Call
Student portal
PakHub
A diverse group of healthcare professionals engages in Dysphagia Awareness training, using models and materials to enhance understanding of swallowing processe…

ICTQual Level 4 Award in Dysphagia Awareness Training

ICTQual Level 4 Award in Dysphagia Awareness Training develops essential knowledge of dysphagia, assessment, management, prevention, and caregiver support for healthcare professionals involved in s...

Awarding Body: ICTQual AB|Course Level: Level 4
Inquire / Apply

Course features

This ICTQual AB qualification provides a structured introduction to dysphagia awareness and management through theory-led and practice-focused study designed for healthcare professionals supporting individuals with swallowing difficulties.

  • Awarded by ICTQual AB

  • Level 4 qualification in dysphagia awareness training

  • 5-day, 15-hour training programme

  • Comprehensive curriculum covering assessment, management, and prevention

  • Mandatory assessment through Approved Training Centres

  • Suitable for healthcare and care support professionals

About course

The ICTQual Level 4 Award in Dysphagia Awareness Training is designed to build professional knowledge of dysphagia, including its causes, signs, assessment methods, management strategies, and the wider impact swallowing difficulties can have on health and wellbeing. It supports learners in understanding how dysphagia affects different populations and why early recognition is important in care settings.

  • Develops understanding of dysphagia and swallowing function

  • Supports safer recognition of signs, symptoms, and risks

  • Covers diagnostic and assessment approaches used in practice

  • Explains management, treatment, and preventive strategies

  • Emphasises patient-centred and caregiver-centred support

  • Introduces advanced and evidence-based dysphagia care topics

What you will learn

This course enables learners to build knowledge across the full dysphagia care pathway, from understanding swallowing disorders to supporting assessment, intervention, prevention, and ongoing patient care.

  • Understand the definition, types, causes, risk factors, and epidemiology of dysphagia

  • Explain the anatomy and physiology of the normal swallowing process

  • Identify signs and symptoms of dysphagia and understand assessment and diagnostic methods

  • Apply management strategies including dietary modification, rehabilitation, positioning, and assistive approaches

  • Recognise complications such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration and understand prevention strategies

  • Support patients and caregivers through education, care planning, emotional support, and evidence-based practice

Course content

Who should attend

This course is intended for individuals working in healthcare or care roles who need a solid understanding of dysphagia awareness and safe support practices within their professional responsibilities.

  • Nurses involved in patient care and swallowing support

  • Speech and language therapists seeking foundational or complementary dysphagia knowledge

  • Caregivers supporting individuals with swallowing difficulties

  • Dietitians involved in nutritional planning for affected individuals

  • Occupational therapists contributing to supportive care strategies

  • Healthcare staff working in settings where dysphagia awareness is important

Course requirements

ICTQual AB states that entry requirements may vary by institution, but typical expectations are aimed at adult learners with relevant healthcare knowledge, workplace exposure, and the ability to engage with English-language course materials and assessment.

  • Learners should normally be at least 18 years old, hold a recognised healthcare-related qualification, and have recommended professional experience in a healthcare setting

  • Learners should have basic literacy, numeracy, and English language skills to participate in learning activities and complete the course assessment

Assessments

The course includes mandatory assessment arranged through Approved Training Centres to evaluate understanding of dysphagia awareness, assessment, management, and support principles covered in the programme.

  • Mandatory assessment is required for course completion

  • Assessment includes quizzes consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions

  • Learners must achieve a minimum score of 75% to pass

  • Assessment is conducted through Approved Training Centres

Progression

This qualification provides a foundation for further study, specialist development, and broader professional advancement in dysphagia care, healthcare practice, education, and leadership.

  • Progress to ICTQual Level 5 Award in Dysphagia Management

  • Pursue specialist training in speech and language therapy or geriatric dysphagia care

  • Advance to higher education in nursing, speech and language pathology, or healthcare research

  • Move into clinical specialist, educator, trainer, research, or healthcare leadership roles

Apply for this course

Fill in your details and we'll get back to you.

More in this category

View all in Medicine & Nursing