MED 170 : Principles of Pharmacology for Medical Assistants

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

  1. Identify the classifications of medications including:
  2. a. indications for use
  3. b. desired effects
  4. c. side effects
  5. d. adverse reactions
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of basic math computations
  7. Apply mathematical computations to solve equations
  8. Define basic units of measurement in:
  9. a. the metric system
  10. b. the household system
  11. Convert among measurement systems
  12. Identify abbreviations and symbols used in calculating medication dosages
  13. Analyze healthcare results as reported in:
  14. a. graphs
  15. b. tables
  16. Describe drugs and their origins and history
  17. Learn about pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
  18. Identify drugs used to diagnose, prevent and treat disease
  19. Learn about drug allergies, side effects, toxicities, and contraindications
  20. Learn about drug to drug interactions, CYP 450 system, and enzymes
  21. Learn how to use the nurses’ manual and PDR and FDA site for more drug information
  22. Study and practice dose calculations for oral and parenteral (excluding IV) medication administration
  23. Learn about controlled substances and the law