Pharmacology & Administration of Medications Syllabus for 2021-2022
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Instructor Information

Office Location

<p>West Campus, Allied Health Building</p> <p>Office 137</p>

Office Hours

I will be available before class (if you let me know) and after class. I can also meet in person with you in my office on the West Campus. Please feel free to email me, or I will provide a link to Remind so that you can text me.

 

Course Information

COVID-19 Protocols

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

The Tutoring for Success policy applies to any student whose grade or performance in the course falls below a departmentally determined minimum threshold. In either of those cases, the instructor will direct the student to the appropriate tutoring service, which may be faculty-led, discipline-specific, and/or general. Under this policy, the instructor will follow specific departmental guidelines governing the use, duration, and grade component of the tutoring need.

Administrative Drop Policy

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a course must complete all steps indicated on the Academic Withdrawal Request form by the course withdrawal deadline.

NOTE: Students who are attending Texas institutions of higher education, for the first time fall 2007 and later, may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career. This withdrawal limitation does not include dual credit or developmental classes (Senate Bill 1231 Rule 4.10.) For more information on Drop and Withdrawal Policies, please visit the Registrar's Office Web site.

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

MDCA-1348-001 Pharmacology & Administration of Medications

Prerequisites

Course Description

Instruction in concepts and application of pharmacological principles. Focuses on drug classifications, principles and procedures of medication administration, mathematical systems and conversions, calculation of drug problems, and medico-legal responsibilities of the medical assistant.

Student ResourcesStudent Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Cengage Unlimited

  • MDCA 1348 PHARMACOLOGY SPRING 2021

    01/18/2021 - 05/31/2021 (CST)

  • featuring
  • Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions, 8th Edition
  • Bruce Colbert, Ruth Woodrow
  • Book Cover
  • Copyright Statement
  • About MindTap
  • Support Information
  • Print Edition ISBN: 9781337395892

    Copyright 2019 Cengage Learning, Cengage Learning

    MindTap ISBN: 9781337395915

    Copyright 2019 Cengage Learning, Cengage Learning

 

Supplies

Reliable Computer/Laptop

Reliable Internet

Student Performance

PROGRESSION POLICY 

A student is ineligible to continue in the program when they have two course failures. 

A course failure means a grade below 70 or when a student withdraws from a course.

 Example 1:  A student withdraws from Administrative Procedures or does not pass Administrative Procedures with a grade of 70 or higher.  This student re-enrolls in Administrative Procedures in the next semester. If the student does not pass Administrative Procedures with a grade of 70 or higher or withdraws from the class, the student is ineligible to continue in the program. 

Example 2:  A student withdraws from Administrative Procedures or does not pass Administrative Procedures with a grade of 70 or higher.  This student re-enrolls in Administrative Procedures in the next semester and passes with a grade of 70 or higher. This student does not pass Procedures in a Clinical Setting with a grade of 70 or higher or withdraws from Procedures in a Clinical Setting.  This student is ineligible to continue in the program.  

 The student may submit a letter for review by a designated committee  to address reentry into the program.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

  • Student is prompt for class.

  • Student is prepared for class sessions.

  • Student assumes responsibility for his/her own learning.

  • Student is concerned with excellence in learning rather than just meeting minimal criteria.

  • Student applies lecture material in the clinic setting.

  • Student will seek faculty assistance if needed, and will monitor their own progress in meeting course requirements.

  • Student maintains his/her composure, dealing with conflict in a constructive way.

  • Student exhibits an attitude of respect for classmates, faculty and staff.

Grading Criteria

Assignments:  20% of final grade

Competencies:  20% of final grade

Attendance:  20% of final grade

Chapter tests:  20% of final grade with the lowest test grade dropped

Final Exam:  20% of final grade

 

Grade of 90 – 100 is “A”

Grade of 80 – 89.9 is “B”

Grade of 70 – 79.9 is “C”

Grade below 69 is “F”

A grade below 70 is considered failing and the course will have to be repeated.

