LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy
Hospitals are the backbone of healthcare, and within their walls, medicines play a critical role in saving lives and improving patient outcomes. Yet, the safe, effective, and timely delivery of these medicines requires specialized knowledge and precision. This is where hospital pharmacy becomes indispensable. It is the discipline that ensures patients in clinical settings receive the right medication, at the right dose, and under the strictest safety standards.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy (Dip Hospital Pharmacy) highlights the importance of this field in modern healthcare. Hospital pharmacy is not simply about dispensing drugs—it is about managing complex therapies, collaborating with doctors and nurses, and safeguarding patients against medication errors. As hospitals face increasing demands from chronic illnesses, surgical procedures, and emergency care, professionals trained in hospital pharmacy are vital for maintaining efficiency and safety. For learners, engaging with this subject is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute directly to patient care, strengthen healthcare systems, and play a vital role in advancing pharmaceutical excellence within hospital environments.
Program Outline
This diploma program is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge of pharmaceutical care in clinical environments. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 60 credits, the course introduces learners to areas such as clinical practice, medication safety, patient counseling, compliance frameworks, therapeutic monitoring, and ethical considerations in healthcare settings.
The program equips learners with the ability to apply evidence‑based approaches, understand complex treatment processes, and align with international standards effectively. It emphasizes practical skills that are highly relevant to modern healthcare, ensuring graduates can contribute meaningfully to patient safety and treatment outcomes. The qualification also highlights the type of learners it is aimed at, the skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Recognized internationally, it opens opportunities in hospitals, healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in advanced pharmaceutical practice.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201176-1 | Introduction to Hospital Pharmacy Practice | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201176-2 | Medicines Management and Dispensing Procedures | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201176-3 | Clinical Pharmacy and Patient Care | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201176-4 | Pharmacy Legislation, Governance, and Ethics | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201176-5 | Laboratory and Practical Skills in Hospital Pharmacy | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201176-6 | Professional Development and Continuing Pharmacy Practice | 10 | 40 |
Who Can Benefit
This diploma program is designed for individuals who want to specialize in pharmaceutical care within clinical environments. It is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as medication safety, therapeutic monitoring, and patient counseling. The qualification helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where advanced pharmacy practice is central to healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on hospital practice.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in hospital pharmacy.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of clinical medication management.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in hospital support roles.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in therapeutic monitoring.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into hospital pharmacy positions.
- Career changers interested in hospital‑based pharmaceutical practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for hospital pharmacy careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Introduction to Hospital Pharmacy Practice (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the role and responsibilities of hospital pharmacy within the healthcare system.
- Identify the structure and organisation of hospital pharmacy services.
- Analyse the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in patient care.
- Apply foundational pharmacy principles to support safe and effective practice.
Unit 2: Medicines Management and Dispensing Procedures (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate safe and accurate dispensing of medications.
- Apply procedures for stock control, storage, and handling of medicines.
- Evaluate processes for reducing dispensing errors and improving patient safety.
- Implement best practices in medicines management in clinical settings.
Unit 3: Clinical Pharmacy and Patient Care (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain principles of clinical pharmacy and patient-centred care.
- Assess patient needs and provide appropriate medication advice.
- Analyse the impact of medications on patient health outcomes.
- Apply clinical knowledge to support decision-making in hospital pharmacy.
Unit 4: Pharmacy Legislation, Governance, and Ethics (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of relevant pharmacy legislation and regulatory frameworks.
- Explain professional standards and ethical responsibilities in hospital pharmacy.
- Analyse the implications of non-compliance on patient safety and service quality.
- Apply ethical principles to professional practice and decision-making.
Unit 5: Laboratory and Practical Skills in Hospital Pharmacy (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate essential laboratory and compounding techniques in pharmacy practice.
- Perform accurate pharmaceutical calculations for dispensing and preparation.
- Apply safe handling procedures for sterile and non-sterile products.
- Evaluate practical outcomes and ensure compliance with quality standards.
Unit 6: Professional Development and Continuing Pharmacy Practice (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Reflect on personal skills, strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Apply teamwork, communication, and professional behaviour in hospital pharmacy settings.
- Develop a professional development plan to support career progression in hospital pharmacy.
