LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pediatric Pharmacy
Children are not simply “small adults” when it comes to medicine. Their bodies process drugs differently, their needs are unique, and their vulnerability to errors is far greater. This makes pediatric pharmacy one of the most critical areas in healthcare. Pediatric pharmacists are entrusted with ensuring that every dose, formulation, and treatment plan is safe, effective, and tailored to the developmental stage of the child. Without specialized knowledge in pediatric pharmacy, healthcare systems risk exposing young patients to inappropriate therapies, harmful side effects, and preventable complications.
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pediatric Pharmacy (Cert Pediatric Pharmacy) underscores the importance of building expertise in this specialized discipline. Pediatric pharmacy is not only about dispensing medicines—it is about safeguarding the health of children, supporting families, and contributing to long‑term wellbeing. As healthcare advances and new therapies emerge, the demand for professionals trained in pediatric pharmacy continues to rise. For learners, mastering this subject is more than an academic pursuit—it is an opportunity to protect the most vulnerable patients, improve outcomes in childhood diseases, and play a vital role in shaping the future of pediatric healthcare.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pediatric Pharmacy (Cert Pediatric Pharmacy) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge in child‑focused pharmaceutical care. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 24 credits, the program introduces learners to key areas such as pediatric pharmacology, safe prescribing practices, medication formulations for children, and ethical considerations in pediatric care.
This section of the article explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand the complexities of drug therapy in children, manage dosing accurately, and apply international standards effectively. It highlights the type of learners the program is aimed at, the skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Readers will also discover how this internationally recognized qualification opens opportunities in hospitals, community pharmacies, pediatric clinics, and healthcare organizations, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in pediatric pharmacy.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201140-1 | Foundations of Paediatric Pharmacy Practice | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201140-2 | Paediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201140-3 | Safe Dispensing, Dosage Calculations, and Administration in Children | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201140-4 | Ethics, Regulations, and Patient Safety in Paediatric Pharmacy | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201140-5 | Family-Centred Care, Communication, and Counselling in Paediatrics | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201140-6 | Research, Professional Development, and Emerging Trends in Paediatric Pharmacy | 4 | 20 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pediatric Pharmacy (Cert Pediatric Pharmacy) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in child healthcare within pharmacy and medicine. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as accurate dosing, safe prescribing, and managing complex pediatric treatments. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where pediatric pharmacy is central to patient wellbeing.
Ideal Learners
- Pharmacy assistants aspiring to specialize in pediatric care.
- Entry‑level pharmacists seeking structured training in pediatric pharmacy.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for advanced responsibilities in child medication safety.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in pediatric dosing and formulations.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into pediatric pharmacy roles.
- Professionals in pediatric clinics seeking insight into safe prescribing practices.
- Career changers interested in healthcare and child patient support.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for safer pediatric care.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Foundations of Paediatric Pharmacy Practice
- Understand the role and scope of paediatric pharmacy in healthcare delivery
- Demonstrate knowledge of child development stages and their impact on pharmacotherapy
- Apply principles of paediatric pharmaceutical care in clinical settings
- Evaluate the challenges and responsibilities unique to paediatric pharmacy practice
Unit 2: Paediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Analyse pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in neonates, infants, children, and adolescents
- Apply therapeutic guidelines for common paediatric conditions
- Demonstrate appropriate dose adjustments for age, weight, and organ function
- Evaluate case studies to support evidence-based paediatric prescribing decisions
Unit 3: Safe Dispensing, Dosage Calculations, and Administration in Children
- Perform accurate dosage calculations using internationally accepted methods
- Apply best practices in compounding, dispensing, and labelling paediatric medicines
- Demonstrate knowledge of safe administration routes for paediatric patients
- Evaluate risk management strategies to minimise medication errors in children
Unit 4: Ethics, Regulations, and Patient Safety in Paediatric Pharmacy
- Understand international and national regulations related to paediatric pharmacy practice
- Apply ethical principles in the management of paediatric patients and families
- Evaluate systems and processes to enhance medication safety in children
- Demonstrate compliance with professional codes, legal frameworks, and child protection standards
Unit 5: Family-Centred Care, Communication, and Counselling in Paediatrics
- Demonstrate effective communication techniques with children, parents, and caregivers
- Apply strategies to support adherence to complex paediatric treatment regimens
- Understand the psychosocial aspects of paediatric care and their impact on therapy outcomes
- Evaluate the role of pharmacists in multidisciplinary paediatric healthcare teams
Unit 6: Research, Professional Development, and Emerging Trends in Paediatric Pharmacy
- Understand the importance of research and innovation in advancing paediatric pharmacy practice
- Critically evaluate emerging therapies, technologies, and clinical guidelines in paediatrics
- Demonstrate reflective practice and commitment to lifelong learning and CPD
- Develop a professional development plan to enhance career progression in paediatric pharmacy
