The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Cardiothoracic Surgery (Dip CTS) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in cardiothoracic surgery. This qualification is aimed at learners who already have a foundation in healthcare or surgical practice and wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their clinical knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The course provides an in-depth understanding of cardiothoracic surgical principles, including patient assessment, pre-operative and post-operative care, surgical techniques, and the management of complex cardiovascular and thoracic conditions. Learners will gain practical insights, develop critical decision-making skills, and acquire the competence to support and assist in high-level surgical procedures, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
To ensure a high-quality learning experience, centres delivering this qualification must have competent and qualified staff, equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical surgical experience. Centres should also provide access to comprehensive learning resources, clinical facilities, and surgical simulation tools, allowing learners to gain hands-on experience under professional supervision.
By completing the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Cardiothoracic Surgery, learners enhance their professional credibility and are prepared to take on advanced responsibilities in surgical teams, specialist clinics, and hospital settings. This qualification is ideal for committed healthcare professionals who are passionate about improving patient care, advancing their surgical skills, and contributing to the evolving field of cardiothoracic surgery.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Cardiothoracic Surgery (Dip CTS)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2200905
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Cardiothoracic Surgery (Dip CTS), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200905-1 |
Introduction to Cardiothoracic Surgery |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200905-2 |
Pre-operative Assessment and Patient Preparation |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200905-3 |
Surgical Techniques and Procedures |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200905-4 |
Post-operative Care and Patient Management |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200905-5 |
Advanced Cardiothoracic Pathophysiology and Research |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2200905-6 |
Professional Practice and CPD in Cardiothoracic Surgery |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Cardiothoracic Surgery
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the anatomy and physiology of the heart, lungs, and thoracic cavity.
- Describe the fundamental principles and scope of cardiothoracic surgery.
- Identify common cardiothoracic conditions and their clinical significance.
- Discuss the role of cardiothoracic surgery in improving patient outcomes.
Unit 2: Pre-operative Assessment and Patient Preparation
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive pre-operative assessments for cardiothoracic patients.
- Interpret diagnostic test results, including imaging and laboratory findings.
- Identify patient risk factors and implement appropriate preparation protocols.
- Apply evidence-based guidelines to ensure patient readiness for surgery.
Unit 3: Surgical Techniques and Procedures
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Describe standard and advanced cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
- Demonstrate knowledge of surgical instrumentation and techniques.
- Explain procedural protocols and safety measures in the operating theatre.
- Analyse surgical approaches to optimise patient care and procedural success.
Unit 4: Post-operative Care and Patient Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Monitor post-operative cardiothoracic patients effectively.
- Recognise and manage common complications following surgery.
- Apply infection control and patient safety protocols in post-operative care.
- Develop rehabilitation and patient management plans to support recovery.
Unit 5: Advanced Cardiothoracic Pathophysiology and Research
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain advanced concepts in cardiothoracic disease mechanisms.
- Evaluate emerging research, innovations, and evidence-based practices in cardiothoracic surgery.
- Apply research findings to clinical decision-making and patient care.
- Critically assess treatment strategies to improve surgical outcomes.
Unit 6: Professional Practice and CPD in Cardiothoracic Surgery
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional and ethical responsibilities in surgical practice.
- Apply principles of multidisciplinary teamwork and clinical governance.
- Develop a personal CPD plan to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
- Reflect on clinical practice to identify areas for improvement and professional growth.
This course is designed for healthcare professionals aiming to advance their knowledge and skills in cardiothoracic surgery. It is ideal for learners who are:
- Healthcare practitioners seeking specialised knowledge in cardiothoracic surgical care.
- Surgeons, surgical assistants, and operating theatre staff aiming to enhance practical skills and clinical expertise.
- Nurses and allied health professionals involved in peri-operative and post-operative cardiothoracic patient care.
- Medical professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who wish to formalise learning with a recognised Level 3 qualification.
- Experienced professionals seeking career progression in hospitals, specialist cardiothoracic centres, or surgical units.
- Practitioners looking to implement evidence-based practice in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative cardiothoracic care.
- Learners with a foundational knowledge in healthcare or surgery who want to apply advanced theoretical and practical skills in specialised surgical settings.
This qualification is not suitable for beginners and is intended for learners with prior healthcare experience. Completing this diploma equips learners with the expertise, professional credibility, and confidence to take on advanced responsibilities in cardiothoracic surgical teams and specialist care environments.
To deliver the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Cardiothoracic Surgery effectively, centres must meet rigorous standards to ensure high-quality training, practical learning, and learner success. The requirements include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ instructors with relevant qualifications, surgical experience, and expertise in cardiothoracic surgery. Staff should be capable of delivering both theoretical knowledge and practical guidance.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres should provide up-to-date textbooks, digital learning materials, case studies, and access to current research in cardiothoracic surgery to support effective learning.
- Practical Facilities and Equipment: Centres must have access to surgical simulation facilities, operating theatre environments, and clinical equipment to provide learners with hands-on experience in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative care.
- Safe and Accessible Learning Environment: Training areas must comply with health and safety regulations, ensuring a secure, clean, and fully accessible environment for all learners.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance Processes: Centres must implement robust assessment strategies, feedback mechanisms, and quality assurance procedures to maintain high academic and professional standards.
- Support for CPD and Professional Development: Centres should encourage learners to engage in Continuing Professional Development through workshops, seminars, and additional learning opportunities relevant to cardiothoracic surgery.
- Administrative and Logistical Support: Centres must have efficient enrolment, record-keeping, and learner support systems to guide learners throughout their course journey.
Meeting these centre requirements ensures learners receive a high-quality, structured, and professionally recognised Level 3 qualification, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advance in cardiothoracic surgical practice.
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.
