Curriculum Committee – January 2017
ALTH 1130 – Pharmacology for Allied Health
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I.
COURSE TITLE: Pharmacology for Allied Health
COURSE NUMBER: 1130
CATALOG PREFIX: ALTH
II.
PREREQUISITE:
Acceptance into Health Science Program
III.
CREDIT HOURS: 2
LABORATORY HOURS: 1(2 contact)
IV.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Describes the scope of pharmacology as it relates to Health Science Professions. Instruction introduces
the student to drug therapy and pathophysiologic conditions, patient education regarding medications and
researching drugs in a drug reference. Course content includes the use, action, side effects,
contraindication, and routes of administration most commonly administered in the medical office.
Knowledge and experience is gained through researching of drugs, both generic and trade name, and
recording the information on pharmacology index cards. Students are also required to complete
worksheets to record medications administered, dispensed, or prescribed during the practicum experience.
V.
GRADING:
To satisfactorily complete this course, the student must achieve a grade of B or above according to the
following system:
LECTURE HOURS: 1
OBSERVATION HOURS: 0
A = 90-100
B = 80-89 (A minimum grade of “B” is required for program continuation)
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = 0-59
VI.
ADOPTED TEXT(S):
Principles of Pharmacology for Medical Assisting, 6th Edition
By: Rice
Delmar/Cengage Learning, 2011
ISBN:978- 1-305-85932-6
VII.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
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Describe the basic written language of drug therapy.
Identify commonly used pharmacological abbreviations.
Relate the general history of pharmacology.
Present day pharmacology practice.
Describe the evaluation of drugs.
Drug names and classifications
Therapeutic effects
Define drugs, identify their sources, and how they work.
Describe metabolism and excretion of drugs.
Know the procedure of how drugs get to market.
Define pharmacokinetic
Follow universal blood and body fluid precautions
ALTH 1130 – Pharmacology for Allied Health
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VIII.
Describe safety precautions for preparing medications
Know about and be able to define side effects, dependence, and drug interactions.
Define drug regulation: including record keeping, registration, inventory requirements, ordering,
maintaining medication records, and security
Describe the prescription form and rules governing the use of prescription orders.
Complete a prescription order form
Describe the required steps to dispose of controlled substances to be in compliance with government
regulations
Know the “Rights” for Correct Drug Administration
Know the rules of safety
Recognize common dosage forms
Know the routes of administration
Recognize factors that influence the effects of drugs, particularly in the elderly and the pediatric
patients
Understand the immunization process
Teaching patients medication management
Recognize herbs their values, uses and dangers
Understand total parenteral nutrition, including its purposes, ingredients, stability and complications.
Recognize the use and benefit of OTC drugs
Know the types of emergencies and the general pharmacological guidelines for handling them
Understand the importance of the “Code Blue” alert, supplies and maintenance
List and be able to use drug reference materials
State the actions, uses, contraindications, adverse reactions, dosage, and routes and implications for
patient care, patient teaching of the following selected agents:
a.
Musculoskeletal agents
b. Circulatory agents
c. Respiratory agents
d. Antibiotics
e. Antifungal, antiviral, and immunizing agents
f. Antineoplastic agents
g. Psychotropic agents
h. Gastrointestinal agents
i. Urinary system agents
j. Endocrine Agents
k. Nervous agents
l. Reproductive agents
COURSE METHODOLOGY:
Class will include a variety of learning experiences which may include but not limited to: lecture,
discussion, journaling, group work, audio-visual materials, critical thinking exercises, chapter and
workbook assignments, publisher supplemental materials, computer assisted learning, student
presentation, student projects, research paper, skill demonstration, skill competency, practical scenarios,
human patient simulation, written tests, and other as assigned by the instructor may be utilized as
appropriate to meet the course objectives.
Students are expected to apply information and knowledge gained in this course to other health science
courses, including practicum assignments.
IX.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Section 1: Mathematic and Dosage Calculations
Unit 4: Metric System
ALTH 1130 – Pharmacology for Allied Health
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Section 2: Introduction to Pharmacology
Unit 7: Drug Sources, Standards, and Dosages
Unit 8: Form of Drugs and How They Act
Unit 14: Allergy and Overview
Section 3: Medications, Supplements and Drug Abuse
Unit 15: Antibiotic Agents
Unit 16: Antifungal, Antiviral, and Immunizing Agents
Unit 17: Antineoplastic Agents
Unit 18: Vitamins and Minerals
Unit 19: Psychotropic Agents
Unit 20: Substance Abuse
Section 4: Effects of Medication on Body Systems
Unit 21: Medications used for Musculoskeletal System Disorders
Unit 22: Medications used for Gastrointestinal System Disorders
Unit 23: Medications used for Circulatory System Disorders
Unit 24: Medications that Affect the Respiratory System
Unit 25: Diuretics and Medications used for Urinary System Disorders
Unit 26: Medications used in Treatment of Endocrine Disorders
Unit 27: Medications that Affect the Nervous System
Unit 28: Medications that Affect the Reproductive System
Students are required to create a specified medication information card file (index cards) containing trade
name, generic name, classification, side effects and contraindications of each drug. The cards must be
turned in during the class time of discussion of the drug classification. Medication Cards are a course
requirement. If medication cards are not completed you have not met course requirements and will not
pass the course.
