Pharmacology

Applies basic concepts required for medication administration as a delegated task in community-based settings such as assisted living, day care, or care homes. Includes choice of equipment, proper technique, hazards, complications, and patient care. Includes subcutaneous and intradermal injections, preparation and administration of oral medications, and immunizations.

Introduces students to the role and responsibilities of the pharmacy technician in the current health care environment. Describes basic pharmacy functions in retail, institutional, home health, and ambulatory care settings. (Letter grade only.)

Introduces basic pharmacological concepts and pharmacological treatment of common disease states. Discusses selected drug classifications with emphasis on pharmacokinetics and dynamics and mechanisms of action. Focuses on therapeutic effects of specific groups of drugs, their side effects, interactions, adverse reactions, and drug/ food interactions. Addresses the role drugs play in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. (Letter grade only.)

Develops computational skills for pharmaceutical measurements in order to properly calculate and provide the correct oral and parenteral dosages of drugs using information from prescriptions or medication orders. (Letter grade only.)

Builds clinical skills as a Pharmacy Technician and prepares students for the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. Provides students a hands-on work experience in a retail community pharmacy or institutional/hospital pharmacy under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist preceptor. Provides opportunity to discuss and critique work experience in the pharmacy while completing a directed study program designed to assist students in preparing for the certification exam under direction of a Certified Pharmacy Technician (Instructor). (Credit/No Credit only.)

Discusses drugs with emphasis on sites and mechanism of action, toxicity, fate, and uses of major therapeutic agents.