Administration of Controlled Drugs

Administration of Controlled Drugs in care homes, community settings and any other care setting should only be carried out by trainer and competent staff. This Administration of Controlled Drugs course is essential for all staff involved in the administration and management of such drugs.  We will teach staff how to manage and administer controlled drugs in line with legal requirements and national best practice (NICE guidelines).  Learners administering controlled drugs should have received previous training in medication level 1 and level 2.

Target Audience:

Administration of Controlled Drugs course is aimed at managers, nurses and care support workers in nursing homes, residential homes, rehabilitation centres, substance misuse centres, hospices, specialist schools and any other healthcare and educational establishments. 

Course content:

• Legal and professional responsibilities and the implications of accountability when administering controlled drugs.
• Awareness of the legislation, guidelines and risk assessments that govern the management of controlled drugs.
• Principles of safe drug administration.
• Importance of safe administering of controlled drugs.
• Documentation and patient/client consent.
• Principles of managing, recording and reporting medication errors.
• Ensure controlled drugs safe custody by recording in the controlled drugs register and the role and requirements of the witness.
• Correctly record the receipt of controlled drugs.
• Demonstrate how to record the administration of a controlled drug on a medicines administration record chart and in the controlled drugs register.
• Explain how to perform a controlled drugs balance check and how to record it.
• Common abbreviations used on prescriptions.
• Explain how to safely dispose of controlled drugs and how to record it.
• Understand what rules apply and what records need to be kept when a person self-medicates.
• Practical session to build confidence and competency to dispense medication.

Administration of Controlled Drugs Certification:

On successful completion of the course a certificate of completion will be awarded. Live competencies should be gained in the workplace within 6 months of the course completion.

This course is often booked with the following courses:

• Safe Handling and Administration of Medication Training
• Phlebotomy/Venepuncture Training
• Recognising The Deteriorating Patient
• Syringe Driver Training
• Defensible Documentation Training

1. For whom is the Administration of Controlled Drugs training course intended?

Companies book this course for their employees. It is especially meant for managers, nurses, and care assistants employed in residential settings, hospices, rehabilitation facilities, drug abuse programs, specialised schools, and other healthcare or learning contexts.

2. Coverage of the Administration of Controlled Drugs course include:
Safe administration techniques, documentation, patient consent, prescription mistake reporting, custody processes, balance checks, and disposal—all of which relate to the legal and professional obligations connected to restricted drugs—covering Included in order to increase confidence and competency in handling and distributing controlled medication is a practical session.

3. What main advantages comes from finishing this course on regulated drugs?

Under current laws and NICE recommendations, delegates will be permitted to manage and dispense restricted medications in compliance with Maintaining correct records, the training guarantees staff members know their legal obligations, responsibility, and how to safely record, store, and dispose of controlled substances.

4. Does one need any qualifications to register in the course Administration of Controlled Drugs?

Correct. Before attending this course, students must have finished prior Medication Administration Level 1 and Level 2 training to guarantee they have the fundamental information needed for safe practice.

5. How certified and assessed is the course?

Continuous tutor observation including a practical session helps to assess. No official written test exists. Delegates meeting the necessary level will get a certificate of completion.

Tidal Training’s scenario-based competency assessments are designed to support staff from learning to live practice — efficiently, effectively, and confidently. We’ve created a flexible, structured training and assessment model that helps your team move confidently from theory to practice — all while aligning with your organisation’s needs and the realities of care delivery.

This practical add-on is designed to bridge the gap between formal instruction and real-world competency. Through structured, scenario-based simulations, delegates will have the opportunity to develop manual dexterity, apply their learning in a safe, supportive environment, and build confidence ahead of workplace assessments.

💡 Save Hundreds — Build Confidence and Competence Without Delay

Book your scenario-based competency assessments on the same day or just after training and save up to 30% compared to standalone sessions.

✅ One visit.
✅ One plan.
✅ One empowered team.

No repeat travel. No lost time. Just practical, cost-effective training with measurable impact.
Prepare your staff today — don’t pay twice to do it later