The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (D Specialty Pharmacy) is a highly specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their knowledge and expertise in the management of complex and high-cost medications. This Level 6 diploma is ideal for learners who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge in specialty pharmacy, and strengthen their professional skills in delivering patient-centred pharmaceutical care.
This qualification provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of specialty medications, including biologics, advanced therapies, and other complex drug regimens. Learners will gain advanced skills in medication optimisation, patient assessment, clinical monitoring, and adherence management. The course emphasises evidence-based practice, safety, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that learners are equipped to manage high-risk therapies and provide high-quality care across various clinical settings.
Designed to support Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the diploma enables learners to stay up to date with the latest clinical guidelines, research, and best practices in specialty pharmacy. Centres delivering this qualification are required to maintain high standards of teaching by providing competent and qualified staff, comprehensive teaching materials, and access to relevant clinical and research resources, ensuring learners achieve success and develop practical, applicable expertise.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (D Specialty Pharmacy):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (D Specialty Pharmacy), consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC30078- 1 | Advanced Pharmacology in Specialty Pharmacy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30078-2 | Clinical Management of Specialty Patients | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30078-3 | Medication Safety and Optimisation in Specialty Pharmacy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30078-4 | Specialty Pharmacy Leadership and Ethics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30078-5 | Evidence-Based Specialty Therapeutics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30078-6 | Research Methods and Quality Improvement in Specialty Pharmacy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (D Specialty Pharmacy):
Minimum Age
- Learners must be 18 years or older.
Educational Background
- A recognised undergraduate degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, medicine, or a related healthcare field.
- Learners with a Level 5 Diploma or equivalent professional qualification in pharmacy or healthcare may also be considered.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 2 years’ work experience in a pharmacy, clinical, or healthcare setting, preferably involving complex or specialty medication management.
- Experience in medication optimisation, patient counselling, or clinical pharmacy practice is highly advantageous.
Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in English is required.
- Learners may need to provide evidence of proficiency through recognised tests such as IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL, or equivalent, if English is not their first language.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Learners must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing CPD, staying updated with the latest clinical guidelines, research, and best practices in specialty pharmacy.
Access to Required Resources
- Learners must have access to internet-enabled devices, clinical references, and pharmaceutical databases for research, study, and practical assignments.
- Access to a clinical or pharmacy environment for hands-on practice is recommended where possible.
Learning Outcomes for QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (D Specialty Pharmacy):
Advanced Pharmacology in Specialty Pharmacy
- Understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of specialty medications, including biologics and advanced therapies
- Analyse mechanisms of action and therapeutic targets of complex drug regimens
- Evaluate potential drug interactions and adverse effects in specialty therapies
- Apply pharmacological principles to optimise patient outcomes in specialty pharmacy
Clinical Management of Specialty Patients
- Assess and monitor patients receiving specialty medications
- Develop evidence-based care plans for patients with complex or high-risk conditions
- Interpret clinical and laboratory data to guide therapy decisions
- Promote patient adherence and manage therapy-related complications
Medication Safety and Optimisation in Specialty Pharmacy
- Implement strategies to ensure safe and effective use of specialty medications
- Minimise adverse drug reactions and prevent medication errors
- Apply principles of polypharmacy management in high-risk patient populations
- Enhance patient safety through counselling, monitoring, and education
Specialty Pharmacy Leadership and Ethics
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills in specialty pharmacy settings
- Apply ethical decision-making frameworks in complex clinical scenarios
- Understand regulatory requirements and professional standards
- Manage multidisciplinary teams effectively in specialised care environments
Evidence-Based Specialty Therapeutics
- Integrate clinical research and treatment guidelines into patient care
- Evaluate therapeutic outcomes and optimise interventions for specialty patients
- Design personalised treatment strategies based on evidence and patient-specific factors
- Critically appraise clinical studies to inform pharmacy practice decisions
Research Methods and Quality Improvement in Specialty Pharmacy
- Design and conduct research projects relevant to specialty pharmacy
- Analyse and interpret clinical and research data
- Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and pharmacy practice
- Apply research findings to improve clinical outcomes and professional standards
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (D Specialty Pharmacy) is ideal for :
- Registered Pharmacists seeking advanced expertise in managing specialty medications
- Healthcare Professionals involved in the care of patients receiving complex or high-cost therapies, including nurses, clinicians, and medical practitioners
- Pharmacy Managers and Supervisors aiming to improve leadership, clinical decision-making, and patient safety in specialty pharmacy practice
- Clinical Researchers focusing on specialty medications and therapeutic optimisation
- Medical Educators and Trainers wishing to update knowledge and integrate best practices in specialty pharmacy
- Healthcare Professionals pursuing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to advance their careers
- Pharmacy Students and Graduates looking to specialise in complex therapy management and optimise patient outcomes
- Must be a registered and accredited learning centre recognised by QualCert
- Employ competent and qualified teaching staff with relevant specialty pharmacy or healthcare experience
- Provide access to up-to-date library resources, clinical references, and pharmaceutical databases
- Ensure availability of internet-enabled devices for online learning, research, and assignments
- Facilities to support practical sessions, case studies, and research-based projects
- Systems in place for monitoring learner progress, assessment management, and quality assurance
- Comply with health and safety regulations for learners in clinical or practical environments
- Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) for staff delivering the course
- Ability to deliver course content in English and provide necessary support to learners