Are you ready to take your pharmacy career to the next level? The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy) is an internationally accredited qualification designed for pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and students who want to specialize in advanced patient care and complex medication management.
This diploma provides a strong foundation in specialty pharmacy, focusing on the safe and effective use of medicines for patients with chronic, rare, or complex conditions. You will explore how specialty medications such as biologics, immunotherapies, and advanced drug delivery systems are managed, while learning strategies to optimize patient outcomes and ensure compliance with international standards. The program is ideal for pharmacists, nurses, and healthcare practitioners who want to enhance their expertise in specialty pharmacy and clinical practice.
Unlike short courses, the Dip Specialty Pharmacy qualification is globally recognized and career‑focused. By enrolling in the Specialty Pharmacy Level 3 Diploma online, you gain practical skills in patient safety, medication adherence, and healthcare quality assurance. The curriculum emphasizes evidence‑based practice, ethical responsibility, and international healthcare protocols, preparing learners for diverse roles in hospitals, specialty clinics, and pharmaceutical organizations worldwide.
What makes this diploma unique is its balance of theory and practical application. Complex topics such as rare disease management, specialty drug interactions, and clinical decision‑making are explained in clear, approachable language. This ensures that learners not only understand the principles but also know how to apply them in real‑world specialty pharmacy settings.
With international accreditation and flexible online learning options, the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy is your pathway to becoming a trusted professional in advanced pharmacy practice. Whether you are starting your journey or advancing your career, this qualification equips you with the skills, recognition, and confidence to succeed in the growing field of specialty pharmacy.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201171
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201171-1 |
Introduction to Specialty Pharmacy Practice |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201171-2 |
Advanced Pharmacotherapy in Specialty Medicines |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201171-3 |
Patient-Centered Care in Specialty Pharmacy |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201171-4 |
Supply Chain, Access, and Regulation of Specialty Medicines |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201171-5 |
Clinical Decision-Making and Evidence-Based Practice |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201171-6 |
Professional Development and Research Skills |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Specialty Pharmacy Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Define the scope and role of specialty pharmacy within healthcare systems.
- Identify therapeutic areas where specialty medicines are commonly applied.
- Explain the professional responsibilities of pharmacists in specialty care.
- Evaluate the challenges and opportunities of delivering specialty pharmacy services.
Unit 2: Advanced Pharmacotherapy in Specialty Medicines (10 Credits, 40 GLH)
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the pharmacology of key specialty medicines.
- Apply therapeutic approaches to managing complex conditions such as oncology, immunology, and rare diseases.
- Evaluate the safety, monitoring, and adverse effects of specialty drug therapies.
- Integrate pharmacotherapy principles into patient-centred treatment plans.
Unit 3: Patient-Centred Care in Specialty Pharmacy
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective patient counselling and communication strategies.
- Support patients in managing long-term therapies and complex treatment regimens.
- Assess the psychosocial, ethical, and cultural aspects of patient care.
- Apply patient-centred approaches to improve adherence and treatment outcomes.
Unit 4: Supply Chain, Access, and Regulation of Specialty Medicines (
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Describe the supply chain processes for sourcing, storing, and distributing specialty medicines.
- Analyse regulatory frameworks governing the handling and access of specialty medicines.
- Apply compliance standards to ensure safe and ethical distribution of pharmaceuticals.
- Evaluate global challenges related to affordability, access, and equity in specialty medicine supply.
Unit 5: Clinical Decision-Making and Evidence-Based Practice
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply clinical reasoning to pharmacy-based decision-making in specialty care.
- Critically evaluate clinical guidelines and research evidence to support practice.
- Demonstrate the use of risk-benefit analysis in complex therapeutic decisions.
- Integrate patient data and evidence-based resources into clinical recommendations.
Unit 6: Professional Development and Research Skills
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of research methods relevant to pharmacy practice.
- Critically appraise pharmacy-related literature and apply findings to practice.
- Develop and maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plan.
- Reflect on ethical practice, professional responsibilities, and lifelong learning in pharmacy.
