Includes basic principles and practice of pharmacology and administering drugs, identifying roles and responsibilities of the medical assistant in safely administering selected medications by various routes. Covers medications related to each of the following classifications: vitamins, minerals and herbs, skin, nervous system, urinary system, gastrointestinal system, anti-infective analgesics, sedatives and hypnotics, psychotropic meds, musculoskeletal, anticonvulsants, reproductive system, cardiovascular, and respiratory.
Course Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic principles of pharmacology, uses, side effects, contraindications, and patient education pieces for each of the classifications of medications to include: vitamins, minerals and herbs, skin, nervous system, urinary system, gastrointestinal system, anti-infective, analgesics, sedatives and hypnotics, psychotropic meds, musculoskeletal, anticonvulsants, reproductive system, cardiovascular, and respiratory.
- Evaluate and review the legal aspects of administering medications, and the roles and responsibilities. of the medical assistant.
- Differentiate between chemical, generic, and trade names of drugs.
- Locate and use various resources to obtain information regarding medication administration.
- Accurately calculate drug dosages; accurately and safely administer medications by oral, parenteral, topical, and rectal routes to clients of all ages.
- Accurately maintain medication and immunization records.
Prerequisites
Equivalent placement test scores also accepted.
Prerequisite Courses