Course Outline for Medical Assisting 75
Pharmacology for the Medical Assistant

Effective: Fall 2024
SLO Rev:

Catalog Description:

MEDA 75 - Pharmacology for the Medical Assistant

2.00 Units

Introduction to pharmacology fundamentals. Medication administration fundamentals including study of medications, drug research, drug therapy, immunizations and skin tests. Discuss safe preparation, administration, and documentation of medication given by oral, sublingual, inhalation, topical, vaginal, rectal, transdermal, intramuscular, subcutaneous and intradermal routes.
Corequisite: MEDA 70A, Prerequisite: HLTH 51A (same as APHC 9701A) Must be passed with a "C" or better, MEDA 60 Must be passed with a "C" or better
CB03: TOP Code 1208.00 - Medical Assisting*
CIP Code 51.0801 - Medical/Clinical Assistant.
Course Grading: Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Total 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. identify drug categories and classifications;
  2. explain basic pharmacology concepts;
  3. explain the differences between administering, prescribing and dispensing medication;
  4. verify ordered doses/dosages prior to administration;
  5. evaluate the work environment to identify safe vs. unsafe working conditions;
  6. demonstrate knowledge of basic math;
  7. identify measurement systems;
  8. calculate medication dosages;
  9. identify abbreviations and symbols used in pharmacology;
  10. identify drug classifications;
  11. list and define the three names given to medications;
  12. recognize adverse reactions that may be observed after administering medication;
  13. describe the Federal Foods, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Controlled Substance Act of 1970;
  14. explain the role of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA);
  15. name five controlled substance schedules, the type of medication found in each schedule and describe appropriate storage, prescribing and record keeping of controlled substances;
  16. recognize the patient who may show signs of drug misuse, drug abuse and drug dependence;
  17. list and explain the different parts of the prescription;
  18. identify parts of a needle and syringe and explain their function;
  19. recognize routinely immunized diseases and vaccination schedules.

Course Content:

Course Content (Lecture)
  1. Introduction to pharmacology
    1. Pharmacognosy
    2. Pharmacodynamics
    3. Pharmacokinetics
    4. Pharmacotherapeutics
    5. Toxicology
  2. History of drugs
  3. Drugs 
    1. Names
      1. Generic
      2. Trade
      3. Chemical
    2. Classifications/Categories
    3. Indications
    4. Contraindications
    5. Effects
    6. Adverse reactions
  4. Drug design, testing, manufacturing and marketing
  5. Drug forms
    1. Solids
    2. Semi-solids
    3. Aerosols
    4. Solutions
    5. Powders for reconstitution
    6. Ointments
    7. Lotions
    8. Creams
    9. Suppositiories
    10. Tinctures
    11. Liquids
  6. Routes of administration and the drug cycle
  7. Prescrition abbreviations
  8. Controlled Substances
    1. Schedule I
    2. Schedule II
    3. Schedule III
    4. Schedule IV
    5. Schedule V
  9. Medication Security
  10. The prescription
    1. Prescriber information
    2. Patient information
    3. Medication prescribed
    4. Subscription
    5. Signa
    6. DEA Number
  11. Basic math computations
    1. Fractions
    2. Decimals
    3. Percentages
  12. Measurement system
    1. Metric system
    2. Roman numerals
    3. Apothecary and household systems
  13. Measurement systems
  14. Medication administration
    1. 6 Rights
    2. Oral
    3. Buccal
    4. Sublingual
    5. Parenteral
      1. Intramuscular
      2. Intradermal
      3. Subcutaneous
  15. Syringes, needles, ampules and vials
  16. Patient Education
  17. PDR
  18. Documentation

 

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Audio-visual materials
  2. Lecture/Discussion
  3. Demonstration/Exercise
  4. Group Activities
  5. Problem Solving
  6. Hands-on Activities
  7. Individual Performance
  8. Distance Education
  9. Case Study
  10. Research Report
  11. Presentation
  12. Lectures
  13. Textbook reading assignments
  14. Class and group discussions
  15. Presentation of audio-visual materials
  16. Computer-based interactive curriculum
  17. Online Assignments

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Read Chapter 33-Principles of Pharmacology, complete the correlating workbook exercises and turn in for grading. Be prepared to discuss the critical thinking questions within the chapter in class.
  2. Complete the adult and children dosage calculation packet. Turn in for grading. Correct any incorrect answers and turn back in.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Quizzes
  2. Midterm Examination
  3. Final Examination
  4. Skills competencies
  5. Class Work
  6. Homework
  7. Class Participation
  8. Lab Activities
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Identify the medical assistant's role in pharmacology.
  2. Recognize drug categories and classifications.
  3. Differentiate between the different methods of medication administration.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Rice, Jane (2017). Principles of Pharmacology for Medical Assisting (6th ). Cengage.
  2. Booth, K.A., Whicker, L.G., & Wyman, T.D. (2023). Medical Assisting: Administrative and Clinical Procedures (8th ). McGraw-Hill Education.
Additional Materials:
  • Laboratory dress code as stated in the Medical Assisting Student Handbook

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Pharmacology fundamentals for medical assisting. Discuss the different routes of medication administration including oral and injections. Understanding drug categories, safe administration practices and documentation.
Corequisite: MEDA 70A, Prerequisite: HLTH 51A (same as APHC 9701A) Must be passed with a "C" or better, MEDA 60 Must be passed with a "C" or better

Discipline:
Health Care Ancillaries