The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in nutrition for critically ill patients. This Level 6 diploma equips learners with in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence required to assess, plan, and implement nutritional support in critical care settings. Ideal for dietitians, nutritionists, clinical practitioners, and healthcare professionals, this qualification enhances career prospects, broadens professional knowledge, and contributes to recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners will explore the science of metabolism, nutrient requirements, and clinical interventions specific to patients in intensive care, including those with complex medical conditions. The programme covers assessment of nutritional status, formulation of personalised nutritional plans, enteral and parenteral feeding techniques, monitoring of outcomes, and critical evaluation of evidence-based practice. Emphasis is placed on integrating clinical knowledge with practical application, ensuring learners are equipped to make informed, safe, and effective decisions in high-pressure environments.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care are required to maintain the highest standards of training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing comprehensive learning materials, and ensuring access to all necessary resources and facilities. Such measures create a supportive and effective learning environment, enabling learners to fully engage with the course content and achieve successful outcomes.
Upon completion, learners will possess advanced knowledge, applied skills, and professional confidence to deliver safe and effective nutritional support in critical care, improve patient outcomes, and make a meaningful contribution to clinical practice and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
480
Qualification #
LICQ2201082
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201082-1 |
Foundations of Critical Care Nutrition |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201082-2 |
Nutritional Assessment in Critical Care |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201082-3 |
Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201082-4 |
Nutritional Support for Specific Conditions |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201082-5 |
Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Critical Care Nutrition |
20 |
80 |
|
LICQ2201082-6 |
Professional Practice, Ethics, and CPD in Critical Care Nutrition |
20 |
80 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Foundations of Critical Care Nutrition
Learners will be able to:
- Explain the principles and theories of nutrition for critically ill patients
- Analyse metabolic changes and energy requirements in critical care
- Evaluate the impact of critical illness on nutrient utilisation and patient outcomes
- Apply foundational knowledge to plan appropriate nutritional support
Unit 2: Nutritional Assessment in Critical Care
Learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments using clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric methods
- Interpret clinical and laboratory data to determine patient-specific nutritional needs
- Identify risk factors affecting nutrition in critically ill patients
- Critically evaluate assessment methods to ensure accurate and reliable outcomes
Unit 3: Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition
Learners will be able to:
- Design and implement safe enteral and parenteral nutrition plans
- Apply evidence-based guidelines to feeding protocols and clinical practice
- Monitor patient response and adjust nutritional interventions accordingly
- Demonstrate practical competence in the administration of nutritional support
Unit 4: Nutritional Support for Specific Conditions
Learners will be able to:
- Develop tailored nutrition plans for patients with sepsis, trauma, organ failure, or metabolic disorders
- Evaluate clinical outcomes of nutritional interventions for specific critical illnesses
- Adapt nutritional strategies to complex and changing patient needs
- Integrate clinical reasoning with nutritional knowledge to support optimal patient care
Unit 5: Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Critical Care Nutrition
Learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise scientific research relevant to critical care nutrition
- Apply evidence-based principles to inform clinical decision-making
- Integrate research findings into practical patient care strategies
- Demonstrate the ability to use data and research to enhance professional practice
Unit 6: Professional Practice, Ethics, and CPD in Critical Care Nutrition
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional, ethical, and legal conduct in critical care nutrition practice
- Understand and apply relevant regulatory and professional standards
- Develop and implement a structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plan
- Reflect critically on personal and professional practice to improve competence and effectiveness
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care is ideal for healthcare professionals who want to specialise in nutrition management for critically ill patients. This qualification is perfect for individuals looking to enhance clinical expertise, support patient recovery, or advance their career in intensive care or hospital nutrition services. Whether you are a healthcare practitioner or a health professional seeking specialisation, this Level 6 Critical Care Nutrition Diploma provides a practical, recognised pathway for career growth.
Aspiring Critical Care Nutrition Specialists
- Individuals seeking a professional Critical Care Nutrition qualification Level 6
- Learners aiming to work with ICU and critically ill patients
- Those interested in evidence-based nutritional interventions for critical care
- Individuals seeking an internationally recognised Critical Care Nutrition Diploma
- Learners planning to work in hospitals, intensive care units, or specialised clinics
Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
- ICU and hospital nurses
- Dietitians and nutritional therapists
- Healthcare assistants involved in patient nutrition support
- Professionals integrating nutrition into patient care planning
- Health workers seeking advanced critical care nutrition skills
Dietitians and Nutrition Practitioners
- Clinical dietitians specialising in hospital or intensive care nutrition
- Nutritionists aiming to develop expertise in critical care
- Professionals supporting patient recovery through targeted nutrition plans
- Practitioners seeking an accredited Level 6 Critical Care Nutrition Diploma
- Those aiming to enhance clinical credibility and patient outcomes
Career Changers Entering Critical Care
- Individuals transitioning into intensive care, hospital, or clinical nutrition roles
- Professionals seeking a recognised Level 6 Critical Care Nutrition qualification
- Learners looking for flexible online study options in specialised nutrition
- Individuals pursuing purpose-driven careers in healthcare and nutrition
- Those aiming to establish long-term expertise in clinical nutrition
Healthcare Leaders and Clinical Supervisors
- Senior nurses and clinical supervisors
- Managers overseeing nutrition care in hospital settings
- Professionals leading multidisciplinary critical care teams
- Healthcare leaders seeking advanced critical care knowledge
- Individuals aiming to implement evidence-based nutrition protocols
Lifelong Learners with a Passion for Clinical Nutrition
- Individuals passionate about improving patient outcomes through nutrition
- Learners interested in metabolism, feeding strategies, and patient recovery
- Those seeking structured, professional critical care nutrition education
- Individuals committed to continuous personal and professional development
- Learners aiming to make a positive impact in clinical and intensive care settings
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care must adhere to high standards to ensure quality training and learner success. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Employ trainers with recognised qualifications and experience in critical care, clinical nutrition, dietetics, or related healthcare fields.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Provide detailed course materials, clinical reference texts, and digital resources to support theoretical and practical learning.
- Safe and Suitable Facilities: Ensure learning environments, whether in-person or blended, are well-equipped, safe, and conducive to effective teaching and learner engagement.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems: Implement robust procedures to evaluate learner progress, provide constructive feedback, and ensure achievement of learning outcomes.
- Commitment to CPD: Promote Continuing Professional Development for both learners and staff to maintain up-to-date knowledge and best practices in critical care nutrition.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Comply with relevant health and safety regulations to maintain a secure environment for all learners.
- Technology and Online Access: For online or blended delivery, provide reliable digital platforms, internet access, and technical support to facilitate interactive learning and assessments.
By meeting these requirements, centres ensure learners receive high-quality, internationally aligned training, enabling them to develop advanced skills in nutritional support for critically ill patients and confidently apply their knowledge in clinical 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.
