MED 170: Principles of Pharmacology for Medical Assistants

This course offers instruction in the principles of pharmacology. 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 educational electronic health record. Students will learn techniques to help them explain medication treatment plans to patients to ensure patient understanding and compliance. This class may include students from multiple sections. 

Prerequisites

Medical Assisting Program Admittance

Competencies/Objectives/Outcomes/Methods of Assessment/Assignment:
Foundations for Clinical Practice
I. Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology

  • I.C.10. Identify the classifications of medications including:
    a. indications for use
    b. desired effects
    c. side effects
    d. adverse reactions

II. Applied Mathematics

  • II.C.1. Define basic units of measurement:
    a. the metric system
    b. the household system
  • II.C.2. Identify abbreviations used in calculating medication dosages
  • II.C.3. Identify normal and abnormal results as reported in:
    a. graphs
    b. tables
  • II.P.1. Calculate proper dosages of medication for administration
  • II.P.4. Apply mathematical computations to solve equations
  • II.P.5. Convert among measurement systems
Credits
5
Lecture Hours
55
Quarter Offered
Summer

Degrees/Certificates that Require Course