LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy
Cancer remains one of the most complex and challenging health conditions worldwide, requiring specialized care and precise treatment strategies. Medicines used in oncology are powerful, but they demand careful handling, monitoring, and patient‑specific adjustments to ensure safety and effectiveness. This is where oncology pharmacy plays a critical role. It is not simply about dispensing drugs—it is about integrating pharmaceutical expertise into cancer care, ensuring that therapies are optimized, side effects are managed, and patients receive the highest standard of treatment.
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Oncology Pharmacy (D Oncology Pharmacy) highlights the importance of this discipline in modern healthcare. Oncology pharmacy is essential for bridging clinical practice with pharmaceutical science, supporting oncologists, nurses, and healthcare teams in delivering evidence‑based cancer treatment. As new therapies, biologics, and targeted medicines continue to emerge, professionals trained in this field are vital for advancing patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare systems. For learners, engaging with this subject is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to life‑saving care, enhance professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of oncology treatment.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Oncology Pharmacy (D Oncology Pharmacy) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced knowledge of cancer treatment and pharmaceutical care. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as chemotherapy protocols, targeted therapies, patient safety frameworks, compliance standards, ethical considerations, and international healthcare policies in oncology pharmacy.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand oncology pharmacy, apply evidence‑based approaches, and align with global 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, cancer treatment centers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in oncology pharmacy.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201199-1 | Advanced Oncology Pharmacology | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201199-2 | Chemotherapy and Treatment Management | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201199-3 | Patient-Centred Oncology Care | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201199-4 | Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Oncology Pharmacy | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201199-5 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Pharmacy | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201199-6 | Leadership and Quality Assurance in Oncology Services | 20 | 80 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Oncology Pharmacy is designed for individuals who want to specialize in pharmaceutical care for cancer patients. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as safe chemotherapy administration, side‑effect management, and adherence to international standards. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where oncology pharmacy is central to cancer care delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on oncology.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in oncology pharmacy.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of cancer treatment protocols.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in supportive oncology care.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in chemotherapy handling.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into oncology pharmacy roles.
- Career changers interested in cancer care and pharmaceutical practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for oncology pharmacy careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Advanced Oncology Pharmacology
Learners will be able to:
- Analyse cancer biology and its impact on pharmacological treatment strategies.
- Evaluate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oncology drugs, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
- Identify potential drug interactions and contraindications in oncology patients.
- Apply advanced principles of personalised medicine in cancer pharmacotherapy.
- Critically appraise emerging research in oncology pharmacology to inform clinical practice.
Unit 2: Chemotherapy and Treatment Management
Learners will be able to:
- Develop safe and effective chemotherapy treatment plans for cancer patients.
- Calculate accurate dosages and monitor patient responses to treatment.
- Recognise, prevent, and manage adverse drug reactions and toxicities.
- Apply clinical guidelines and protocols to optimise chemotherapy outcomes.
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches in treatment management for oncology patients.
Unit 3: Patient-Centred Oncology Care
Learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of oncology patients, including physical, emotional, and psychosocial aspects.
- Implement patient-centred care strategies to enhance quality of life.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Provide counselling and education to support adherence and informed decision-making.
- Address the holistic needs of patients, including palliative and supportive care considerations.
Unit 4: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Oncology Pharmacy
Learners will be able to:
- Apply ethical principles to decision-making in oncology pharmacy practice.
- Demonstrate understanding of legal frameworks governing oncology care and pharmacy practice.
- Maintain professional standards, confidentiality, and informed consent.
- Identify and manage ethical dilemmas in oncology treatment.
- Evaluate organisational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with professional regulations.
Unit 5: Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Oncology Pharmacy
Learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise oncology research and clinical literature.
- Apply evidence-based guidelines to clinical oncology practice.
- Design and conduct audits or small-scale research projects in oncology pharmacy.
- Analyse and interpret clinical data to improve patient outcomes.
- Integrate research findings into professional decision-making and practice.
Unit 6: Leadership and Quality Assurance in Oncology Services
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills within oncology pharmacy teams.
- Implement quality assurance systems and audit processes to enhance service delivery.
- Develop strategies to improve patient safety and treatment effectiveness.
- Evaluate organisational performance and recommend improvements in oncology services.
