Safe Handling of Medicines

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines

Learn the fundamental skills to store, handle, and dispose of medicines correctly with this accredited level 2 course.

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Overview

With approximately 4-5% of UK hospital admissions caused by the incorrect use of medicines at an estimated cost of £466 million a year to the NHS, understanding how to handle medicines safely is crucial work anyone wishing to work in health and social care. If you think you’d like a career in this area, this nationally recognised RQF is a must!

Who should study the Safe Handling of Medication Level 2?

If you’re already employed in a health and social care role, then this course is ideal to further your own professional development, which could also lead to increased pay and responsibility.

On this NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines in social care, you’ll:

  • Be introduced to the various medicines you are likely to encounter in a work environment
  • Learn how the medication is supplied and administered, as well as the possible side effects
  • Learn procedures for obtaining, storing and disposing of medicines and the legislation surrounding these three areas
  • Discover the importance of the audit process and issues surrounding responsibility, accountability and confidentiality.

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Understand medication and prescriptions

In this unit, you’ll cover the different types of medication you may encounter in a health and social care environment, the different classification of medicines, as well as sources of information and guidance.

Unit 2 - Supply, storage, and disposal of medication

In the second unit, you’ll learn how to store, obtain, handle, and dispose of medication correctly. You’ll also gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of staff during these procedures.

Unit 3 - Understand the requirements for the safe administration of medication

Next, you’ll take a look at common side effects of medication, and what procedures to follow when problems occur. You’ll also learn how to safely monitor the effects of medication after administration.

Unit 4 - Record keeping and audit processes for medication administration and storage

Finally, you’ll gain an understanding of the records that must be maintained after medication is administered, the audit process, along with issues of confidentiality and responsibility.

Extra info

Awarding Body

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CACHE stands for the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education, and are the leading specialist Awarding Organisation for the Care and Education Sector.

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Course Outcome

At the end of this course, successful learners will receive the following qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines. This means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to Level 2 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

NCFE CACHE has been developing courses in the childcare, education and healthcare sectors since 1945 and is one of the most reputable awarding bodies for qualifications in the UK and overseas. Practitioners working in these areas are much more employable having gained NCFE CACHE certification and many employers specifically ask for their qualifications when taking on members of staff.

How is this course assessed or examined?

Throughout this course, you may be expected to complete assignments, essays, research projects, presentations, video/audio recordings, and practical learning sessions to meet the requirements of your course. This information will be included in your study pack detailing exactly what you need to do to accomplish your goals as a student.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English. There is a minimum study age of 18.

FAQs

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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How long is a health and social care course?

You have up to twelve months to complete one of our online health and social care courses. With that said, we’ve found that our students gain their chosen qualification in a much shorter time thanks to our award-winning learning materials and one-to-one tutor support. This means that you could put your learning into practice and secure a new job in health and social care very quickly.

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How does studying for a health and social care course online work?

Online health and social care courses allow adults to retrain around their jobs and other commitments while being fully supported by the help of a personal, distance learning tutor. Choosing to study health and social care online gives you flexibility and freedom that you may struggle to receive from a traditional educational provider.

You’re given a deadline to complete the course, but the rest is up to you. You can study whenever you like, whether it’s on a bus or in the middle of the night. The power is in your hands.

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What is a health and social care course?

Health and social care is an umbrella term for courses that focus on helping others. Just some of the subjects that fall under this remit include retirement planning, diabetes care in children and young people, and mindfulness.

This means that once you’re qualified in general health and social care, your career can evolve as your interests do. You can practice a specific specialism and then pivot to another when and if you feel that you want to do something different but don’t want to retrain entirely. You really can carve your own health and social care career path.

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Why study one of our health and social care courses?

When you enrol with us, you’ll be embarking on a rewarding, enriching journey at a pace that suits you. Our distance learning courses are designed to be tackled anywhere and anytime. Plus, with our award-winning course materials and unlimited tutor support, we’ll be there with you every step of the way.

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Why is health and social care important?

While all roles differ, those working in health and social care provide an invaluable service to people within the community. They often offer support – either emotional, physical, or social – that allows people in need to continue to live a normal and fulfilling life. Some roles also help protect vulnerable members of society from abuse.

Health and social care is a varied, interesting and incredibly rewarding career path that can involve working with the very young through to the very old, while helping those in need navigate a diverse range of situations.

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