The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nephrology (Dip N) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals who wish to advance their expertise in nephrology and kidney-related healthcare practices. This programme is not intended for fresh candidates but is tailored for experienced learners who are seeking to enhance their career prospects, broaden their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) within the medical and healthcare sector.
This diploma provides in-depth insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney diseases, empowering learners to develop the professional competence required to work effectively in clinical and research-based nephrology settings. By undertaking this qualification, learners gain a strong foundation in nephrological care while improving their ability to support patients with chronic kidney disease, dialysis requirements, and related medical conditions.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nephrology (Dip N) must ensure high standards of teaching and assessment. They are required to have competent and professionally qualified staff, supported by appropriate learning materials, resources, and facilities to guarantee effective knowledge transfer and learner success. In addition, training providers must demonstrate strong quality assurance processes and learner support services to uphold the integrity of the qualification and meet international education standards.
With its practical relevance and global recognition, this qualification serves as an essential pathway for medical professionals who are committed to advancing their skills and contributing to improved patient outcomes in the field of nephrology.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nephrology (Dip N)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200896
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nephrology (Dip N), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200896-1 |
Fundamentals of Nephrology and Renal Anatomy |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200896-2 |
Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200896-3 |
Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment in Nephrology |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200896-4 |
Management of Acute and Chronic Kidney Diseases |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200896-5 |
Dialysis, Renal Replacement Therapy, and Transplantation |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200896-6 |
Research, Ethics, and Professional Practice in Nephrology |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Nephrology and Renal Anatomy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Describe the anatomy and structure of the kidneys and urinary system.
- Explain the role of the kidneys in maintaining homeostasis.
- Identify common anatomical abnormalities affecting renal function.
- Recognise the scope and importance of nephrology in modern healthcare.
Unit 2: Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the physiological processes of renal filtration, reabsorption, and secretion.
- Analyse the regulation of electrolytes, acid-base balance, and blood pressure by the kidneys.
- Identify pathophysiological changes associated with renal disorders.
- Understand the impact of systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) on kidney function.
Unit 3: Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment in Nephrology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct patient history taking and physical examination relevant to nephrology.
- Interpret laboratory tests such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- Evaluate imaging techniques and biopsy results for renal diagnosis.
- Apply evidence-based approaches to differential diagnosis of kidney conditions.
Unit 4: Management of Acute and Chronic Kidney Diseases
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Differentiate between acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Outline treatment options for AKI and CKD, including pharmacological interventions.
- Recognise the role of diet, lifestyle modification, and patient education in renal care.
- Apply clinical guidelines in the management of long-term kidney conditions.
Unit 5: Dialysis, Renal Replacement Therapy, and Transplantation
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the principles and indications of haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
- Evaluate the role of renal replacement therapy in advanced kidney disease.
- Understand the process and challenges of kidney transplantation.
- Assess ethical and clinical considerations in selecting and managing transplant patients.
Unit 6: Research, Ethics, and Professional Practice in Nephrology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply ethical principles to nephrology practice, including patient consent and confidentiality.
- Analyse current research trends in nephrology and their impact on clinical practice.
- Demonstrate professional standards in patient care, teamwork, and communication.
- Develop reflective practice skills to support continuing professional development (CPD).
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nephrology (Dip N) is designed for healthcare professionals and practitioners who want to expand their expertise in kidney health and nephrological care. This course is ideal for:
- Medical Professionals – including doctors, physicians, and clinicians seeking to enhance their skills in diagnosing and managing kidney diseases.
- Nurses and Specialist Practitioners – who work in nephrology wards, dialysis centres, or renal units and want to advance their knowledge and clinical practice.
- Allied Health Professionals – such as dietitians, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists supporting patients with renal conditions.
- Healthcare Researchers and Academics – who wish to develop specialist understanding for nephrology-related studies and clinical research.
- Clinical Support Staff – working in hospitals, clinics, or dialysis centres who want to gain deeper knowledge of renal care.
- International Learners – professionals aiming to achieve a globally recognised qualification in nephrology to strengthen their career opportunities.
- CPD-Oriented Professionals – individuals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and looking to expand their professional qualifications in healthcare.
Centres offering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Nephrology (Dip N) must meet strict academic and quality standards to ensure effective delivery and learner success. The following requirements must be in place:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff – Trainers and assessors must hold recognised medical or healthcare qualifications with specialist expertise in nephrology and clinical teaching experience.
- Appropriate Facilities – Centres must provide suitable learning environments, including classrooms, access to digital resources, and clinical references to support both theoretical and practical study.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources – Up-to-date textbooks, journals, case studies, and e-learning platforms should be available to facilitate in-depth learner engagement.
- Assessment and Evaluation Systems – Centres must demonstrate the ability to deliver fair, valid, and reliable assessments, including written assignments, case analyses, and applied learning evaluations.
- Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) – A structured quality assurance process must be in place, with trained IQA staff to monitor assessment consistency and teaching standards.
- Learner Support Services – Academic guidance, mentoring, and professional development support must be available to ensure learners can achieve their full potential.
- Access to Technology – Centres should integrate modern digital platforms, online submission systems, and virtual learning tools to enhance flexibility and accessibility.
- Compliance with LICQual Standards – Centres must strictly adhere to LICQual’s policies on quality, safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.
- Accurate Record Keeping – Learner progress, assessment records, and certification data must be maintained in line with regulatory and audit requirements.
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.
