The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy (Cert Oncology Pharmacy) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in oncology pharmacy. This comprehensive programme equips learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional understanding required to manage complex cancer therapies safely and effectively. By completing this qualification, learners can enhance their professional competence, improve patient outcomes, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
This Level 3 certificate is ideal for pharmacy practitioners, pharmacy technicians, healthcare assistants, and other professionals involved in the preparation, dispensing, and monitoring of oncology medications. The curriculum covers critical areas such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy management, safe handling and administration of cytotoxic drugs, monitoring adverse drug reactions, and understanding the pharmacology of oncology treatments. Learners will also gain practical insights into supporting patients and their families through effective counselling and communication, while adhering to ethical and regulatory standards in oncology care.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to maintain the highest standards of teaching and learning. They must have competent and qualified staff, as well as all necessary materials, resources, and facilities to ensure learners receive high-quality instruction and achieve their learning outcomes successfully. This guarantees a supportive and effective learning environment that maximises learner engagement and professional growth.
By enrolling in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy, learners can take a significant step towards enhancing their career prospects, broadening their professional knowledge, and contributing meaningfully to the safe and effective care of patients undergoing oncology treatment.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy (Cert Oncology Pharmacy)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
24
GLH
120
Qualification #
LICQ2201135
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQualLevel 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy (Cert Oncology Pharmacy), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201135-1 |
Introduction to Oncology Pharmacy |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201135-2 |
Cancer Biology and Pathophysiology |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201135-3 |
Medication Management in Oncology |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201135-4 |
Clinical Pharmacology for Oncology |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201135-5 |
Patient Care and Communication in Oncology |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201135-6 |
Professional Practice, CPD, and Quality Assurance in Oncology Pharmacy |
4 |
20 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Oncology Pharmacy
- Explain the role and responsibilities of a pharmacy professional in oncology care.
- Understand ethical and legal considerations when handling oncology medications.
- Demonstrate awareness of patient safety and wellbeing in cancer care.
- Identify regulatory and professional standards relevant to oncology pharmacy practice.
Unit 2: Cancer Biology and Pathophysiology
- Describe the fundamental principles of cancer biology and tumour development.
- Identify different types of cancers and their progression.
- Explain how disease pathophysiology influences pharmacotherapy and treatment planning.
- Analyse the impact of cancer-related conditions on medication management.
Unit 3: Medication Management in Oncology
- Demonstrate safe preparation, dispensing, and administration of oncology medications.
- Identify and manage potential drug interactions, adverse reactions, and polypharmacy in cancer patients.
- Apply methods for reviewing prescriptions and adjusting therapy based on patient needs.
- Evaluate strategies to reduce medication errors in oncology practice.
Unit 4: Clinical Pharmacology for Oncology
- Explain pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in oncology patients.
- Identify common adverse drug reactions and their management in cancer therapy.
- Analyse drug interactions specific to oncology medications.
- Apply pharmacological knowledge to optimise treatment outcomes safely and effectively.
Unit 5: Patient Care and Communication in Oncology
- Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Provide counselling on medication use, treatment expectations, and adherence strategies.
- Recognise psychosocial and cultural factors affecting patient care.
- Evaluate strategies to support patient engagement and improve treatment adherence.
Unit 6: Professional Practice, CPD, and Quality Assurance in Oncology Pharmacy
- Understand professional standards, codes of conduct, and regulatory requirements in oncology pharmacy.
- Apply principles of continuous professional development (CPD) to enhance practice.
- Evaluate methods for maintaining quality, safety, and accurate documentation in oncology care.
- Reflect on personal practice to identify areas for professional growth and improvement.
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy (Cert Oncology Pharmacy) course is ideal for healthcare professionals, pharmacists, nurses, and caregivers who want to specialize in oncology pharmacy and cancer care. Whether you are working in hospitals, community pharmacies, or clinical settings, this certification equips you with the knowledge and skills to manage oncology medications safely and improve patient outcomes. It is perfect for those looking to advance their careers, gain a professional qualification, or enhance their expertise in cancer therapy management.
1. Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
- Gain in-depth knowledge of oncology pharmacotherapy
- Learn to manage chemotherapy and targeted cancer therapies
- Understand drug interactions and side effects in oncology patients
- Improve patient safety and therapeutic outcomes
- Stay updated with the latest oncology pharmacy practices
- Enhance career growth and specialization opportunities
2. Healthcare Professionals
- Nurses, doctors, and clinical staff focused on oncology care
- Enhance patient counseling skills for cancer treatments
- Identify and manage adverse drug reactions in oncology patients
- Implement evidence-based approaches to cancer therapy
- Promote better interdisciplinary care in clinical settings
- Strengthen professional competency in oncology pharmacy
3. Caregivers and Support Staff
- Understand safe handling and administration of oncology medications
- Monitor patient adherence and response to therapy
- Recognize potential side effects and complications
- Provide support to patients and families in treatment management
- Gain practical knowledge for home care and hospital settings
- Improve quality of care for oncology patients
4. Clinical Researchers and Academics
- Expand knowledge in oncology drug research
- Analyze clinical data for chemotherapy effectiveness
- Develop educational programs in oncology pharmacy
- Contribute to evidence-based practices in cancer care
- Stay updated on advances in oncology pharmaceutical research
- Enhance professional and academic profiles
5. Hospital and Community Pharmacy Staff
- Manage oncology prescriptions with accuracy
- Reduce medication errors and hospital readmissions
- Implement safe chemotherapy handling protocols
- Provide personalized care for cancer patients
- Strengthen communication within healthcare teams
- Improve operational efficiency in pharmacy practice
6. Students and Career Starters in Pharmacy
- Gain foundational knowledge in oncology pharmacy
- Prepare for advanced certifications and career progression
- Develop essential skills for safe medication management
- Build confidence in professional healthcare environments
- Explore career opportunities in oncology care and research
- Enhance employability and professional credibility
7. Policy Makers and Health Administrators
- Understand oncology medication needs for cancer patients
- Develop effective policies and safety protocols
- Promote best practices in hospital and community settings
- Support healthcare teams with evidence-based guidelines
- Contribute to improved patient care outcomes
- Influence healthcare policies for oncology pharmacy
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy must meet the following standards to ensure high-quality training and learner success:
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must employ trainers and assessors who are qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable in oncology pharmacy and cancer care.
- Adequate Learning Resources: Centres should provide all necessary learning materials, including course guides, textbooks, digital resources, and access to practical or clinical settings where safe observation and practice can occur.
- Safe and Suitable Learning Environment: Training facilities must be safe, accessible, and appropriately equipped for both theoretical and practical sessions.
- Assessment and Feedback Systems: Centres must implement robust assessment procedures, including formative and summative assessments, with timely and constructive feedback for learners.
- Support for Learners: Centres should offer guidance and support throughout the course, including help with study planning, practical exercises, and understanding learning outcomes.
- Quality Assurance and CPD Alignment: Centres must adhere to quality assurance procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and support learners’ ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Technology and Infrastructure: Centres must have access to relevant digital tools, e-learning platforms, and software necessary to facilitate modern learning and assessment practices.
Meeting these requirements ensures that learners receive high-quality education, develop practical oncology pharmacy skills, and successfully achieve their Level 3 qualification.
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.
