The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy (Cert Oncology Pharmacy) is a specialised qualification designed to provide learners with the essential knowledge and skills required to support safe and effective pharmaceutical care for patients undergoing cancer treatment. As oncology continues to evolve with advanced therapies, this qualification equips learners with a deep understanding of oncology pharmacotherapy, treatment protocols, and patient-centred care within the context of cancer management.
This course is ideal for learners who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their expertise, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in oncology pharmacy. Learners will explore key areas including chemotherapeutic agents, supportive care medications, adverse drug reactions, and the safe handling and administration of oncology medicines. The programme also emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and adherence to clinical and regulatory standards.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure they have competent and qualified staff, as well as access to relevant learning materials, case studies, and practical resources. This guarantees that learners receive high-quality training, practical insights, and the knowledge required to excel in professional oncology pharmacy roles.
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy prepares learners for roles in hospitals, clinics, community healthcare, and pharmaceutical services where cancer treatment and medication safety are critical. It also provides a strong foundation for further academic progression or advanced professional development within oncology and pharmaceutical practice.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy (Cert Oncology Pharmacy):
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy (Cert Oncology 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 |
| QC30010-1 | Introduction to Oncology Pharmacy | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30010-2 | Chemotherapy and Supportive Care Medications | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30010-3 | Adverse Drug Reactions and Patient Safety in Oncology | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30010-4 | Safe Handling, Preparation, and Administration of Oncology Medicines | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30010-5 | Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Considerations in Oncology Pharmacy | 4 | 14 | 20 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy (Cert Oncology 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
- Previous experience in healthcare, pharmacy, or oncology care is beneficial but not mandatory for entry.
Language Proficiency
- Learners must demonstrate sufficient English language skills 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 pursue Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and demonstrate an interest in advancing knowledge in oncology pharmacy.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to a suitable study environment, digital devices, and reliable internet. Centres should provide updated learning materials, case studies, and practical resources relevant to oncology pharmacy.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy (Cert Oncology Pharmacy):
Introduction to Oncology Pharmacy
- Understand the role of oncology pharmacy in patient care.
- Identify common cancer types and their treatment protocols.
- Explain the pharmacist’s responsibilities within multidisciplinary oncology teams.
- Apply knowledge of oncology principles to support safe patient care.
Chemotherapy and Supportive Care Medications
- Describe the classification, mechanism, and therapeutic use of chemotherapeutic agents.
- Identify supportive care medications for symptom management in oncology patients.
- Apply best practices for optimising medication regimens in cancer treatment.
- Recognise interactions and contraindications relevant to oncology therapy.
Adverse Drug Reactions and Patient Safety in Oncology
- Identify common adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with oncology medications.
- Apply monitoring strategies to prevent and manage ADRs effectively.
- Demonstrate awareness of patient safety principles in oncology pharmacy.
- Understand reporting requirements for ADRs and medication incidents.
Safe Handling, Preparation, and Administration of Oncology Medicines
- Apply safe handling procedures for cytotoxic and hazardous drugs.
- Demonstrate correct preparation, storage, and administration techniques.
- Use infection control measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately.
- Ensure accuracy and safety in the administration of high-risk medications.
Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Considerations in Oncology Pharmacy
- Understand ethical principles in oncology patient care and medication management.
- Demonstrate knowledge of legal responsibilities related to oncology pharmacy practice.
- Apply relevant regulatory standards and compliance requirements.
- Evaluate professional responsibilities to maintain patient safety and quality of care.
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy is designed for learners who want to develop specialist knowledge and skills in oncology pharmaceutical care. This course is ideal for:
- Learners interested in working with cancer patients in pharmacy or healthcare settings.
- Pharmacy assistants, healthcare support staff, or technicians looking to enhance their expertise in oncology pharmacotherapy and patient safety.
- Individuals currently employed in the pharmaceutical or healthcare sector who wish to progress into oncology pharmacy roles.
- Learners with a science, healthcare, or pharmacy background seeking to specialise in cancer treatment and medication management.
- Professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in oncology, medication safety, and clinical care.
- Learners aiming to progress to higher-level qualifications in pharmacy, clinical research, or specialised pharmaceutical practice.
- Anyone motivated to improve patient outcomes and safety for oncology patients through evidence-based pharmaceutical practice.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Oncology Pharmacy must meet the following standards to ensure high-quality training and learner success:
- Qualified Staff: Tutors, assessors, and internal quality assurers must hold relevant qualifications and professional experience in oncology pharmacy, healthcare, or pharmaceutical practice.
- Assessment Competence: Assessors must be trained and competent in recognised assessment methods to ensure fair, reliable, and consistent evaluation of learners.
- Learning Resources: Centres must provide access to up-to-date study materials, case studies, oncology protocols, and digital learning resources.
- Facilities: Centres must have suitable classrooms, IT facilities, and online platforms to support both face-to-face and blended learning.
- Technology Access: Learners should have access to computers, digital tools, and reliable internet connectivity to complete assessments and 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 up to date with best practices in oncology pharmacy and healthcare.