LICQual Level 3 Certificate 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 a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, multiple medications, and increased vulnerability to drug interactions and side effects. This makes geriatric pharmacy a vital discipline in modern healthcare. It is not simply about dispensing medicines—it is about ensuring that therapies are safe, effective, and tailored to the unique requirements of elderly patients. Without specialized knowledge in geriatric pharmacy, healthcare risks medication errors, reduced quality of life, and avoidable hospitalizations among older populations.
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy (Cert Geriatric Pharmacy) highlights the importance of building strong foundations in this essential field. Geriatric pharmacy professionals are trusted to balance clinical effectiveness with patient safety, while promoting dignity and independence in aging populations. As life expectancy increases and healthcare systems adapt to demographic shifts, the demand for skilled individuals in geriatric pharmacy continues to rise. For learners, mastering this subject is not just an academic pursuit—it is an opportunity to contribute to safer healthcare, improve outcomes for elderly patients, and play a meaningful role in shaping the future of pharmacy practice.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy (Cert Geriatric Pharmacy) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge of pharmaceutical care for older adults. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 24 credits, the program introduces learners to key areas such as age‑related pharmacology, medication management, patient safety, and ethical considerations in geriatric care.
This section of the article explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand the complexities of prescribing for elderly patients, manage polypharmacy, and apply industry 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 pharmacy.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201134-1 | Introduction to Geriatric Pharmacy | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201134-2 | Anatomy, Physiology, and Common Age-Related Conditions | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201134-3 | Medication Management and Dispensing | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201134-4 | Clinical Pharmacology for Older Adults | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201134-5 | Communication and Patient Care in Geriatric Pharmacy | 4 | 20 |
| LICQ2201134-6 | Professional Practice, CPD, and Quality Assurance | 4 | 20 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy (Cert Geriatric Pharmacy) is designed for individuals who want to strengthen their careers in pharmacy and healthcare by focusing on elderly patient care. This program is especially valuable for those who face challenges such as managing multiple medications, preventing drug interactions, or ensuring safe treatment plans for older adults. It helps learners gain confidence, improve employability, and prepare for roles where geriatric pharmacy is central to patient wellbeing.
Ideal Learners
- Pharmacy assistants aspiring to specialize in elderly care.
- Entry‑level pharmacists seeking structured training in geriatric pharmacy.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for advanced responsibilities in patient safety.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in managing polypharmacy.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into geriatric pharmacy roles.
- Professionals in long‑term care facilities seeking insight into medication safety.
- Career changers interested in healthcare and elderly patient support.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for safer geriatric care.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Introduction to Medication Safety
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the principles, scope, and importance of medication safety in healthcare and pharmaceutical settings
- Describe key concepts and objectives of safe medication practices
- Analyse the impact of medication safety on patient care and organisational outcomes
Unit 2: Quality Assurance in Medication Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of quality assurance frameworks and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Apply auditing and continuous improvement processes to medication management
- Evaluate methods for maintaining high standards of quality in healthcare and pharmacy practice
Unit 3: Risk Management and Error Prevention
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify potential risks and hazards in medication processes
- Apply strategies to prevent medication errors and adverse events
- Analyse the effectiveness of risk management techniques in promoting patient safety
Unit 4: Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain relevant legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements in medication safety
- Apply best practices in compliance with Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP) and other standards
- Evaluate the role of regulatory frameworks in ensuring safe and effective medication management
Unit 5: Monitoring, Reporting, and Incident Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Monitor medication processes to ensure safety and compliance
- Accurately document and report incidents, errors, and adverse events
- Implement corrective and preventive actions to improve safety and quality outcomes
Unit 6: Professional Development and CPD in Medication Safety
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Reflect on personal practice to identify areas for professional growth in medication safety
- Develop a plan for continuous professional development (CPD)
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards in decision-making related to medication safety
