The QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (Dip Geriatric Pharmacy) is a specialised qualification designed for healthcare and pharmacy professionals seeking to advance their careers, broaden their knowledge, and enhance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This diploma provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of the unique pharmaceutical needs of the elderly population, including medication management, patient safety, ethical considerations, and the optimisation of therapeutic outcomes for older adults.
This qualification is ideal for professionals working in pharmacy, healthcare, and related sectors who wish to develop expertise in geriatric pharmaceutical care. Learners will gain practical and theoretical knowledge that supports informed decision-making, effective patient communication, and safe medication practices tailored to older patients.
Centres delivering this diploma are required to maintain the highest standards of training. They must have competent and qualified staff, along with access to all necessary resources and materials to ensure an engaging and effective learning experience. By adhering to these standards, centres can provide learners with the support, guidance, and tools they need to succeed and fully apply their knowledge in professional practice.
Upon completion, learners will not only enhance their professional skill set but also contribute to improved patient care and safety within the geriatric population. The QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy empowers learners to take a proactive role in specialised pharmaceutical care, making it a valuable addition to any healthcare professional’s qualifications.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (Dip Geriatric Pharmacy):
The QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (Dip Geriatric 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 |
| QC30041-1 | Introduction to Geriatric Pharmacy | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30041-2 | Medication Management for Older Adults | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30041-3 | Patient Assessment and Communication | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30041-4 | Ethics, Law, and Professional Practice | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30041-5 | Therapeutic Interventions and Clinical Decision-Making | 10 | 35 | 50 |
| QC30041-6 | Pharmacy Services and Multidisciplinary Collaboration | 10 | 35 | 50 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (Dip Geriatric Pharmacy):
Minimum Age
- Learners must be 18 years or older to enrol.
Educational Background
- A minimum of Level 2 qualification in pharmacy, healthcare, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.
Experience
- Learners with practical experience in pharmacy, healthcare, or elder care will benefit from this course. While prior experience is advantageous, it is not mandatory.
Language Proficiency
- Learners must have proficiency in English, both written and spoken, to successfully understand course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assessments.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Learners should demonstrate a commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a willingness to enhance their knowledge and skills in geriatric pharmaceutical care.
Access to Required Resources
- Learners must have access to the necessary learning resources, including course materials, pharmacy reference texts, and digital platforms as required by the centre. Centres should ensure learners have a suitable environment to study effectively.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 3 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (Dip Geriatric Pharmacy):
Introduction to Geriatric Pharmacy
- Understand the principles and scope of geriatric pharmacy
- Recognise the physiological changes in ageing that affect medication therapy
- Identify common diseases and conditions in older adults and their pharmaceutical management
- Develop awareness of the challenges in delivering safe and effective care to elderly patients
Medication Management for Older Adults
- Analyse appropriate medication use and dosage adjustments for older patients
- Identify risks associated with polypharmacy and strategies to reduce them
- Apply safe dispensing, administration, and monitoring practices
- Promote medication adherence and patient safety in geriatric care
Patient Assessment and Communication
- Conduct effective patient assessments specific to older adults
- Develop communication strategies to engage elderly patients and carers
- Understand patient-centred care principles in geriatric pharmacy
- Recognise signs of cognitive impairment and adapt communication accordingly
Ethics, Law, and Professional Practice
- Apply ethical principles to geriatric pharmaceutical care
- Understand relevant legal requirements and regulatory standards in pharmacy practice
- Maintain accurate patient records and ensure confidentiality
- Demonstrate professionalism and accountability in all aspects of patient care
Therapeutic Interventions and Clinical Decision-Making
- Evaluate therapeutic options and clinical guidelines for older patients
- Recognise and manage adverse drug reactions in elderly patients
- Apply clinical reasoning to optimise patient outcomes
- Make evidence-based decisions in complex geriatric cases
Pharmacy Services and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Understand the role of pharmacy services in geriatric care settings
- Collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals for patient benefit
- Implement quality improvement initiatives in medication management
- Promote safe, efficient, and patient-centred pharmacy services
- Pharmacy professionals looking to specialise in geriatric patient care
- Healthcare practitioners seeking to enhance their knowledge of medication management for older adults
- Nurses, carers, and support staff working in elderly care or long-term care facilities
- Professionals aiming to advance their career in pharmacy or healthcare through recognised qualifications
- Individuals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in pharmacy practice
- Learners who want to develop practical skills and clinical decision-making for elderly patient care
- Professionals involved in multidisciplinary teams delivering safe and effective care for older adults
- Qualified Staff: All trainers and assessors must be competent, qualified, and experienced in pharmacy or healthcare, with specific expertise in geriatric care.
- Learning Resources: Centres must provide all necessary learning materials, including textbooks, reference guides, digital resources, and access to relevant software or online platforms.
- Training Environment: A safe, clean, and well-equipped learning environment must be available, supporting both theoretical and practical learning.
- Assessment Facilities: Centres must ensure appropriate facilities and tools for assessments, examinations, and practical demonstrations.
- Access to Elderly Care Settings: Centres should provide learners with opportunities for practical exposure in clinical or geriatric care settings where possible.
- Quality Assurance: Centres must implement robust quality assurance and monitoring procedures to ensure high standards of teaching and learning.
- Learner Support: Adequate learner support services should be available, including guidance, mentoring, and access to additional learning support if required.
- Compliance with Regulations: Centres must adhere to all national and international regulations governing healthcare education and pharmacy training.