LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
Healthcare is rapidly shifting toward outpatient and community‑based services, where patients receive treatment without being admitted to hospitals. This growing trend makes ambulatory care pharmacy a vital discipline in modern healthcare. Ambulatory care pharmacists are at the forefront of patient‑centered care, managing chronic conditions, optimizing medication use, and ensuring continuity of treatment outside traditional hospital settings. Their role is not limited to dispensing medicines—it extends to counseling, monitoring, and collaborating with healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes.
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Cert Ambulatory Care Pharmacy) highlights the importance of specialized knowledge in this evolving area. Ambulatory care pharmacy ensures that patients with long‑term conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma receive safe, effective, and personalized pharmaceutical care. As healthcare systems worldwide prioritize preventive care, cost efficiency, and accessibility, the demand for professionals trained in ambulatory care pharmacy continues to rise. For learners, mastering this subject is more than an academic pursuit—it is an opportunity to contribute to safer healthcare delivery, empower patients in managing their conditions, and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of pharmacy practice.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Cert Ambulatory Care Pharmacy) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge of outpatient pharmaceutical care. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 24 credits, the program introduces learners to key areas such as chronic disease management, patient counseling, medication adherence strategies, and collaborative care models.
This section of the article explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand ambulatory care practices, manage patient therapies effectively, and apply industry standards in real‑world settings. 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 community pharmacies, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and healthcare organizations, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in ambulatory care pharmacy.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201138-1 | Introduction to Ambulatory Care Pharmacy | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201138-2 | Patient Assessment and Clinical Evaluation | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201138-3 | Medication Management and Therapy Optimisation | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201138-4 | Clinical Pharmacology in Ambulatory Care | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201138-5 | Patient Care, Communication, and Counselling | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201138-6 | Professional Practice, CPD, and Quality Assurance | 4 | 20 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Cert Ambulatory Care Pharmacy) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in outpatient and community‑based pharmaceutical care. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as medication adherence, chronic disease management, and patient counseling. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where ambulatory care pharmacy is central to healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Pharmacy assistants aspiring to specialize in outpatient care.
- Entry‑level pharmacists seeking structured training in ambulatory care pharmacy.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for advanced responsibilities in patient counseling.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in chronic disease management.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into ambulatory care pharmacy roles.
- Professionals in outpatient clinics seeking insight into collaborative care models.
- Career changers interested in healthcare and patient support roles.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for safer outpatient care.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Introduction to Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
- Explain the role and responsibilities of a pharmacy professional in ambulatory care settings.
- Understand ethical and legal considerations in outpatient and community pharmacy practice.
- Demonstrate awareness of patient safety and wellbeing in ambulatory care.
- Identify regulatory and professional standards relevant to ambulatory care pharmacy.
Unit 2: Patient Assessment and Clinical Evaluation
- Conduct basic patient assessments in ambulatory care settings.
- Identify clinical indicators and potential medication-related issues.
- Analyse patient health information to inform safe and effective therapy decisions.
- Evaluate patient history, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities affecting medication management.
Unit 3: Medication Management and Therapy Optimisation
- Demonstrate safe dispensing, administration, and monitoring of medications in outpatient settings.
- Identify and manage potential drug interactions, adverse reactions, and polypharmacy.
- Apply methods for reviewing prescriptions and adjusting therapy based on patient needs.
- Evaluate strategies to optimise therapy and improve patient outcomes.
Unit 4: Clinical Pharmacology in Ambulatory Care
- Explain pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics relevant to outpatient care.
- Identify common adverse drug reactions and their management.
- Analyse drug interactions and therapy considerations specific to ambulatory care.
- Apply pharmacological knowledge to optimise treatment safely and effectively.
Unit 5: Patient Care, Communication, and Counselling
- Demonstrate effective communication with patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams.
- Provide counselling on medication use, adherence, and self-management strategies.
- Recognise psychosocial and cultural factors affecting patient care and engagement.
- Evaluate strategies to improve patient adherence and clinical outcomes.
Unit 6: Professional Practice, CPD, and Quality Assurance
- Understand professional standards, codes of conduct, and regulatory requirements in ambulatory care pharmacy.
- Apply principles of continuous professional development (CPD) to enhance practice.
- Evaluate methods for maintaining quality, safety, and accurate documentation.
- Reflect on personal practice to identify areas for professional growth and improvement.
