The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Veterinary Pharmacy (Cert Veterinary Pharmacy) is a specialised qualification designed to provide learners with the essential knowledge and practical understanding required to work effectively in the field of veterinary pharmacy. With increasing demand for safe, effective, and ethical use of medicines in animal healthcare, this qualification offers an excellent foundation for those aspiring to enhance their role within veterinary practice, animal health industries, or pharmaceutical services.
This course covers a wide range of core areas, including veterinary pharmacology, legislation and regulation, dispensing practices, and the principles of animal health management. Learners will gain valuable insight into the safe supply and handling of veterinary medicines, alongside developing key skills in advising clients, supporting veterinary professionals, and ensuring compliance with professional standards.
These qualifications are specifically designed for professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). By completing this certificate, learners will be well-prepared to contribute to veterinary practices, pharmaceutical suppliers, and organisations focused on animal health and welfare.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure they have competent and qualified staff, along with appropriate facilities, resources, and learning materials to provide high-quality training. This ensures every learner benefits from expert guidance, structured study, and the support needed to achieve success in both their studies and future professional practice.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Veterinary Pharmacy (Cert Veterinary Pharmacy):
The QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Veterinary Pharmacy (Cert Veterinary 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 |
| QC30029-1 | Fundamentals of Veterinary Pharmacology | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30029-2 | Legislation, Regulation, and Ethics in Veterinary Pharmacy | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30029-3 | Dispensing and Supply of Veterinary Medicines | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30029-4 | Animal Health, Disease Management, and Therapeutics | 4 | 14 | 20 |
| QC30029-5 | Professional Practice and Client Support in Veterinary Pharmacy | 4 | 14 | 20 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Veterinary Pharmacy (Cert Veterinary Pharmacy):
Minimum Age
- Learners must be at least 16 years old at the time of registration.
Educational Background
- A Level 2 qualification or equivalent in pharmacy, animal health, science, or a related discipline is recommended. Applicants without formal qualifications may still be considered if they can demonstrate relevant knowledge or interest in veterinary pharmacy.
Experience
- Prior experience in pharmacy, veterinary practice, or animal healthcare is beneficial but not essential. The course is also suitable for those entering the sector with a strong interest in veterinary medicines and animal welfare.
Language Proficiency
- Learners must have a good command of English to effectively understand study materials, complete assessments, and communicate in professional settings.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
- Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to enhance their career prospects and professional growth.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to a reliable internet connection, suitable study environment, and necessary learning resources to support both guided and independent study.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Veterinary Pharmacy (Cert Veterinary Pharmacy):
Fundamentals of Veterinary Pharmacology
- Understand the basic principles of pharmacology as applied to animals
- Explain drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in veterinary species
- Recognise different classes of veterinary medicines and their mechanisms of action
- Apply pharmacological knowledge to ensure safe and effective medicine use
Legislation, Regulation, and Ethics in Veterinary Pharmacy
- Understand the legal frameworks governing veterinary medicines and their supply
- Demonstrate knowledge of professional and ethical responsibilities in veterinary pharmacy
- Apply regulatory standards to ensure compliance in dispensing and record-keeping
- Recognise the importance of ethical practice in safeguarding animal welfare
Dispensing and Supply of Veterinary Medicines
- Understand safe procedures for the storage, handling, and dispensing of veterinary medicines
- Apply best practice in labelling, dosage calculation, and record maintenance
- Recognise the risks of medication errors and strategies to minimise them
- Support veterinary professionals in ensuring safe and effective medicine use
Animal Health, Disease Management, and Therapeutics
- Identify common diseases and health conditions affecting different animal species
- Understand the role of veterinary medicines in disease prevention and treatment
- Apply therapeutic strategies to support animal health and recovery
- Evaluate the effectiveness of treatments within a veterinary care plan
Professional Practice and Client Support in Veterinary Pharmacy
- Demonstrate effective communication skills when advising clients on veterinary medicines
- Provide guidance on safe administration, dosage, and side effects of medicines
- Support veterinary professionals in promoting responsible medicine use
- Recognise the importance of customer service and professional behaviour in veterinary practice
The Course is ideal for :
- Pharmacy professionals seeking to expand their expertise into veterinary pharmacy practice
- Veterinary support staff and animal health workers aiming to develop skills in dispensing and advising on veterinary medicines
- Learners interested in pursuing a career in animal healthcare, veterinary services, or pharmaceutical supply chains
- Professionals wishing to enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and strengthen career prospects in veterinary and pharmacy sectors
- Individuals who want to gain knowledge of legislation, regulation, and ethical responsibilities in veterinary pharmacy
- Those aspiring to provide client support, medicine advice, and safe dispensing services in animal healthcare environments
- Learners seeking a recognised qualification to advance into specialist roles within veterinary pharmacy or animal health industries
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 3 Certificate in Veterinary Pharmacy must ensure the following requirements are in place to provide high-quality training and learner success:
- Qualified Staff: Tutors, trainers, and assessors must hold relevant qualifications and experience in pharmacy, veterinary medicine, or animal health, alongside teaching and assessment competence.
- Learning Resources: Centres must provide up-to-date learning materials, case studies, and access to veterinary pharmacy reference texts and professional guidance documents.
- Facilities: Suitable learning environments must be available, including classrooms, online platforms, and facilities that support practical and theoretical learning.
- Assessment Procedures: Centres must have clear systems for learner assessment, feedback, and progress tracking to ensure fair and consistent evaluation.
- Quality Assurance: Robust internal quality assurance (IQA) procedures must be implemented to maintain compliance, reliability, and consistency in delivery.
- Technology Access: Learners should have access to digital tools, e-learning platforms, and reliable internet connections where applicable.
- Learner Support: Centres must provide academic and pastoral support to help learners achieve their goals, including guidance on assignments and CPD planning.
- Commitment to CPD: Staff involved in delivery should actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure subject knowledge and teaching practice remain current and effective.
