LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Medicine (Cert PM) 

The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Medicine (Cert PM) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in palliative and end-of-life care, advance their career prospects, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This course is not intended for fresh candidates; it is tailored for learners who already have experience in healthcare and wish to gain advanced knowledge and practical skills in delivering compassionate and effective palliative care.

Learners on this course will explore a wide range of topics, including pain and symptom management, communication with patients and families, ethical considerations, multidisciplinary teamwork, and holistic care approaches. The qualification equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to provide high-quality, patient-centred care to individuals with life-limiting conditions, supporting both patients and their families throughout the care journey.

The course emphasises both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Learners will gain insights into advanced clinical interventions, care planning, end-of-life decision-making, and the psychosocial and spiritual aspects of palliative care, preparing them to respond effectively to complex care needs.

Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Medicine must ensure that teaching is conducted by competent and qualified staff, supported with appropriate learning resources and materials. Accredited centres must provide a structured learning environment that promotes learner engagement, practical competency, and successful achievement of the qualification.

Upon completion, learners will be equipped to deliver high-quality palliative care, enhance patient comfort, support families, and contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary healthcare teams, making a significant impact in the field of palliative medicine.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Medicine (Cert PM) 

Total Units

6

Total Credits

24

GLH

120

Qualification #

LICQ2200837

Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Medicine (Cert PM), applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: Learners should hold a Level 2 qualification in a health-related subject or have equivalent professional experience. Prior knowledge of healthcare principles and patient care is advantageous.
  • Experience: The course is designed for learners who are already working in healthcare, nursing, or clinical support roles, particularly those involved in patient care or end-of-life care. Practical experience in relevant clinical environments is highly recommended.
  • English Language Proficiency: Participants must have sufficient English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to understand instructions, complete assessments, and communicate during practical exercises.
  • Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Learners should demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a willingness to apply knowledge and skills to improve palliative care practice.
  • Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to appropriate learning materials, clinical environments, and digital resources to complete theoretical and practical components of the course. Access to palliative care settings or simulations is recommended for applied learning.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200837-1

Principles of Palliative Medicine

4

20

LICQ2200837-2

Pain and Symptom Management

4

20

LICQ2200837-3

Communication and Patient Support

4

20

LICQ2200837-4

End-of-Life Care and Decision-Making

4

20

LICQ2200837-5

Multidisciplinary Teamwork in Palliative Care

4

20

LICQ2200837-6

Professional Practice and Ethics in Palliative Medicine

4

20

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Unit 1: Principles of Palliative Medicine

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the role and scope of palliative care within healthcare systems.
  • Analyse patient-centred and holistic approaches to end-of-life care.
  • Evaluate the impact of palliative care on patients, families, and communities.
  • Identify emerging trends and contemporary challenges in palliative medicine.

Unit 2: Pain and Symptom Management

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Identify common symptoms and complications in palliative care patients.
  • Apply evidence-based strategies for effective pain relief and symptom control.
  • Monitor and evaluate patient responses to interventions.
  • Discuss ethical considerations when managing symptoms in palliative care.

Unit 3: Communication and Patient Support

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate effective communication with patients and their families.
  • Apply techniques for delivering difficult news and providing emotional support.
  • Promote patient engagement in care planning and decision-making.
  • Consider cultural, psychological, and social factors affecting patient care.

Unit 4: End-of-Life Care and Decision-Making

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the principles of end-of-life care planning and decision-making.
  • Apply strategies for advance care planning and respecting patient autonomy.
  • Support families through the dying process and bereavement.
  • Make ethical and compassionate decisions in complex care scenarios.

Unit 5: Multidisciplinary Teamwork in Palliative Care

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Identify the roles of different healthcare professionals in palliative care.
  • Apply effective teamwork and interprofessional collaboration skills.
  • Coordinate care planning and service delivery within a multidisciplinary framework.
  • Evaluate strategies to improve patient outcomes through collaborative practice.

