced practitioners. It is ideally suited for:
- Medical Doctors and Physicians seeking to develop specialist knowledge in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting older adults.
- Nurses and Clinical Practitioners aiming to enhance their skills in geriatric assessment, patient-centred care, and long-term management.
- Allied Healthcare Professionals such as physician associates, healthcare technicians, and therapists working with ageing populations.
- Healthcare Managers and Supervisors who want to improve service delivery and quality of care in elderly healthcare settings.
- Medical Educators and Trainers wishing to update their knowledge and integrate current geriatric practices into their teaching.
- Professionals committed to CPD who want to remain up to date with international best practices in geriatric medicine.
This qualification is an excellent choice for learners who are dedicated to improving patient outcomes, advancing their careers, and contributing to the evolving field of geriatric healthcare.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM) must meet essential standards to ensure high-quality training, learner success, and compliance with international best practices. The following requirements apply:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff: Centres must employ competent trainers, assessors, and subject matter experts with recognised qualifications and professional experience in geriatric medicine and healthcare.
- Appropriate Learning Facilities: Delivery centres should provide suitable classrooms, clinical training environments, and simulation facilities to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Access to Learning Resources: Learners must be provided with updated textbooks, digital learning platforms, case studies, and reference materials to enhance independent study and assessment preparation.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance: Centres are required to implement robust assessment methods, internal verification, and quality assurance systems to maintain fairness, consistency, and compliance with international academic standards.
- Learner Support Services: Centres should offer academic guidance, pastoral care, and professional development support to help learners achieve their full potential.
- Commitment to CPD: Teaching and assessment staff must engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure the delivery remains current, relevant, and aligned with industry standards.
- Health, Safety, and Safeguarding Compliance: All facilities must comply with health, safety, and safeguarding regulations to ensure a secure and supportive learning environment.
By meeting these requirements, centres can guarantee that the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine is delivered to the highest professional standard, equipping learners with the skills and knowledge required for success in elderly healthcare.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
