Overview:
The iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Medication Administration is a knowledge-based qualification designed for individuals working or aspiring to work in health and social care settings. It provides essential skills and understanding on how to handle medication safely and effectively, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and best practice guidelines.
This qualification is ideal for care assistants, healthcare workers, and individuals responsible for medication administration who want to develop their knowledge of the administration process and related responsibilities.
Key Features:
Awarding Organisation: iCan Qualifications Limited
Qualification Type: RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework)
Qualification Number: 603/4699/1
Qualification Level: 2
Offered in England: Yes
Total Credits: 16 Credits
Total Qualification Time: 160 Hours
Guided Learning Hours: 130 Hours
Overall Grading Type: Pass
Assessment Method: Portfolio of Evidence
Age Ranges: 19+ Years
Entry Requirements:
There are no entry requirements for this qualification, making it accessible to learners from all backgrounds, particularly those currently working or wishing to work in healthcare and social care environments.
Objective:
This qualification is intended to equip learners with the knowledge and understanding of:
- Medication administration processes and procedures
- Safely obtaining, storing, administering, and disposing of medicines
- Legislation and guidelines that govern medication administration
- Record-keeping and audit processes for medication use
- Accountability and responsibilities associated with medication handling
Qualification Structure:
To achieve the iCQ Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Medication Administration, learners must complete all mandatory units, totaling 16 credits.
Rules of Combination (ROC):
Group Name | Mandatory #Units | Minimum Units | Maximum Units | Minimum Credits | Maximum Credits |
M) Mandatory Units | Yes | 6 | 6 | 16 | 16 |
Group M: Mandatory Units
URN | Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
D/617/6485 | Understand the required record-keeping and audit processes for medication administration | 2 | 15 | 2 |
H/617/6486 | Understand the roles and rights of individuals/service involved in medication administration | 2 | 25 | 3 |
J/617/6481 | Understand different types of medication | 2 | 25 | 3 |
L/617/6482 | Understand how to administer medication safely | 2 | 25 | 3 |
M/617/6488 | Understand the way medication is supplied, stored, and disposed of | 2 | 25 | 3 |
Y/617/6484 | Understand legislation and guidelines related to medication administration | 2 |
Mandatory Units:
- Module 1 – Medication Record-keeping and Audit Processes
This module covers essential aspects of maintaining medication records and conducting audits. It includes understanding regulatory requirements for record-keeping, documentation, and the importance of up-to-date records. You will learn about medication transactions, safeguarding individuals, and managing medicine-related incidents. - Module 2 – Roles and Rights in Medication Administration
This module focuses on understanding individual and service roles in medication administration. It covers accountability, responsibility, roles in the administration process, specialised techniques, supporting self-medication, gaining consent, accessing medication information, and working within professional limitations. - Module 3 – Types of Medication
This module includes medication classifications, including Prescription Only Medicine (POM), Pharmacy (P), General Sales List (GSL), and Controlled Drugs (CD). This also covers the use of different medication types, routes of administration, aids and equipment, monitoring effects, recognising allergic and adverse reactions, and reporting adverse effects. - Module 4 – Safe Medication Administration
This module emphasises administering medication safely while considering individual rights. It covers the six R’s in medication administration, preparations, safe administration methods, infection control, monitoring effects, recording outcomes, administering controlled drugs, handling administration problems, and conducting medication reviews. - Module 5 – Supply, Storage, and Disposal of Medication
This module covers medication supply, storage, and disposal and includes prescription purposes, information requirements, receipt checking, monitored dosage systems, medication storage requirements, and safe disposal procedures in various care settings. - Module 6 – Legislation and Guidelines in Medication Administration
This module explores legislation and guidelines relevant to medication administration. It covers the roles of regulatory bodies, national sources of medication information, confidentiality, and medication administration guidelines, as well as the consequences of non-compliance.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
- Understand the key responsibilities and processes involved in medication administration.
- Know the different types of medication, how they should be stored and disposed of safely.
- Recognise the importance of accurate record-keeping and audit processes for medication administration.
- Understand the legislation and guidelines relating to medication administration to ensure compliance with standards.
- Apply safe medication administration practices, following the six R’s: right individual, right medication, right dose, right time, right route, and right to refuse.
Career Progression:
This qualification is suitable for those working in or intending to work in healthcare roles such as:
- Care Assistants
- Healthcare Support Workers
- Residential Care Workers
- Domiciliary Care Workers
After completing this qualification, learners may wish to further their knowledge with more advanced qualifications in health and social care, including those related to specific areas of medication management.
Why Choose This Qualification?
- Accredited by Ofqual: The qualification is regulated by Ofqual, ensuring that it meets the highest national standards.
- Flexible Learning: Learners can complete the qualification at their own pace, balancing study with work commitments.
- Real-world Relevance: The course content is directly applicable to day-to-day medication administration in a variety of care settings.