The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Cardiothoracic Surgery (Dip CTS) is an advanced qualification designed for medical professionals, surgeons, and clinicians seeking to specialize in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. This diploma is not intended for fresh candidates; it is specifically tailored for experienced professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their expertise, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this programme will gain comprehensive knowledge of cardiothoracic surgical principles, techniques, and patient management. The course covers the anatomy and physiology of the heart, lungs, and thoracic structures, surgical procedures for congenital and acquired conditions, post-operative care, and advanced clinical decision-making. Learners will also develop the skills required to assess complex cases, plan surgical interventions, and apply evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Cardiothoracic Surgery are required to maintain the highest standards of training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing access to up-to-date learning resources, and ensuring all necessary clinical and surgical facilities are available to support learner success. Such professional infrastructure ensures that learners receive a rigorous, practical, and engaging learning experience, enabling them to confidently apply their skills in high-stakes clinical environments.
By completing this diploma, learners will enhance their professional credibility, contribute effectively to surgical teams, and advance patient care within cardiothoracic practice. Whether seeking to deepen clinical expertise, take on leadership roles, or engage in research, this qualification equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and recognition to achieve their professional objectives.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Cardiothoracic Surgery (Dip CTS)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2200948
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Allergy and Immunology (Dip AI), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200948-1 |
Foundations of Cardiothoracic Surgery |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200948-2 |
Diagnostic Techniques and Preoperative Assessment |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200948-3 |
Surgical Procedures in Cardiothoracic Practice |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200948-4 |
Postoperative Care and Complication Management |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200948-5 |
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Innovation |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200948-6 |
Professional Practice and Continuing Development |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Foundations of Cardiothoracic Surgery
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the anatomy and physiology of the heart, lungs, and thoracic structures.
- Analyse common congenital and acquired cardiothoracic conditions.
- Demonstrate understanding of surgical principles and perioperative care in cardiothoracic practice.
- Assess ethical, legal, and professional considerations relevant to cardiothoracic surgery.
Unit 2: Diagnostic Techniques and Preoperative Assessment
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to determine surgical suitability.
- Apply imaging and diagnostic tools, including echocardiography, CT, and MRI, in clinical decision-making.
- Identify comorbidities and assess surgical risk factors effectively.
- Develop preoperative strategies to optimise patient outcomes and reduce complications.
Unit 3: Surgical Procedures in Cardiothoracic Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise common and complex cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
- Demonstrate knowledge of operative techniques for coronary artery disease, valve repair/replacement, and thoracic interventions.
- Evaluate the application of minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgical approaches.
- Apply evidence-based practices to optimise surgical performance and patient outcomes.
Unit 4: Postoperative Care and Complication Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Develop and implement strategies for post-surgical patient monitoring and care.
- Identify and manage common postoperative complications in cardiothoracic surgery.
- Apply effective pain management, respiratory support, and rehabilitation protocols.
- Employ patient-centred approaches to support recovery and long-term health outcomes.
Unit 5: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Innovation
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise contemporary research and innovations in cardiothoracic surgery.
- Design and evaluate clinical audits, surgical outcomes, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Apply evidence-based practice to enhance surgical decision-making and patient care.
- Utilise research data to inform policy, innovation, and improvements in clinical practice.
Unit 6: Professional Practice and Continuing Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of professional ethics, governance, and standards in cardiothoracic surgery.
- Apply leadership and management skills within surgical teams and clinical settings.
- Plan and engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain advanced professional competence.
- Implement reflective practice strategies to evaluate performance and improve patient outcomes.
This advanced diploma is designed for experienced medical professionals who wish to specialize in cardiothoracic surgery and enhance their clinical expertise. Learners who will benefit most include:
- Cardiothoracic Surgeons and Surgical Trainees aiming to advance knowledge and surgical skills.
- Medical Practitioners and Physicians involved in cardiac, thoracic, or vascular care seeking specialized expertise.
- Clinical Fellows and Residents looking to develop advanced operative and perioperative skills in cardiothoracic surgery.
- Healthcare Managers and Coordinators responsible for surgical services, patient safety, and operational planning in cardiothoracic units.
- Research and Academic Professionals involved in cardiothoracic studies, clinical audits, or surgical innovation.
- Experienced Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and seeking recognized accreditation in cardiothoracic surgery.
This course is not suitable for fresh candidates, ensuring that learners possess the professional experience required to fully engage with advanced theoretical and practical content.
To deliver the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Cardiothoracic Surgery effectively, centres must maintain high standards of professional expertise, facilities, and learning resources. The following requirements are essential:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ experienced cardiothoracic surgeons, clinicians, and healthcare professionals with recognised qualifications. Staff should be capable of delivering both theoretical knowledge and practical surgical guidance.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres should provide learners with access to up-to-date textbooks, research publications, clinical guidelines, surgical case studies, and digital learning platforms to support evidence-based practice and advanced learning.
- Clinical and Surgical Facilities: Centres must ensure access to fully equipped surgical theatres, intensive care units, and clinical environments that allow learners to practice surgical techniques, patient management, and postoperative care.
- Assessment and Evaluation Systems: Centres must implement robust systems for learner assessment, practical evaluations, feedback, and progression tracking to ensure all learners achieve the required competency standards.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Centres are required to adhere to all relevant health, safety, and regulatory standards, ensuring a safe and professional learning environment for all learners.
- Support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Centres should actively support learners in CPD activities, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development in cardiothoracic surgery to maintain clinical competence.
Meeting these requirements ensures that learners receive a high-quality, professional, and engaging learning experience, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in advanced clinical, surgical, and leadership roles within cardiothoracic surgery.
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.