 

Attendance

Attendance is crucial due to amount of material and the speed at which the material will be presented.  Attendance for lectures will be online and recorded participation through TopHat.

 

ATTENDANCE

“Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.”  (Amarillo College Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Publication).   Due to the tremendous amount of information contained in this course, the student who plans to succeed should also plan to attend all course sessions regularly and promptly.  Without question, the instructor expects each student to be present at each session.  Unfortunately, no one has ever developed a short cut which will replace hours of actual experience needed to master a new skill; therefore, you must be present to acquire the specific knowledge in this subject. 

Absences will be monitored and evaluated to determine the student’s final course grade. 

Tardiness Policy

Each tardy is 0.5 absence (2 tardies=1 absence). Quizzes and Examinations will be administered at the beginning of class period. The quizzes and examinations will not be passed out late and cannot be made up if missed.

Calendar

B. Course Outcomes

After completing Part I of this course, learners should be able to:

  1. Summarize major drug standards and legislation, and discuss the legal responsibilities of the health care practitioner when dispensing medications.
  2. Describe the major drug classification systems, and differentiate among the various types of drug names with examples.
  3. Evaluate the standard and online pharmacological references in use today.
  4. Classify the sources of drugs, examine their pharmacokinetic processes, and analyze the variables that affect drug actions and effects.
  5. Compare and contrast various drug forms, routes of delivery, and the supplies and techniques necessary for safe and appropriate administration.
  6. Interpret medication orders correctly, and state the proper procedures for documenting drug administration and for reporting medication errors.
  7. Calculate and convert between dosages for a range of group using the three systems of measurements and propose strategies to reduce medication errors.
  8. Apply the principles that support the moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities of the health care practitioner in administrating medications safely and accurately.
  9. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of various gastrointestinal routes of administration, and determine the most appropriate method of administration and dosage for specific circumstances.
  10. Distinguish among the four parenteral routes and demonstrate the application of each, including specific injection types and sites.
  11. Propose special precautions that should be taken when administrating medications for various demographics, and in particular, for older adults.
  12. Identify the primary routes of poisoning and explain the procedures, therapies, and preventive measures involved in patient care and education.

After completing Part II of this course, learners should be able to demonstrate knowledge of specific medications in the major drug classifications, which may include the following:

  • Vitamins, minerals, and herbs; skin medications; autonomic nervous system drugs; antineoplastic drugs; urinary system drugs; gastrointestinal drugs; anti-infectives; eye and ear medications; analgesics, sedatives, and hypnotics; psychotropics; musculoskeletal drugs and anti-inflammatories; anticonvulsants, antiparkinsonian drugs, and Alzheimer’s disease agents; endocrine system drugs; reproductive system drugs; cardiovascular drugs; and respiratory system drugs and antihistamines

Specifically, for each selected drug classification, learners should be able to:

  1. Identify commonly used medications, and compare and contrast their characteristics.
  2. Summarize the sources, mechanism of action, and indications for specific drug therapies.
  3. State the appropriate dosages for several drugs.
  4. Demonstrate proper administration techniques for various medications.
  5. Describe the side effects, precautions, contraindications, and interactions for specific medications with examples.
  6. Evaluate the factors that influence the absorption and effectiveness of drugs.
  7. Assess the unique features of a medication that are important for patient education.
  8. Generate a list of responsibilities and appropriate interventions in caring for patients and their caregivers.
  9. Develop safety instructions for both the health care practitioner and the patient in administrating and taking medications.
  10. Analyze the physiological effects of prolonged drug use, and discuss the responsibilities of a health care practitioner in addressing and treating drug abuse.
  11. Investigate recent actions taken by the government and by manufacturers for specific drugs.
  12. Integrate the key factors involved in considering drug therapies for older adults.

Additional Information

In the event that you need additional financial or other resources, please visit www.actx.edu/resources .

Amarillo College is dedicated to your success.

Syllabus Created on:

01/14/22 11:41 AM

Last Edited on:

02/02/22 3:35 PM