The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM) is a prestigious qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in the care of older adults. This advanced-level diploma is not intended for fresh entrants but specifically caters to experienced practitioners who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their clinical knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners undertaking this diploma will gain an in-depth understanding of the complex medical, psychological, and social needs of the ageing population. The programme equips learners with the skills to critically analyse and implement evidence-based approaches in geriatric care, ensuring high standards of patient management across various healthcare settings. By completing this qualification, learners are better positioned to take on senior clinical roles, leadership responsibilities, and specialist positions within multidisciplinary teams.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine are required to maintain the highest standards of training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, as well as providing all the necessary learning materials and resources to support learner success. A structured and resource-rich learning environment ensures that learners not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop practical skills essential for effective geriatric care.
Ideal for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals working with older adults, this qualification offers a comprehensive pathway for career advancement while contributing to improved patient outcomes. Learners completing this programme will emerge with the confidence, expertise, and recognition needed to excel in the field of geriatric medicine.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2200932
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine (Dip GM), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2200932-1 |
Principles of Geriatric Medicine |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200932-2 |
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Older Adults |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200932-3 |
Management of Chronic Diseases in Older Adults |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200932-4 |
Mental Health and Cognitive Disorders |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200932-5 |
Multidisciplinary Care and Rehabilitation |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2200932-6 |
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Geriatric Medicine
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the biological, psychological, and social aspects of ageing.
- Analyse the epidemiology and prevalence of common geriatric conditions globally.
- Demonstrate understanding of holistic and person-centred approaches in geriatric care.
- Examine the ethical, legal, and cultural considerations in managing older adults.
Unit 2: Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis in Older Adults
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments tailored to older adults.
- Apply diagnostic reasoning to identify geriatric syndromes and comorbidities.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of assessment tools for cognitive, physical, and functional status.
- Formulate evidence-based care plans based on assessment findings.
Unit 3: Management of Chronic Diseases in Older Adults
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the pathophysiology and management strategies of chronic conditions in elderly patients.
- Critically assess pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, including polypharmacy risks.
- Design patient-centred management plans addressing complex comorbidities.
- Monitor and evaluate outcomes to ensure optimal quality of care.
Unit 4: Mental Health and Cognitive Disorders
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify and assess common mental health and cognitive disorders in older adults.
- Evaluate evidence-based interventions for dementia, depression, delirium, and anxiety.
- Integrate psychological support and therapeutic strategies into holistic care planning.
- Reflect on the ethical and cultural aspects of mental health care for older adults.
Unit 5: Multidisciplinary Care and Rehabilitation
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse the role of multidisciplinary teams in delivering effective geriatric care.
- Develop rehabilitation and care plans in collaboration with healthcare professionals and families.
- Apply principles of ethical decision-making and patient advocacy in complex cases.
- Evaluate the impact of coordinated care on patient outcomes and quality of life.
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Professional Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise research and medical literature relevant to geriatric medicine.
- Apply evidence-based practice to clinical decision-making and care improvement.
- Design and implement clinical audits or quality improvement initiatives.
- Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development and reflective practice.
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who wish to advance their expertise in caring for older adults. This qualification is ideal for:
- Experienced Doctors and Physicians seeking to specialise in geriatric medicine or expand their clinical knowledge in elderly care.
- Registered Nurses working in hospital, community, or care home settings, aiming to enhance their skills in managing older patients.
- Allied Health Professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and pharmacists involved in the care of elderly individuals.
- Healthcare Managers and Coordinators looking to strengthen their understanding of geriatric care, multidisciplinary team management, and patient outcomes.
- Professionals Committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who wish to stay current with the latest practices, research, and guidelines in geriatric medicine.
- Learners Aspiring to Leadership or Specialist Roles in geriatric healthcare, rehabilitation, or clinical governance.
This course is suitable for professionals who already have a strong foundation in healthcare and are looking to enhance their career prospects, broaden their knowledge, and develop advanced skills in the specialised field of geriatric medicine.
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Medicine must meet the following requirements:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ instructors and assessors with recognised qualifications and extensive experience in geriatric medicine or related healthcare fields. Staff should demonstrate the ability to deliver advanced-level teaching and support learners effectively.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres should provide access to up-to-date medical literature, journals, textbooks, and digital resources relevant to geriatric medicine and healthcare best practices.
- Clinical and Practical Facilities: Centres must have suitable clinical or simulated environments to facilitate practical learning, including access to healthcare settings for observation and hands-on experience.
- Assessment and Evaluation Tools: Centres should maintain robust systems for learner assessment, including written assignments, case studies, practical evaluations, and reflective practice exercises.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Centres are expected to offer a structured, safe, and resource-rich environment, including access to IT facilities, study spaces, and guidance for CPD and career development.
- Compliance with Regulations and Standards: Centres must operate in accordance with national and international healthcare education standards, ensuring quality assurance, ethical teaching practices, and learner welfare.
By meeting these requirements, centres ensure that learners gain comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence in geriatric medicine, preparing them for senior clinical and specialist roles in healthcare.
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.
