LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Oncology Pharmacy
Cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging health issues of our time. With millions of patients worldwide requiring specialized treatment, the role of pharmacy in oncology has become critical. Medicines used in cancer care are powerful, often toxic, and demand precise handling to ensure both safety and effectiveness. This is where oncology pharmacy plays a transformative role. It is the discipline that ensures cancer therapies are managed responsibly, tailored to patient needs, and delivered with the highest standards of care.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Oncology Pharmacy (Dip Oncology Pharmacy) highlights the growing importance of this field in modern healthcare. Oncology pharmacy is not simply about dispensing chemotherapy drugs—it is about safeguarding lives, preventing errors, and supporting multidisciplinary teams in the fight against cancer. As cancer treatments evolve with targeted therapies and immunotherapies, professionals trained in oncology pharmacy are essential for advancing patient outcomes. For learners, engaging with this subject is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to life‑saving practices, strengthen healthcare systems, and play a vital role in shaping the future of cancer care.
Program Outline
This diploma program is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge of pharmaceutical care in cancer treatment. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 60 credits, the course introduces learners to areas such as chemotherapy protocols, targeted therapies, drug safety, patient counseling, compliance frameworks, and ethical considerations in oncology practice.
This section explains how the program equips learners with the ability to apply evidence‑based practices, understand complex treatment processes, and align with international standards effectively. It highlights the type of learners the qualification is aimed at, the skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Readers will also discover how this internationally recognized credential opens opportunities in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, making it a valuable choice for anyone aspiring to build a career in cancer‑related pharmaceutical care.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201167-1 | Introduction to Oncology Pharmacy | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201167-2 | Cancer Pharmacology and Treatment Modalities | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201167-3 | Medication Safety in Oncology | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201167-4 | Quality Assurance and Compliance in Oncology Pharmacy | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201167-5 | Regulatory and Ethical Considerations in Oncology Pharmacy | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201167-6 | Applications of Oncology Pharmacy Practice | 10 | 40 |
Who Can Benefit
This diploma program is designed for individuals who want to specialize in pharmaceutical care for patients undergoing cancer treatment. It is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as drug safety, treatment complexity, and patient counseling. The qualification helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where advanced pharmacy practice is central to oncology care.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on cancer treatment.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in oncology practice.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of cancer therapy protocols.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in oncology support services.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in chemotherapy handling.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into cancer‑related pharmaceutical roles.
- Career changers interested in oncology care and pharmaceutical practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for careers in cancer treatment support.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Introduction to Oncology Pharmacy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental principles of oncology pharmacy
- Describe the role of oncology pharmacists in patient care
- Identify key responsibilities in managing cancer medications safely
- Demonstrate understanding of patient-centred approaches in oncology pharmaceutical care
Unit 2: Cancer Pharmacology and Treatment Modalities
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain mechanisms of action, indications, and side effects of chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies
- Analyse supportive care strategies for oncology patients
- Apply knowledge of pharmacology to optimise patient treatment plans
- Evaluate the impact of different treatment modalities on patient outcomes
Unit 3: Medication Safety in Oncology
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify potential risks associated with oncology medications
- Demonstrate safe prescribing, dispensing, administration, and monitoring practices
- Apply risk management strategies to prevent medication errors
- Analyse case studies to implement safe oncology pharmacy practices
Unit 4: Quality Assurance and Compliance in Oncology Pharmacy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain quality assurance principles and frameworks in oncology pharmacy
- Demonstrate understanding of auditing procedures and compliance requirements
- Apply continuous improvement strategies to enhance patient safety
- Evaluate the effectiveness of quality assurance measures in clinical practice
Unit 5: Regulatory and Ethical Considerations in Oncology Pharmacy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Describe national and international regulations related to oncology pharmacy
- Explain ethical principles and professional codes of practice in cancer care
- Demonstrate understanding of regulatory compliance in clinical trials and treatment protocols
- Analyse the impact of regulatory and ethical standards on professional practice
Unit 6: Applications of Oncology Pharmacy Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply oncology pharmacy principles in practical clinical scenarios
- Demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making skills through case studies
- Evaluate best practices to improve patient safety and treatment outcomes
- Integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills to support professional oncology pharmacy practice