Unit 6: Professional Practice and Ethics in Palliative Medicine

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Apply professional standards and ethical principles in palliative care practice.
  • Maintain accurate records and ensure patient confidentiality.
  • Engage in reflective practice and Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
  • Deliver safe, effective, and compassionate palliative care interventions.

The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Medicine (Cert PM) is designed for healthcare professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in palliative care, end-of-life support, and symptom management. This Level 3 palliative medicine qualification is ideal for doctors, nurses, and allied health workers who aim to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care while advancing their careers with a recognised, CPD-accredited certification. Whether you are seeking to specialise, expand your role, or enhance your CPD portfolio, this course provides the knowledge and skills to make a real difference.

1. Doctors and Physicians

  • Enhance clinical expertise in palliative medicine and end-of-life care
  • Gain advanced training in pain and symptom management
  • Strengthen communication skills with patients and families
  • Build credibility with a recognised Level 3 palliative care qualification
  • Expand career opportunities in hospitals, hospices, and private practice

2. Nurses and Nursing Practitioners

  • Develop specialist knowledge in palliative and holistic care
  • Improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice
  • Earn a CPD-accredited certificate to boost career progression
  • Learn ethical approaches to end-of-life decision-making
  • Gain confidence in managing complex patient needs

3. Allied Health Professionals

  • Suitable for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians
  • Understand the multidisciplinary role in palliative care
  • Learn strategies for supporting patients’ physical and emotional needs
  • Strengthen collaboration with doctors and nurses in care teams
  • Add a recognised qualification to your professional portfolio

4. Healthcare Administrators and Managers

  • Gain insights into palliative care service delivery
  • Understand ethical and legal frameworks in healthcare
  • Improve leadership in multidisciplinary care teams
  • Enhance service quality with evidence-based practices
  • Strengthen credentials with a career-boosting certification

5. Medical and Nursing Students

  • Build a strong foundation in palliative medicine early in your career
  • Gain practical knowledge to complement academic studies
  • Improve employability with a specialist Level 3 qualification
  • Learn communication and empathy skills for patient care
  • Prepare for advanced roles in healthcare and clinical practice

6. Caregivers and Support Workers

  • Learn essential skills for end-of-life patient support
  • Gain confidence in managing pain, comfort, and dignity
  • Understand the emotional and ethical aspects of care
  • Strengthen your role in community and home-based care
  • Earn a recognised certificate to validate your expertise

7. International Healthcare Professionals

  • Access a globally recognised palliative medicine qualification
  • Gain knowledge aligned with UK and international standards
  • Improve career mobility across healthcare systems
  • Enhance your CPD portfolio with accredited training
  • Stand out in competitive global healthcare markets

To deliver the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Medicine effectively and maintain high-quality training standards, centres must meet the following requirements:

  • Accredited Training Facility: Centres must hold proper accreditation to deliver Level 3 healthcare and palliative medicine qualifications in compliance with LICQual quality standards.
  • Qualified and Competent Staff: Trainers should be experienced healthcare professionals with expertise in palliative and end-of-life care, symptom management, and patient support.
  • Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with up-to-date textbooks, journals, digital resources, and evidence-based guidelines relevant to palliative care.
  • Practical Training Facilities: Access to clinical or hospice settings, simulation labs, or patient care environments for practical exercises and applied learning.
  • Health and Safety Compliance: Centres must maintain strict health, safety, and infection control protocols to ensure the safety of learners and staff.
  • Assessment and Evaluation Capability: Ability to conduct theoretical and practical assessments, including case studies, projects, and clinical demonstrations, aligned with LICQual standards.
  • Learner Support Services: Provision of mentoring, academic guidance, and additional support to ensure learners achieve their outcomes successfully.
  • Technology and IT Infrastructure: Access to e-learning platforms, online research databases, and digital tools to support both theoretical and practical learning.
  • Record Keeping and Reporting: Systems for accurate learner registration, progress tracking, assessment documentation, and timely certification.
  • Compliance with International Standards: Centres should align training delivery with global best practices in palliative medicine, end-of-life care, and clinical governance.

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.