The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare Financial Management is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This qualification is not intended for complete beginners but is ideal for learners with experience in healthcare or financial management who want to develop their expertise in managing budgets, resources, and financial planning within healthcare organisations.
Learners undertaking this course will gain a thorough understanding of core financial principles, including budgeting, financial reporting, cost control, and resource allocation. The course emphasises the strategic role of financial management in supporting high-quality patient care, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services.
Centres delivering this qualification must meet stringent standards to ensure learners receive high-quality training. This includes having competent and qualified staff, access to up-to-date learning resources, and an environment that supports both theoretical understanding and practical application. These measures ensure that learners are well-equipped to apply financial management principles effectively within their healthcare settings.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to manage financial resources confidently, support organisational decision-making, and contribute strategically to the financial health of healthcare organisations. This qualification prepares learners to take on more senior roles, optimise operational budgets, and implement best practices in financial management, ultimately enhancing both professional growth and patient care outcomes.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare Financial Management
Total Units
6
Total Credits
24
GLH
120
Qualification #
LICQ2200715
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Healthcare Financial Management, applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200715-1 |
Introduction to Healthcare Financial Management |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200715-2 |
Financial Planning and Budgeting |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200715-3 |
Financial Reporting and Analysis |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200715-4 |
Cost Management and Control |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200715-5 |
Funding and Resource Management |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2200715-6 |
Risk Management and Compliance in Healthcare Finance |
4 |
20 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Healthcare Financial Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles and concepts of financial management in healthcare.
- Describe the role of finance in supporting patient care and organisational objectives.
- Identify key financial terminology and concepts used in healthcare settings.
- Analyse the importance of budgeting and resource allocation in healthcare operations.
Unit 2: Financial Planning and Budgeting
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Develop basic financial plans aligned with organisational goals.
- Prepare and manage different types of budgets within healthcare settings.
- Apply forecasting techniques to predict income and expenditure.
- Evaluate budgetary performance and make informed adjustments.
Unit 3: Financial Reporting and Analysis
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Interpret key financial statements including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
- Analyse financial data to identify trends and performance indicators.
- Communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
- Use financial analysis to support decision-making in healthcare management.
Unit 4: Cost Management and Control
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the principles of cost management in healthcare.
- Differentiate between fixed and variable costs and apply cost allocation methods.
- Implement strategies to control costs and optimise resources effectively.
- Assess the cost-effectiveness of services and interventions.
Unit 5: Funding and Resource Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify different sources of funding in healthcare organisations.
- Apply financial governance principles to manage resources responsibly.
- Plan and prioritise human, material, and technological resources efficiently.
- Evaluate resource allocation decisions to support organisational objectives.
Unit 6: Risk Management and Compliance in Healthcare Finance
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify financial risks within healthcare organisations and propose mitigation strategies.
- Explain key regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
- Implement internal controls and audit processes to ensure financial accountability.
- Develop and apply financial policies and procedures to maintain governance and transparency.
This course is ideal for:
- Healthcare Professionals – Learners working in clinical or administrative roles who want to strengthen their understanding of financial management in healthcare.
- Healthcare Managers and Administrators – Individuals responsible for budgeting, financial planning, or overseeing resources in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organisations.
- Finance Officers and Accounts Staff in Healthcare – Professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of financial reporting, compliance, and cost control within the healthcare sector.
- Quality and Compliance Officers – Learners focusing on regulatory compliance, governance, and financial accountability in healthcare settings.
- Aspiring Leaders in Healthcare Finance – Those aiming to progress into supervisory or managerial roles in healthcare financial management.
- CPD-focused Professionals – Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who wish to enhance their career prospects through specialised training.
- Career Enhancers in Healthcare Management – Professionals already in the healthcare sector who want to build expertise in financial planning, resource allocation, and decision-making.
Centres wishing to deliver this qualification must meet the following requirements to ensure high-quality training and learner success:
- Qualified Trainers and Assessors – Centres must employ staff with relevant qualifications and professional experience in healthcare financial management, budgeting, and compliance.
- Robust Quality Assurance Systems – Internal quality assurance procedures should be in place to monitor delivery, assessment, and learner progress in line with LICQual standards.
- Appropriate Learning Facilities – Centres must provide access to classrooms, online platforms, or blended learning environments that support interactive and engaging learning.
- Access to Learning Resources – Learners should have access to up-to-date study materials, case studies, financial tools, and healthcare finance reference resources.
- Assessment Capabilities – Centres must be able to deliver and assess assignments, projects, and practical tasks that align with course learning outcomes.
- Health and Safety Compliance – Centres must provide a safe learning environment that complies with all relevant health and safety regulations.
- Digital and Technical Support – For online or blended delivery, centres should ensure reliable internet connectivity, secure platforms, and technical support for learners.
- Commitment to Learner Support – Centres should provide academic guidance, pastoral care, and career support to help learners achieve the best possible outcomes.
These requirements ensure that centres deliver consistent, professional, and high-quality training, enabling learners to develop the financial management skills needed to advance within the healthcare sector.
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.
