Course Number and Title:
MEA 170 Pharmacology for Medical Assistant
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: MEA 150 and (MAT 152 or concurrent)
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
3 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to pharmacology with a focus on the knowledge and skills essential for medical assistants. Topics covered include orientation to medications; principles of drug actions; measurement and dosage calculations; administering parenteral medications; medication therapy; vitamins, minerals, and herbs; antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals; drugs for the eyes, ears, skin, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, urinary system, reproductive system, endocrine system, and musculoskeletal system; psychotropic drugs; antineoplastic drugs; and drugs for the pediatric and geriatric patient.
Additional Materials
Medical Assistant Program Manual
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Demonstrate medical assistant skills pertaining to clinical skills and medication administration. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 2, 4)
- Apply mathematical calculations pertaining to medications. (CCC 6; PGC 4)
- Discuss nutrition pertaining to medications. (CCC 1, 3, 5; PGC 1, 4)
- Demonstrate effective communication skills as a medical assistant. (CCC 1, 4; PGC 1, 3)
- Discuss legal implications pertaining to medications. (CCC 2; PGC 2)
- Demonstrate behavioral skills pertaining to a medical assistant. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 1, 2)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Demonstrate medical assistant skills pertaining to clinical skills and medication administration.
- List major organs in each body system.
- Identify common pathology related to each body system, including signs, symptoms, and etiology.
- Recognize pathology for each body system, including diagnostic measures and treatment modalities.
- Identify the classifications of medications, including indications for use, desired effects, side effects, and adverse reactions.
- Identify the rules of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation.
- Select proper sites for administering parenteral medication.
- Role play administering oral and parenteral (excluding IV) medications.
- Demonstrate how to instruct and prepare a patient for a procedure or treatment.
- Identify the principles of standard precautions.
- Identify personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Identify the implications for failure to comply with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulations in healthcare settings.
- Apply mathematical calculations pertaining to medications.
- Apply mathematical computations to solve equations.
- Define basic units of measurement in the metric system and the household system.
- Convert among measurement systems.
- Identify abbreviations used in calculating medication doses.
- Compute proper dosages of medication for administration.
- Discuss nutrition pertaining to medications.
- Describe dietary nutrients, including minerals, electrolytes, vitamins, and water.
- Discuss the function of dietary supplements.
- Instruct a patient regarding a dietary change related to patient's special dietary needs.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills as a medical assistant.
- Demonstrate professional telephone techniques.
- Write telephone messages accurately.
- Discuss legal implications pertaining to medications.
- Describe the process in compliance reporting for errors in patient care and incident reports.
- Chart patient care accurately in the medical record.
- Perform compliance reporting based on public health statutes.
- Write an incident report related to an error in patient care.
- Demonstrate behavioral skills pertaining to a medical assistant.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
- Explain and reassure patients.
- Demonstrate empathy for patients' concerns.
- Demonstrate active listening.
- Explain and respect diversity.
- Recognize personal boundaries.
- Demonstrate tactfulness.
- Demonstrate self-awareness.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
- Tests (21) Equally Weighted
| 30% |
- Lab Competency Tests (45) Equally Weighted
| 35% |
| 5% |
- Final Lab Competency Test
| 5% |
Formative Assessments |
- Assignments (21) Equally Weighted
| 25% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
AHTAASMEA Program Graduate Competencies:
- Exhibit effective nonverbal, verbal, and written communication in patient/client and family interventions and education and in professional relationships.
- Exercise independent judgment and critical thinking in performance of medical assisting, according to the profession's standards of practice.
- Demonstrate professional patterns of behavior consistent with the profession's code of ethics.
- Demonstrate clinical competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.
- Demonstrate administrative competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.
AHTDIPMAS Program Graduate Competencies:
- Exhibit effective communication, independent judgment, and critical thinking in performance of medical assisting, according to the profession's standards of practice.
- Demonstrate professional patterns of behavior consistent with the profession's code of ethics.
- Demonstrate clinical and administrative competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.