The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Addiction Medicine (Cert AM) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in the prevention, assessment, and management of substance use disorders. This Level 3 Certificate is aimed at learners with prior healthcare experience who wish to enhance their career prospects, deepen their professional expertise, and fulfil Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. It is not intended for beginners, but for those committed to delivering safe, evidence-based care in addiction medicine.
Learners enrolling in this course will gain a comprehensive understanding of addiction biology, pharmacology, psychological and social aspects of substance misuse, and evidence-based treatment approaches. The course emphasises both theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling learners to support patients effectively in clinical, community, and rehabilitation settings.
To maintain the highest standards of training and learner achievement, centres delivering this qualification must employ competent and qualified staff, and provide access to all necessary learning materials, clinical resources, and supportive facilities. This ensures learners receive a high-quality, engaging, and interactive learning experience, fostering professional growth and clinical competence.
Whether you are a nurse, doctor, allied health professional, or clinical researcher, this Level 3 Certificate provides a strong foundation for career advancement, enhanced clinical skills, and improved patient outcomes. By completing the course, learners will be equipped to apply best practices in addiction assessment and treatment, support recovery pathways, and contribute to multidisciplinary healthcare teams focused on improving patient health and well-being.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Addiction Medicine (Cert AM)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
24
GLH
120
Qualification #
LICQ2200859
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Addiction Medicine (Cert AM), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200859-1 |
Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200859-2 |
Common Substances and Their Effects |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200859-3 |
Assessment and Diagnosis in Addiction |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200859-4 |
Treatment Approaches and Interventions |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200859-5 |
Management of Comorbidities |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200859-6 |
Ethics, Professional Practice, and Multidisciplinary Care |
4 |
20 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the biological, psychological, and social mechanisms underlying addiction
- Explain the principles of substance use disorders and dependency
- Analyse the factors contributing to the development and maintenance of addictive behaviours
- Evaluate the impact of addiction on individual and public health
Unit 2: Common Substances and Their Effects
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify common substances of abuse, including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and cannabis
- Understand the pharmacology, physiological effects, and potential health risks of these substances
- Analyse the short- and long-term consequences of substance misuse
- Evaluate the impact of substance use on physical, mental, and social well-being
Unit 3: Assessment and Diagnosis in Addiction
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply screening tools and diagnostic criteria to identify substance use disorders
- Conduct comprehensive assessments considering physical, psychological, and social factors
- Interpret assessment data to inform clinical decision-making
- Develop strategies for accurate diagnosis and patient care planning
Unit 4: Treatment Approaches and Interventions
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand evidence-based treatment approaches, including pharmacological and psychological interventions
- Apply behavioural and harm reduction strategies effectively
- Design patient-centred treatment plans tailored to individual needs
- Evaluate the outcomes of interventions to improve recovery and health outcomes
Unit 5: Management of Comorbidities
Learning Outcomes:
- Identify common co-occurring mental health and physical health conditions in addiction
- Analyse the interaction between substance use and comorbidities
- Apply integrated care strategies to manage complex patient needs
- Evaluate the effectiveness of multidisciplinary approaches in improving patient outcomes
Unit 6: Ethics, Professional Practice, and Multidisciplinary Care
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate patient-centred care and effective communication with patients and families
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards in addiction medicine practice
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Evaluate strategies for optimising patient outcomes through coordinated care
This course is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their expertise and career prospects in addiction medicine. Learners who will benefit include:
- Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, doctors, clinical officers, and allied health practitioners working in clinical, community, or rehabilitation settings
- Addiction Specialists: Professionals involved in the assessment, treatment, and management of substance use disorders
- Mental Health Practitioners: Individuals managing co-occurring mental health conditions in patients with substance misuse
- Medical Researchers: Those conducting research in addiction, behavioural health, or clinical interventions
- Public Health Practitioners: Professionals involved in community-based prevention, education, and health promotion related to addiction
- Healthcare Educators: Trainers and educators seeking to expand their knowledge of addiction medicine for teaching purposes
- CPD Seekers: Professionals aiming to fulfil Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements while applying knowledge in clinical practice
This Level 3 Certificate is ideal for learners with prior healthcare experience who are motivated to improve patient outcomes, enhance clinical competence, and advance professional development in the field of addiction medicine.
To deliver high-quality training and ensure learner success, centres offering this qualification must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ experienced trainers and assessors with relevant professional qualifications in addiction medicine, healthcare, or related clinical fields. Staff should have practical experience and expertise in Level 3 healthcare education.
- Access to Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with up-to-date course materials, textbooks, digital learning platforms, and reference resources to support both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- Teaching and Learning Facilities: Centres should have suitable classrooms, practical training areas, and simulation facilities to facilitate interactive and practical learning experiences.
- Assessment Arrangements: Centres must implement robust assessment procedures, including formative and summative assessments, to ensure learners achieve all required learning outcomes.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Centres must maintain safe learning environments, adhering to UK health and safety regulations, particularly for practical or clinical sessions.
- Quality Assurance Systems: Centres should have effective internal quality assurance mechanisms, including monitoring teaching standards, learner feedback, and continuous improvement strategies.
- Support for Learners: Centres must provide guidance and support services, including access to tutors, mentoring, and resources for independent study to promote learner success.
Meeting these requirements ensures that centres deliver a professional, credible, and internationally recognised training programme, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills needed for excellence in addiction medicine.
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.
