Drug Calculations Course

Drug Calculations – Online Course

Course overview
This introductory Level 1 online course develops learners’ understanding of drug calculations and the checks, safe practices and responsibilities involved in reducing medication-related risks. It covers drug measurements, dose calculations, unit conversions, weight-based dosages and infusion calculations. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and is CPD accredited, with one CPD point awarded.

Please note: This course provides introductory knowledge of drug calculations and medication safety. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training that an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to drug calculations
• Calculation errors and associated risks
• Understanding drug measurements
• Medicines measured in units
• Converting between units of weight
• Calculating solid oral doses
• Understanding the strength of available solutions
• Double-checking calculations
• Weight-based dosages
• Complexity and risk in drug calculations
• Calculating infusions
• Converting dosages
• Calculations involving percentages

Who is it for?
This course is designed for individuals whose roles involve learning about or supporting medication-related activities. It is suitable for:
• Nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals
• Pharmacy technicians involved in medication management
• Medical students and trainees learning about dose calculations
• Healthcare assistants and care home workers involved in medicines support
• Experienced professionals seeking refresher training
• Individuals undertaking induction, awareness or knowledge-enhancement training

Practical benefits
• Build understanding of drug measurements and calculation methods
• Recognise common calculation errors and medication-related risks
• Understand the importance of checking calculations and medication records
• Develop awareness of safe medicines practices and responsibilities
• Study online at a pace that suits individual needs
• Access the course from a mobile phone, tablet or computer
• Retake the final quiz without additional charges
• Obtain a downloadable CPD-accredited certificate following successful completion

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key principles of safe medicines practice
• Understand roles, responsibilities and limits of competence
• Recognise the importance of accurate medication records
• Identify appropriate checks before supporting or administering medicines
• Recognise common medication errors and contributing risk factors
• Identify adverse effects, changes or concerns that require escalation
• Understand safe storage, handling and disposal principles
• Follow appropriate procedures for reporting incidents and errors
• Support person-centred involvement in medicines where appropriate

Is this training a legal requirement?
The supplied course information refers to legal and regulatory frameworks and mentions Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidelines and the Data Protection Act. However, it does not establish whether this specific course is a legal requirement. Employers should determine the training appropriate to each person’s responsibilities and role.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete a final online quiz to assess their understanding of drug calculation concepts. Unlimited retakes are available at no additional cost. After successful completion, learners receive a CPD-accredited digital certificate that can be downloaded or printed at home free of charge. Printed certificates are available, with delivery limited to the UK.

The course is delivered online and is designed for self-paced learning. Access is provided upon purchase, and tutor support is available for learners who need assistance.