The QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Dip Ambulatory Care Pharmacy) is a specialised qualification designed for pharmacy and healthcare professionals who wish to expand their expertise, enhance their career prospects, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This diploma provides learners with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of ambulatory care pharmacy, focusing on patient-centred care delivered in outpatient and community settings.
Learners undertaking this qualification will develop in-depth knowledge of chronic disease management, medication therapy optimisation, and effective patient counselling strategies. The programme emphasises evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration, enabling learners to provide safe and effective pharmaceutical care in ambulatory environments. It also highlights the importance of monitoring, preventing complications, and ensuring continuity of care for patients with long-term conditions.
Centres offering this qualification must ensure the highest standards of delivery. They are required to have competent and qualified staff, along with access to appropriate learning materials, facilities, and resources to guarantee effective training and learner success. By meeting these requirements, centres will provide an enriched learning experience that supports both academic growth and professional application.
Upon completion of the diploma, learners will be equipped with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional confidence needed to contribute effectively to ambulatory care pharmacy services. The QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy empowers learners to play a vital role in improving patient outcomes, advancing pharmacy practice, and driving excellence within healthcare services.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Dip Ambulatory Care Pharmacy):
The QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Dip Ambulatory Care Pharmacy), offers 60 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 300 hours, including 210 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credit | GLH | TQT |
| QC30045-1 | Foundations of Ambulatory Care Pharmacy | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30045-2 | Chronic Disease Management in Ambulatory Care | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30045-3 | Medication Therapy Management and Optimisation | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30045-4 | Patient Counselling and Health Education | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30045-5 | Clinical Decision-Making and Evidence-Based Practice | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30045-6 | Interprofessional Collaboration and Ambulatory Care Services | 10 | 35 | 50 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Dip Ambulatory Care Pharmacy):
Minimum Age
- Learners must be 18 years or older at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background
- A Level 2 qualification in pharmacy, healthcare, or a related discipline is recommended. Equivalent academic qualifications or professional experience will also be considered.
Experience
- While not mandatory, prior experience in pharmacy practice, healthcare, or patient care settings will be an advantage for learners.
Language Proficiency
- Learners must have a good command of English language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) to successfully engage with course materials and assessments.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- A clear commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a willingness to enhance knowledge and skills in ambulatory care pharmacy is essential.
Access to Required Resources
- Learners must have access to relevant learning resources, including textbooks, digital platforms, internet connectivity, and practical tools as specified by the centre. Centres are responsible for ensuring that learners are supported with high-quality resources and facilities.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Dip Ambulatory Care Pharmacy):
Foundations of Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
- Understand the scope, principles, and role of pharmacy in ambulatory care
- Recognise the differences between inpatient, outpatient, and community-based services
- Identify the pharmacist’s responsibilities in supporting continuity of care
- Apply core knowledge of patient-centred pharmaceutical care in ambulatory settings
Chronic Disease Management in Ambulatory Care
- Understand evidence-based management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions
- Support treatment adherence and self-care in patients with long-term conditions
- Monitor therapy effectiveness and adjust recommendations in line with best practice guidelines
- Promote prevention strategies to reduce complications in chronic illnesses
Medication Therapy Management and Optimisation
- Conduct medication reviews to identify therapy-related problems
- Optimise medicines use to enhance patient safety and treatment outcomes
- Develop strategies to improve patient adherence and reduce risks of polypharmacy
- Apply monitoring techniques to track treatment effectiveness and side effects
Patient Counselling and Health Education
- Deliver clear and effective patient counselling tailored to individual needs
- Use communication skills to build trust and support informed decision-making
- Provide health education to encourage lifestyle changes and adherence to treatment plans
- Recognise cultural and social factors influencing patient behaviour and outcomes
Clinical Decision-Making and Evidence-Based Practice
- Apply evidence-based guidelines in ambulatory care settings
- Use clinical reasoning to evaluate and recommend appropriate therapies
- Assess risks and benefits of treatment options for individual patients
- Integrate research evidence into daily pharmacy practice to support better outcomes
Interprofessional Collaboration and Ambulatory Care Services
- Understand the importance of teamwork in delivering ambulatory care services
- Collaborate effectively with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
- Support integrated care pathways to improve continuity of care
- Promote quality improvement, patient safety, and efficiency in ambulatory care services
The Course is ideal for :
- Pharmacy professionals seeking to specialise in ambulatory and outpatient care pharmacy
- Healthcare practitioners wishing to enhance their knowledge of chronic disease management and patient-centred care
- Nurses, carers, and allied health staff working in community health centres, outpatient clinics, or ambulatory care units
- Professionals aiming to advance their careers in pharmacy or healthcare through a recognised qualification
- Individuals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in pharmacy and healthcare practice
- Learners who want to develop clinical decision-making, counselling, and medicines optimisation skills
- Professionals working in multidisciplinary healthcare teams, supporting safe and effective care for patients in ambulatory settings
Centre Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (Dip Ambulatory Care Pharmacy) :
- Qualified Staff: All trainers and assessors must be competent, qualified, and experienced in pharmacy or healthcare, with expertise in ambulatory care services.
- Learning Resources: Centres must provide comprehensive and up-to-date learning materials, including textbooks, reference guides, case studies, and access to digital platforms.
- Training Environment: A safe, supportive, and well-equipped learning environment must be available to facilitate both theory and practical application.
- Assessment Facilities: Centres should ensure appropriate facilities for assessments, examinations, and practical demonstrations in line with qualification standards.
- Access to Practical Settings: Where possible, learners should have opportunities for exposure to outpatient, ambulatory, or community health environments.
- Quality Assurance: Centres must implement robust quality assurance policies and monitoring systems to maintain teaching and assessment standards.
- Learner Support: Adequate guidance, mentoring, and academic support services should be available to assist learners throughout their studies.
- Compliance with Regulations: Centres must comply with all national and international regulations governing pharmacy education and ambulatory care training.