The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy (Cert Geriatric Pharmacy) is a specialised qualification designed to equip learners with essential knowledge and skills for working with elderly patients in pharmaceutical and healthcare settings. As populations age globally, the need for safe, effective, and patient-centred medication management in older adults has never been more critical. This qualification provides learners with the foundation to understand the complexities of geriatric pharmacotherapy, polypharmacy, medication safety, and the unique healthcare needs of older populations.
This course is ideal for learners who wish to expand their expertise, enhance their career opportunities, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the growing field of geriatric pharmacy. The programme explores the role of pharmacy professionals in improving medication adherence, preventing adverse drug reactions, and ensuring quality care for elderly patients. Learners will also gain insights into ethical considerations, regulatory standards, and evidence-based practices that support safe pharmaceutical care in geriatric medicine.
Centres delivering this qualification must have competent and qualified staff, along with the appropriate learning materials, digital resources, and facilities to provide effective teaching and assessment. This ensures learners receive high-quality training and the skills necessary to succeed in their professional roles.
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy opens opportunities for progression into advanced studies and diverse healthcare roles, making it a valuable qualification for anyone committed to excellence in elderly care and pharmaceutical practice.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy (Cert Geriatric Pharmacy):
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy (Cert Geriatric Pharmacy), offers 20 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 100 hours, including 70 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC30009-1 | Introduction to Geriatric Pharmacy | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30009-2 | Polypharmacy and Medication Management in Older Adults | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30009-3 | Adverse Drug Reactions and Safety in the Elderly | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30009-4 | Patient-Centred Care and Communication in Geriatrics | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30009-5 | Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Aspects of Geriatric Pharmacy | 4 | 14 | 20 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy (Cert Geriatric Pharmacy):
Minimum Age
- Learners must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background
- Learners should ideally hold a Level 2 qualification or equivalent in pharmacy, healthcare, science, or a related subject.
Experience
- Prior experience in healthcare, pharmacy, or elderly care is beneficial but not essential for entry.
Language Proficiency
- Learners must demonstrate adequate English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension to engage with course materials and complete assessments effectively.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
- Learners should be motivated to undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and show interest in advancing their knowledge in geriatric pharmacy.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to a suitable study environment, digital devices, reliable internet, and any required learning resources. Centres are responsible for providing updated study materials, practical case studies, and qualified staff to support learning.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy (Cert Geriatric Pharmacy):
Introduction to Geriatric Pharmacy
- Understand the principles of geriatric pharmacotherapy.
- Explain how physiological changes in ageing affect drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.
- Recognise the pharmacist’s role in improving health outcomes for elderly patients.
- Apply basic concepts of pharmaceutical care to geriatric settings.
Polypharmacy and Medication Management in Older Adults
- Define polypharmacy and its challenges in geriatric healthcare.
- Identify risks associated with multiple medication use in elderly patients.
- Apply strategies to optimise medication regimens and reduce unnecessary prescriptions.
- Demonstrate the use of tools for medication review and deprescribing.
Adverse Drug Reactions and Safety in the Elderly
- Recognise common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in geriatric patients.
- Explain risk factors that increase ADR likelihood in elderly populations.
- Apply monitoring techniques to identify and manage ADRs effectively.
- Understand reporting processes and pharmacovigilance requirements in geriatric care.
Patient-Centred Care and Communication in Geriatrics
- Demonstrate effective communication with elderly patients and caregivers.
- Promote patient education to improve medication adherence.
- Apply patient-centred approaches to address unique geriatric healthcare needs.
- Work effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams for better patient outcomes.
Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Aspects of Geriatric Pharmacy
- Understand ethical principles guiding geriatric pharmacy practice.
- Demonstrate knowledge of legal frameworks relevant to elderly medication management.
- Apply regulatory standards for safety and compliance in pharmaceutical practice.
- Evaluate professional responsibilities in protecting the rights and wellbeing of older patients.
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy is designed for learners who want to develop specialist knowledge and skills in elderly care and pharmaceutical practice. This course is ideal for:
- Learners interested in working with elderly patients in pharmacy or healthcare settings.
- Pharmacy assistants, healthcare support staff, or technicians looking to enhance their expertise in geriatric pharmacotherapy and patient safety.
- Individuals currently employed in the pharmaceutical or healthcare sector seeking to advance their career in elderly care.
- Learners with a science, healthcare, or pharmacy background who wish to specialise in geriatric medication management.
- Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in areas such as medication safety, polypharmacy management, and quality care for older adults.
- Learners aiming to progress to higher-level qualifications in pharmacy, clinical research, or healthcare leadership.
- Anyone motivated to improve patient outcomes and safety for elderly populations through evidence-based pharmaceutical practice.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy must meet the following standards to ensure high-quality delivery and learner success:
- Qualified Staff: Tutors, assessors, and internal quality assurers must hold relevant qualifications and have professional experience in pharmacy, healthcare, or geriatric care.
- Assessment Competence: Assessors must be trained and competent in appropriate assessment methods to ensure fair, reliable, and consistent evaluation of learners.
- Learning Resources: Centres must provide access to updated study materials, case studies, digital learning tools, and reference materials specific to geriatric pharmacy and medication safety.
- Facilities: Centres must have suitable classrooms, IT facilities, and online learning platforms to support both face-to-face and blended delivery.
- Technology Access: Learners should have access to computers, digital tools, and reliable internet connectivity to complete assessments and engage in learning activities.
- Policies and Procedures: Centres must implement systems for internal quality assurance, safeguarding, equality and diversity, health and safety, and data protection.
- Learner Support: Academic guidance, mentoring, and technical support must be available to help learners achieve their full potential.
- Commitment to CPD: Teaching and assessment staff must actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to remain current with best practices in geriatric pharmacy and healthcare.