MED 170 : PRINCIPLES OF PHARMACOLOGY FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANT
This course offers instruction in the principles of pharmacology for medical assistants. Students will use applied mathematics to prepare proper dosages of medication for administration and verify those doses/dosages prior to administration. Students will learn to update medication lists utilizing an electronic medical record system. Students will learn techniques to help them explain medication treatment plans to patients to ensure patient understanding and compliance. NOTE: Students need to have entry codes to register.
Course Outcomes
- Identify the classifications of medications including:
- a. indications for use
- b. desired effects
- c. side effects
- d. adverse reactions
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic math computations
- Apply mathematical computations to solve equations
- Define basic units of measurement in:
- a. the metric system
- b. the household system
- Convert among measurement systems
- Identify abbreviations and symbols used in calculating medication dosages
- Analyze healthcare results as reported in:
- a. graphs
- b. tables
- Describe drugs and their origins and history
- Learn about pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Identify drugs used to diagnose, prevent and treat disease
- Learn about drug allergies, side effects, toxicities, and contraindications
- Learn about drug to drug interactions, CYP 450 system, and enzymes
- Learn how to use the nurses’ manual and PDR and FDA site for more drug information
- Study and practice dose calculations for oral and parenteral (excluding IV) medication administration
- Learn about controlled substances and the law