The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Specialty Pharmacy (Cert Specialty Pharmacy) is a comprehensive qualification designed to equip learners with advanced knowledge and practical expertise in specialised areas of pharmacy practice. This programme focuses on enhancing professional competence in managing complex pharmaceutical care, supporting patient safety, and promoting effective use of specialty medicines across diverse healthcare settings.
This qualification is aimed at professionals who wish to strengthen their career prospects, broaden their understanding of specialty pharmacy, and enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). It provides a structured pathway for learners to gain critical insights into specialty drug management, clinical decision-making, and the integration of evidence-based practices within pharmacy services.
The course offers a balance of theoretical learning and applied skills, ensuring that learners are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. With a strong emphasis on quality, ethics, and patient-centred care, this qualification supports learners in developing both professional competence and confidence to contribute effectively within their roles.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure they have competent and experienced staff, as well as the necessary training materials, facilities, and resources to provide high-quality teaching and support. This ensures that learners receive the best possible training environment, enabling them to achieve successful outcomes and professional growth.
By completing the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Specialty Pharmacy, learners position themselves for career advancement and gain a recognised qualification that demonstrates their commitment to excellence in pharmacy practice.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Specialty Pharmacy (Cert Specialty Pharmacy)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201139
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Specialty Pharmacy (Cert Specialty Pharmacy), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201139-1 |
Principles of Specialty Pharmacy Practice |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201139-2 |
Clinical Applications of Specialty Medicines |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201139-3 |
Regulatory Frameworks, Ethics, and Patient Safety in Specialty Pharmacy |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201139-4 |
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain and Logistics for Specialty Medicines |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201139-5 |
Patient-Centred Care and Counselling in Specialty Pharmacy |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201139-6 |
Research, Professional Development, and Emerging Trends in Specialty Pharmacy |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Specialty Pharmacy Practice
- Understand the scope and role of specialty pharmacy in modern healthcare systems
- Demonstrate knowledge of the therapeutic areas commonly covered in specialty pharmacy
- Apply principles of quality assurance and risk management in pharmacy services
- Evaluate the impact of specialty pharmacy on patient outcomes and healthcare costs
Unit 2: Clinical Applications of Specialty Medicines
- Analyse the pharmacology, indications, and therapeutic value of specialty medicines
- Apply evidence-based approaches in the selection and monitoring of specialty treatments
- Demonstrate safe handling and administration procedures for high-risk medications
- Assess clinical case studies to support patient-centred therapeutic decisions
Unit 3: Regulatory Frameworks, Ethics, and Patient Safety in Specialty Pharmacy
- Understand international and national regulatory standards governing specialty pharmacy
- Apply ethical principles in pharmacy practice, including confidentiality and informed consent
- Evaluate strategies to minimise medication errors and improve patient safety
- Demonstrate compliance with professional codes of practice and legal requirements
Unit 4: Pharmaceutical Supply Chain and Logistics for Specialty Medicines
- Understand the logistics and distribution models for specialty pharmaceuticals
- Analyse the importance of cold chain management and secure storage practices
- Evaluate supply chain challenges, including shortages and counterfeit medicines
- Demonstrate knowledge of inventory control and demand forecasting in pharmacy operations
Unit 5: Patient-Centred Care and Counselling in Specialty Pharmacy
- Demonstrate effective communication and counselling techniques for diverse patient groups
- Apply strategies to improve patient adherence to complex therapy regimens
- Evaluate the role of pharmacists in multidisciplinary healthcare teams
- Understand the psychosocial aspects of patient care in specialty pharmacy
Unit 6: Research, Professional Development, and Emerging Trends in Specialty Pharmacy
- Understand the role of research and innovation in advancing pharmacy practice
- Critically evaluate new and emerging trends in specialty medicines and therapies
- Demonstrate reflective practice and commitment to lifelong learning and CPD
- Develop a professional development plan to enhance career growth in pharmacy
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Specialty Pharmacy (Cert Specialty Pharmacy) is designed for learners who want to enhance their knowledge, skills, and career opportunities in specialised areas of pharmacy. This course is ideal for:
- Pharmacy technicians and assistants seeking to expand their expertise in specialty medicines and pharmacy operations
- Registered pharmacists aiming to strengthen their clinical knowledge and patient-care skills in specialty pharmacy practice
- Healthcare professionals involved in the prescribing, handling, or administration of specialty medicines
- Hospital and clinical pharmacy staff responsible for managing high-cost and high-risk drug therapies
- Pharmaceutical supply chain and logistics professionals looking to understand the distribution and safe handling of specialty medicines
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) who wish to improve their career prospects and professional competence
- Individuals working in research or regulatory roles within the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors
This course provides a structured pathway for learners who wish to advance in the specialty pharmacy sector, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the growing demands of modern healthcare.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Specialty Pharmacy (Cert Specialty Pharmacy) must meet specific standards to ensure high-quality training, effective learner support, and successful course outcomes. To maintain international best practices, the following requirements apply:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ trainers and assessors with relevant academic qualifications, industry knowledge, and professional experience in pharmacy and healthcare.
- Adequate Learning Resources: Centres must provide learners with access to updated learning materials, textbooks, reference journals, digital platforms, and practical case studies relevant to specialty pharmacy.
- Facilities and Equipment: Training providers must have suitable classrooms, IT facilities, and learning environments equipped to support both theoretical and practical learning.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance Systems: Centres should maintain transparent assessment processes, internal verification procedures, and continuous quality improvement practices.
- Learner Support Services: Centres must provide academic guidance, mentoring, and career development support to ensure learners progress effectively throughout the programme.
- Access to Technology: Centres should ensure learners have access to computers, internet connectivity, and online learning platforms for blended or distance learning delivery.
- Commitment to Compliance: All centres must adhere to LICQual regulations, ensuring ethical delivery, learner safety, and compliance with awarding body standards.
By meeting these requirements, centres can deliver a high-quality learning experience, enabling learners to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in specialty pharmacy practice.
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.
