ICTQual Level 3 Award in Dysphagia Awareness Training

This qualification is designed by ICTQual AB to build essential awareness and practical understanding of dysphagia care for healthcare and social care environments.

• UK-regulated awarding body qualification (ICTQual AB)

• Competence-based structured training with practical focus

• Designed for healthcare, caregiving, and support roles

• Focus on patient safety, nutrition, and swallowing care

• Suitable for workplace-based or blended learning delivery

• Supports professional development in care settings

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Dysphagia Awareness Training is a specialist qualification designed to improve understanding of swallowing difficulties and their impact on health, nutrition, and quality of life. Dysphagia can lead to serious complications such as choking, malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia if not properly identified and managed. This course equips learners with the ability to recognise signs of dysphagia, understand swallowing mechanisms, and apply safe care practices in clinical and social care settings. It also supports the development of effective communication strategies and risk management approaches when working with affected individuals. The qualification is structured to reflect real-world healthcare practice, ensuring learners can apply knowledge directly in care environments and support multidisciplinary teams effectively.

• Understanding dysphagia and its clinical significance in healthcare

• Identifying causes, symptoms, and risk factors of swallowing difficulties

• Applying safe feeding, swallowing, and nutritional support practices

• Supporting patient dignity, safety, and person-centred care

• Understanding communication challenges in dysphagia care

• Promoting risk prevention and ethical care responsibilities

This course develops essential knowledge and practical awareness required to support individuals with swallowing difficulties safely and effectively.

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of normal swallowing

• Identify signs, symptoms, and types of dysphagia

• Recognise causes and risk factors associated with dysphagia

• Apply safe food and fluid modification techniques

• Support individuals using safe swallowing and feeding practices

• Understand risk management, safeguarding, and care responsibilities

This qualification is designed for individuals working in or entering healthcare, social care, or support roles where dysphagia awareness is essential.

• Healthcare assistants and support workers

• Care home and nursing staff

• Community and domiciliary carers

• Speech and language therapy support staff

• Hospital and clinical support personnel

• Individuals seeking entry into healthcare roles

This course has open entry requirements designed to make it accessible to a wide range of learners interested in healthcare development.

• Minimum age requirement is typically 18 years

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills are required

Assessment for this qualification is designed to evaluate both knowledge and understanding of dysphagia awareness in care settings.

• Written assignments or knowledge-based assessments

• Portfolio of evidence demonstrating learning outcomes

• Tutor-led professional discussions

• Scenario-based or case study evaluations

Successful completion of this qualification supports further academic and professional development in healthcare and social care sectors.

• ICTQual Level 4 qualifications in healthcare-related fields

• Advanced training in dysphagia or clinical support roles

• Progression to healthcare assistant or senior care positions

• Further study in nursing, allied health, or social care disciplines