Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines in Health & Social Care Level 2 Certificate

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Develop your understanding of the safe handling of medicines. You may wish to access this training with a view to progress to further qualifications, or you may wish to study this programme to complement other studies. It is ideal for you if you are already employed in a health and social care context and wish to study the programme as part of your own continuous professional development. This programme prepares you for further training and to support a role in the workplace. The qualification is mapped to aspects of the knowledge outcomes for Clinical Health Skills and Health and Social Care National Occupational Standards as well as the Skills for Care knowledge set for medication and may contribute towards parts of the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework.

  • Description

    This programme develops your skill and knowledge within four mandatory units:

    • Unit 1: Understand medication & prescriptions
    • Unit 2: Supply, storage & disposal of medication
    • Unit 3: Understand the requirements for the safe administration of medication
    • Unit 4: Record keeping and audit processes for medication

    Study Online courses allow you to complete your study from the comfort of your own home, in your own time. A specialist tutor will be assigned to you for the duration of your course and will provide individual support and guidance.

    The course begins with an initial induction phone call, after which you will be issued access to the online learning platform to start your course. Regular access to a computer and a stable internet connection is essential. Public areas such as your local library can allow you access to a computer and internet, should you not have access to your own.

  • Entry Requirements

    This is an online course for adults aged 19+ and funding is based on your location. You can apply if you are aged 19+ and have lived in the UK for the last three years. Ages 19 to 23: you are eligible for free courses if you have already achieved a full Level 2 qualification or equivalent (5 or more GCSEs at grade 9/A* to 4/C) Ages 24+: Our Level 2 Study Online programmes are free to UK Nationals regardless of previous qualifications.

    This programme is best studied alongside a role in health and social care setting. A basic level of numeracy and literacy is required with general computer skills to for navigating the Online Learning Platform.

  • Qualification

    TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines in Health and Social Care

  • Progression

    By undertaking this course, you will be able to further your own continuous professional development, which may improve your career prospects.

  • Assessment

    You will complete an assessment at the end of each module/unit. These assessments are tutor marked, internally moderated and then moderated by the awarding body.

  • Home Study

    Study will be home-based and at your discretion within the timeframe stipulated by tutor.

  • Work Placement

    You do not have to work in this sector to complete the course although an understanding of the sector would be helpful.

  • Fees and Additional Costs

    Our Level 2 Study Online programmes are available for FREE to UK nationals aged 19 and over. Subject to meeting the entry and funding criteria.

Code Day Start End Times Fees*
TQ/USHM 232401 Flexible Start - £0

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* Terms and conditions apply. The fees stated on this website are for guidance purposes only and should be checked before enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, fees shown are for tuition only, over one academic year. Where a course is longer than one academic year, the fees stated are for the first year, and the cost of the second or subsequent years will be discussed at interview. For details of fee remission for students over 19 click here. If you think you may be entitled to a concession or fee remission, or you would like more information on the additional costs associated with your chosen course, please contact us on 01635 845000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Fee information

16 - 18 year olds

In most cases, students aged 16-18 on a full-time study programme (including T Levels) will not be required to pay fees, and the College will fund most course-specific equipment and materials. This excludes stationary, non-curriculum trips and a £15 College Subscription.

19 years and over

Students aged 19 years and over may be required to pay fees. Our Fees, Funding and Financial Support page has details on financial support, fee remissions and loans. Please note that some courses may have additional registration, examination and/or materials fees. Where we have been unable to provide these additional costs in this information, they will be discussed with you before enrolment.

Funded programmes

Where course fees are fully funded (for example Maths, English and Essential Digital Skills), the course is free of charge to students, subject to eligibility.

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are fully funded and free of charge to learners. Employers who want to use Skills Bootcamps to train their existing employees contribute to the cost of training. See the Fees and Additional Costs for more information.

Fee information

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are fully funded and free of charge to learners. Employers who want to use Skills Bootcamps to train their existing employees contribute to the cost of training. See the Fees and Additional Costs for more information.