LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
Healthcare is rapidly shifting from hospital‑based treatment to patient‑centered care delivered in outpatient and community settings. With chronic diseases, complex therapies, and the need for continuous monitoring on the rise, ambulatory care has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare systems. Patients today expect accessible, safe, and effective pharmaceutical services that support long‑term management of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. This is where ambulatory care pharmacy plays a vital role.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Dip Ambulatory Care Pharmacy) emphasizes the importance of this discipline in bridging the gap between clinical expertise and patient accessibility. Ambulatory care pharmacy is not simply about dispensing medicines—it is about ensuring continuity of care, preventing medication errors, and empowering patients to manage their health effectively. As healthcare delivery evolves, professionals trained in this area are essential for improving outcomes, reducing hospital readmissions, and supporting sustainable healthcare models. For learners, engaging with this subject is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to safer, more efficient, and patient‑focused pharmaceutical care.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Dip Ambulatory Care Pharmacy) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with essential knowledge of pharmaceutical care in outpatient and community settings. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 60 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as chronic disease management, patient counseling, medication safety, compliance frameworks, therapeutic monitoring, and ethical considerations in ambulatory practice.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand ambulatory care pharmacy, apply evidence‑based practices, and align with international healthcare 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, outpatient clinics, 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 |
| LICQ2201170-1 | Principles of Ambulatory Care Pharmacy | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201170-2 | Patient-Centred Care and Communication | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201170-3 | Pharmacotherapy in Ambulatory Care | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201170-4 | Clinical Decision-Making and Evidence-Based Practice | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201170-5 | Medication Therapy Management and Safety | 10 | 40 |
| LICQ2201170-6 | Professional Development and Research in Pharmacy | 10 | 40 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Dip Ambulatory Care Pharmacy) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in pharmaceutical care for patients outside hospital settings. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as chronic disease management, medication safety, 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
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on outpatient care.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in ambulatory care pharmacy.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of chronic disease management.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in patient counseling.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in outpatient medication safety.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into ambulatory care pharmacy roles.
- Career changers interested in outpatient care and pharmaceutical practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for ambulatory care pharmacy careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Principles of Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the role and scope of ambulatory care pharmacy within healthcare systems.
- Analyse the differences between inpatient, outpatient, and community pharmacy practices.
- Identify the pharmacist’s responsibilities in managing patient care in ambulatory settings.
- Evaluate the challenges and opportunities of providing pharmaceutical care outside hospital settings.
Unit 2: Patient-Centered Care and Communication
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective communication and counselling techniques to support patient understanding.
- Apply strategies for shared decision-making in pharmacy practice.
- Evaluate cultural, social, and ethical considerations in delivering patient-centred care.
- Develop approaches to enhance trust, adherence, and long-term patient engagement.
Unit 3: Pharmacotherapy in Ambulatory Care
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Describe therapeutic approaches for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
- Analyse the use of pharmacotherapy in treating acute conditions commonly seen in outpatient care.
- Evaluate drug interactions, contraindications, and side effects in ambulatory care.
- Apply clinical guidelines to optimise medication therapy and improve patient outcomes.
Unit 4: Clinical Decision-Making and Evidence-Based Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical thinking in clinical pharmacy decision-making.
- Evaluate scientific research and clinical guidelines to support evidence-based care.
- Apply risk-benefit analysis when recommending drug therapies.
- Integrate patient data, medical history, and evidence to make safe and effective clinical decisions.
Unit 5: Medication Therapy Management and Safety
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify strategies to optimise medication use and minimise errors in ambulatory settings.
- Analyse common causes of medication-related problems and adverse drug events.
- Apply monitoring and follow-up processes to ensure safe medication use.
- Evaluate the impact of medication therapy management programmes on patient safety and healthcare quality.
Unit 6: Professional Development and Research in Pharmacy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate skills in research design, data collection, and critical analysis within pharmacy practice.
- Critically appraise literature relevant to ambulatory care and pharmacotherapy.
- Develop and maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio.
- Reflect on professional responsibilities, ethical practice, and lifelong learning in pharmacy.
