ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition)

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition) is a comprehensive programme designed for learners who wish to develop specialised knowledge and practical skills in providing nutritional care for critically ill patients. This qualification equips learners with the expertise to assess, plan, and implement nutritional strategies in intensive care and high-dependency settings, ensuring optimal patient outcomes. It is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects, expand their clinical knowledge, and actively contribute to their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Learners explore the scientific foundations of critical care nutrition, including the physiological, metabolic, and biochemical considerations in patients with acute illness or complex medical conditions. The programme covers essential topics such as enteral and parenteral feeding, nutritional assessment in critical care, energy and protein requirements, and management of nutrition-related complications. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, enabling learners to integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical decision-making and patient-centred nutritional interventions.

The course also addresses the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, effective communication, and ethical considerations when delivering nutritional support in critical care settings. Learners gain insight into practical approaches for monitoring nutritional outcomes, adjusting feeding protocols, and supporting recovery through tailored nutritional strategies.

This qualification provides a strong foundation for professional growth, advanced clinical practice, and further study in critical care nutrition, dietetics, and healthcare. Learners completing this programme are prepared to apply specialised nutritional knowledge confidently, improving patient care and contributing to high standards of clinical practice in intensive care environments.

Course overview

Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition)

To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition), learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background:Completion of secondary education or an equivalent qualification providing basic scientific knowledge is recommended.
  • Work Experience: Prior experience in healthcare, nursing, dietetics, or clinical support is advantageous but not mandatory.
  • English Proficiency: Learners must have a good command of English, both written and spoken, to fully engage with lessons, practical exercises, and assessments.
  • Additional Requirement:Learners should demonstrate a strong interest in clinical nutrition, critical care, and patient support.
  • Centre Requirements: Centres delivering this programme must provide qualified instructors, structured learning materials, and all necessary clinical resources to ensure a high-quality learning experience.

This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition), consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Introduction to Nutritional Support in Critical Care
  2. Human Physiology and Metabolic Response to Critical Illness
  3. Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Clinical Nutrition
  4. Enteral and Parenteral Feeding
  5. Monitoring and Managing Nutrition in Critical Care
  6. Professional Practice and Ethical Considerations in Critical Care Nutrition

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Introduction to Nutritional Support in Critical Care

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and scope of critical care nutrition.
  • Explain the importance of nutritional support in improving patient outcomes in intensive care and high-dependency settings.
  • Recognise the role of nutrition in recovery, immune function, and metabolic stability during critical illness.
  • Understand the integration of evidence-based nutritional interventions within multidisciplinary care.

Human Physiology and Metabolic Response to Critical Illness

  • Describe key physiological and metabolic responses to critical illness, trauma, and surgery.
  • Explain how organ function, hormonal changes, and stress responses affect nutritional requirements.
  • Analyse the impact of critical illness on energy expenditure, protein catabolism, and micronutrient balance.
  • Understand the relationship between systemic inflammation, metabolic alterations, and nutritional needs.

Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Clinical Nutrition

  • Identify the roles of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals in patient recovery and metabolic support.
  • Assess nutritional deficiencies and imbalances in critically ill patients.
  • Apply evidence-based nutritional strategies to meet macro- and micronutrient requirements.
  • Evaluate the clinical implications of nutrient intake on organ function, wound healing, and immune response.

Enteral and Parenteral Feeding

  • Understand the indications, methods, and protocols for enteral and parenteral nutrition.
  • Demonstrate the ability to calculate energy and protein requirements for critically ill patients.
  • Recognise potential complications and implement strategies to prevent or manage feeding-related risks.
  • Apply clinical reasoning to select appropriate feeding modalities based on patient condition and needs.

Monitoring and Managing Nutrition in Critical Care

  • Develop skills to monitor nutritional interventions and assess patient response.
  • Interpret clinical and biochemical markers to evaluate effectiveness of nutritional support.
  • Adjust feeding plans based on patient progress, tolerance, and changing clinical conditions.
  • Apply evidence-based decision-making to optimise patient recovery and minimise complications.

Professional Practice and Ethical Considerations in Critical Care Nutrition

  • Apply ethical principles and professional standards in clinical nutritional support.
  • Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Develop strategies for maintaining patient safety, dignity, and confidentiality.
  • Critically analyse research and evidence to inform clinical practice and professional decision-making.

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care provides learners with specialised knowledge and practical skills in clinical nutrition, preparing them for further study, professional advancement, and clinical practice in critical care settings.

Academic Progression

  • Learners can progress to Level 4 or Level 5 qualifications in clinical nutrition, dietetics, or healthcare-related programmes.
  • The diploma provides a pathway to specialist certifications in intensive care nutrition, enteral and parenteral feeding, or critical care dietetics.
  • It serves as a foundation for undergraduate studies in nutrition, dietetics, nursing, or health sciences.

Professional Career Progression

  • Graduates can work as clinical nutrition assistants, critical care support staff, or dietetic support personnel in hospitals and intensive care units.
  • Opportunities exist to contribute to patient nutritional assessment, feeding plan implementation, and multidisciplinary care.
  • Advanced career options include critical care nutrition specialist, clinical dietitian in ICU, or consultant for hospital nutrition programmes.

Skill Development and Professional Growth

  • Learners develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical clinical scenarios, enhancing professional competence.
  • Skills in nutritional assessment, feeding protocol management, patient monitoring, and clinical decision-making prepare learners for higher-level responsibilities.
  • This qualification lays the foundation for continued professional development and advanced study in nutrition, critical care, and healthcare practice.

Research and Leadership Opportunities

  • Graduates may participate in clinical research or audits related to critical care nutrition.
  • Opportunities exist to take leadership roles in implementing evidence-based feeding protocols within hospital or clinical settings.
  • Learners can contribute to policy development, staff training, and quality improvement initiatives in nutritional support services.

FAQs

This course is designed for learners who wish to gain specialised knowledge and practical skills in nutritional support for critically ill patients, including healthcare professionals, nurses, dietetic assistants, and clinical support staff working in intensive care or hospital settings.

Learners must be 18 years or older, have a foundational understanding of biology, human physiology, or health sciences, and possess good English proficiency. Prior experience in healthcare, nursing, or clinical support is advantageous but not mandatory. Centres provide qualified instructors, structured learning materials, and all necessary clinical resources to ensure learner success.

ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition) is 30 Credits training program. As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centers.

ICTQual AB allows to offer Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition) in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Nutritional Support in Critical Care (Dip Critical Care Nutrition) consist of 6 mandatory assessments . These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%