NCFE Certificate in Palliative Care Level 3

Who is it for?

This course is designed for any health care worker who wishes to improve their knowledge and understanding of palliative care. It also has relevance to all types of care settings, including hospices, care homes, care in the community and primary care.

Course outline

The NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Palliative Care is designed to provide candidates with an understanding of the principles of palliative care. It will encourage them to use a ‘whole person’ and ‘person-centred’ approach to meet the emotional, social and spiritual needs of dying people and their families and increase candidates’ awareness of loss, grief and the ways in which they can offer appropriate support to the bereaved. The course also provides employers with a structured training programme which will meet the training needs of their employees.

Course content

The course consists of four units:

• Unit 1: Understanding palliative care
• Unit 2: Supporting a person's needs in a palliative care context
• Unit 3: Supporting a person with their physical care needs
• Unit 4: Care during the final hours of life and bereavement care

Each unit contains tasks and activities designed to cover the specific learning outcomes.

Course delivery and assessment

The qualification is accredited by a nationally recognised awarding body, NCFE, and has no end test. Candidates work through the distance learning course materials at their own pace, and at times convenient to them, so there is no need for them to attend the college to gain the qualification. Candidates will be provided with course materials for the programme. The materials contain the knowledge needed to meet the assessment requirements of the course as well as practical and reflective activities to allow candidates to practise their skills and test their learning. Each candidate will have access to a tutor who will support them throughout the programme.

Progression opportunities

The qualification aims to provide a sound preparation for further study and access to a range of vocational qualifications, including NVQs in Health and Social Care.