LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy
As populations age worldwide, healthcare systems face the growing challenge of meeting the complex needs of older adults. With advancing age comes multiple chronic conditions, polypharmacy, and heightened vulnerability to medication errors. This is where geriatric pharmacy becomes indispensable. It is the discipline dedicated to ensuring that elderly patients receive safe, effective, and individualized pharmaceutical care. pharmacy focuses on optimizing therapies, reducing risks, and improving quality of life for one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (Dip Geriatric Pharmacy) highlights the importance of this field in modern healthcare. Geriatric pharmacy is not simply about dispensing medicines—it is about understanding the unique physiology of aging, managing drug interactions, and supporting patient‑centered care. As life expectancy rises and demand for specialized pharmacists grows, professionals trained in geriatric pharmacy are essential for safeguarding health outcomes. For learners, engaging with this subject is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to safer treatments, strengthen healthcare systems, and play a vital role in advancing pharmaceutical care for the elderly.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (Dip Geriatric ) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge of pharmaceutical care for aging populations. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 60 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as age‑related pharmacology, polypharmacy management, drug safety, compliance frameworks, patient counseling, and ethical considerations in elderly care.
This section of the article explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand geriatric pharmacy, apply evidence‑based practices, and align with 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, long‑term care facilities, and healthcare organizations, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in geriatric .
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201166-1 | Introduction to Geriatric Pharmacy | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201166-2 | Medication Management in Older Adults | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201166-3 | Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201166-4 | Quality Assurance in Geriatric Pharmacy | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201166-5 | Regulatory and Ethical Considerations | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201166-6 | Applications of Geriatric Pharmacy Practice | 10 | 40 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy is designed for individuals who want to specialize in pharmaceutical care for elderly patients. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as polypharmacy, drug safety, and patient counseling. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where geriatric pharmacy is central to healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on elderly care.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of age‑related pharmacology.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in elderly patient counseling.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in polypharmacy management.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into geriatric roles.
- Career changers interested in elderly care and pharmaceutical practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for geriatric careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Introduction to Geriatric Pharmacy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of geriatric pharmacy
- Describe age-related physiological changes and their impact on pharmacology
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of healthcare professionals in geriatric pharmaceutical care
- Demonstrate understanding of patient-centred approaches in elderly medication management
Unit 2: Medication Management in Older Adults
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Analyse safe prescribing, dispensing, and administration practices for elderly patients
- Demonstrate understanding of polypharmacy and strategies to reduce medication errors
- Apply monitoring techniques to ensure effective and safe medication use
- Evaluate dose adjustment requirements for age-related physiological changes
Unit 3: Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify potential adverse drug reactions and medication-related risks in older adults
- Demonstrate understanding of pharmacovigilance principles and reporting procedures
- Apply risk assessment techniques to prevent medication errors
- Analyse case studies to develop strategies for improving patient safety
Unit 4: Quality Assurance in Geriatric Pharmacy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain quality assurance principles and frameworks in geriatric pharmacy practice
- Demonstrate understanding of auditing and compliance procedures
- Apply continuous improvement strategies to enhance patient care and safety
- Evaluate the impact of quality assurance measures on healthcare outcomes
Unit 5: Regulatory and Ethical Considerations
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Describe national and international regulations relevant to geriatric pharmacy
- Explain ethical principles and professional codes of practice in medication management
- Demonstrate understanding of compliance requirements and legal responsibilities
- Analyse the implications of regulatory and ethical standards on professional practice
Unit 6: Applications of Geriatric Pharmacy Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply geriatric pharmacy principles in practical healthcare scenarios
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills through case studies and clinical exercises
- Evaluate best practices for medication safety and patient-centred care
- Integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills to support professional healthcare practice