The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy) is designed for learners who want to specialize in advanced pharmacy practice, complex medication management, and patient‑centered care. This internationally accredited qualification is ideal for pharmacists, nurses, healthcare professionals, graduates, and policy makers who want to strengthen their expertise in specialty pharmacy and improve patient safety. Whether you are beginning your career or advancing into leadership roles, this diploma equips you with the skills, recognition, and confidence to succeed in the growing field of specialty pharmacy.
1. Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
- Pharmacists aiming to specialize in specialty pharmacy and advanced patient care
- Pharmacy technicians seeking accredited qualifications in complex medication management
- Professionals wanting to reduce risks in biologics, immunotherapies, and rare disease treatments
- Staff preparing for roles in hospital specialty clinics and community pharmacy services
- Learners interested in international standards for specialty medication safety
2. Nurses and Clinical Healthcare Staff
- Nurses aiming to improve patient safety in specialty care settings
- Clinical staff seeking practical skills in chronic and rare disease management
- Professionals wanting to strengthen knowledge of specialty drug interactions
- Learners preparing for supervisory or quality assurance roles in specialty clinics
- Staff aiming to contribute to safer healthcare delivery systems for complex patients
3. Healthcare Professionals Focused on Advanced Care
- Doctors and practitioners specializing in rare and complex conditions
- Professionals seeking accredited qualifications in specialty patient care
- Staff wanting to enhance evidence‑based practice in specialty pharmacy
- Individuals aiming to expand career opportunities in hospitals and specialty facilities
- Healthcare workers preparing for leadership roles in advanced pharmacy practice
4. Graduates in Life Sciences and Medicine
- Students with degrees in medicine, nursing, or pharmacy
- Fresh graduates seeking specialized training in specialty pharmacy
- Learners aiming to boost employability with accredited qualifications
- Individuals preparing for careers in advanced care and healthcare quality assurance
- Graduates interested in international healthcare and pharmaceutical specialty standards
5. Pharmaceutical Industry Professionals
- Employees working in drug manufacturing and development for specialty treatments
- Clinical trial coordinators seeking knowledge of specialty medication protocols
- Staff aiming to strengthen compliance with global specialty drug safety regulations
- Professionals preparing for leadership roles in pharmaceutical specialty research
- Individuals wanting to integrate specialty care into drug development processes
6. Policy Makers and Regulatory Authorities
- Professionals working in healthcare policy and regulation
- Staff involved in drug approval and compliance processes for specialty care
- Individuals aiming to strengthen expertise in international specialty pharmacy standards
- Learners preparing for advisory or consultancy roles in healthcare quality
- Policy makers seeking deeper knowledge of specialty medication safety frameworks
7. Career Changers Entering Specialty Pharmacy
- Professionals from other industries transitioning into healthcare and pharmacy
- Individuals seeking a structured pathway into specialty medication management
- Learners aiming to gain practical, job‑ready skills quickly
- Career changers motivated by opportunities in specialty care and pharmacy practice
- Those wanting internationally recognized qualifications to boost employability
Centres wishing to deliver the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy) must ensure they meet high standards of quality, professionalism, and learner support. The following requirements are essential for successful delivery:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff
- Centres must employ tutors, trainers, and assessors with recognised qualifications and professional experience in pharmacy and healthcare.
- Staff should have expertise in specialty pharmacy and demonstrate the ability to deliver both theoretical and practical training.
- Access to Learning Resources
- Centres must provide learners with updated study materials, reference texts, and digital learning resources.
- Case studies, clinical examples, and research-based materials should be available to support applied learning.
- Assessment and Internal Quality Assurance
- Robust assessment systems must be in place to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency.
- Qualified internal verifiers should oversee assessment standards to maintain compliance with LICQual requirements.
- Learner Support and Guidance
- Centres must provide learners with academic support, mentoring, and structured guidance throughout the qualification.
- Policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion must be implemented to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Teaching staff must engage in regular CPD to maintain subject expertise and teaching quality.
- Delivery should reflect current international practices and standards in specialty pharmacy.
- Facilities and Infrastructure
- Centres must provide safe, accessible, and well-equipped facilities for effective teaching and assessment.
- Reliable IT systems and online platforms should be available to support blended or distance learning delivery where applicable.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.