SAMPLE Calendar Outline:
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
WEEK 7
WEEK 8
WEEK 9
WEEK 10
Orientation; Section 1 Overview; Unit 4: Metric System
Unit 4: Metric System; all assigned exercises, worksheets and drug cards
Unit 7: Drug Sources, Standards, and Dosages; all assigned exercises, worksheets
and drug cards
Unit 7: Drug Sources, Standards, and Dosages; all assigned exercises, worksheets
and drug cards
Unit 8: Form of Drugs and How They Act; all assigned exercises, worksheets and
drug cards
EXAM
Unit 14: Allergy and Overview; all assigned exercises, worksheets and drug cards
Unit 15: Antibiotic Agents; all assigned exercises, worksheets and drug cards
Unit 16: Antifungal, Antiviral, and Immunizing Agents; all assigned exercises,
worksheets and drug cards
EXAM
Unit 17: Antineoplastic Agents; all assigned exercises, worksheets and drug cards
Unit 18: Vitamins and Minerals; all assigned exercises, worksheets and drug cards
EXAM
Unit 19: Psychotropic Agents; all assigned exercises, worksheets and drug cards
Unit 20: Substance Abuse; all assigned exercises, worksheets and drug cards
Unit 21: Medications used for Musculoskeletal System Disorders; all assigned
exercises, worksheets and drug cards
Unit 22: Medications used for Gastrointestinal System Disorders; all assigned exercises,
worksheets and drug cards
ALTH 1130 – Pharmacology for Allied Health
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WEEK 11
WEEK 12
WEEK 13
WEEK 14
WEEK 15
WEEK
16
EXAM
Unit 23: Medications used for Circulatory System Disorders; all assigned exercises,
worksheets and drug cards
Unit 24: Medications that Affect the Respiratory System; all assigned exercises,
worksheets and drug cards
EXAM
Unit 25: Diuretics and Medications used for Urinary System Disorders; all assigned
exercises, worksheets and drug cards
Unit 26: Medications used in Treatment of Endocrine Disorders; all assigned exercises,
worksheets and drug cards
EXAM
Unit 27: Medications that Affect the Nervous System; all assigned exercises,
worksheets and drug cards
Unit 28: Medications that Affect the Reproductive System; all assigned exercises,
worksheets and drug cards
EXAM
Review
FINAL EXAM
Spelling test will be given as designated by the instructor.
X.
OTHER REQUIRED BOOKS, SOFTWARE, AND MATERIALS:
It is highly recommended that students have a home computer (minimum computer requirements
recommended for Blackboard Instruction), printer, internet access and a personal USB storage device and
a medical dictionary. Other as determined by instructor (refer to instructor requirements).
Physician’s desk reference (in library)
Compendium of Drug Therapy (in library)
Drug reference book, of the students’ choice
XI.
EVALUATION:
Knowledge of content is evaluated by written exam, student performance of competency based skills,
assignments, and work projects per instructor. All exams are comprehensive. A quiz may be given at
instructors’ discretion. Competency-based skill performance is required on each skill discussed and
demonstrated. After completion of this course, the student will be requested to complete a form to assist
in evaluation of course content and instruction.
Class participation will be evaluated by the student’s ability to contribute to class discussion.
Points will be deducted on all assignments and quizzes for incorrect spelling or grammar.
Students must earn a passing average score of 80% on exams and must pass 100% of all competencies
with accuracy rate of 85%. Failure in any of these areas will result in failure of the course.
No make-up tests will be given.
SAMPLE Final Grade Percentage Calculation:
Medication Cards
Chapter Exams and/or Quizzes
Coursework
Course requirement
35% of final grade (passing score required as above)
30% of final grade
ALTH 1130 – Pharmacology for Allied Health
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Final Exam
XII.
35% of final grade (passing score required as above)
SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS:
Students registered for the online course must visit the introduction page for specific management
requirements.
To meet the objectives of the online/hybrid course, the students must visit the course web site by the first
day of the semester or they will be dropped from the course. The student must visit and comply with the
Online Course Requirements, Instructor Requirements and complete the Online Readiness Checklist
available on the SSCC website. Students are strongly advised to complete the Online Success Workshops.
Plagiarism – basically, copying someone else’s ideas and/or words and passing them off as yours. This
includes copying and pasting material from your peers, books, the Internet, videos, and all copyrighted
material without express permission and proper documentation (use quotation marks and
citations/footnotes). Honesty and integrity are major elements in professional behavior and are expected
of each Health Science Division student. Cheating is considered unacceptable behavior within all Health
Science Division courses. Students having academic difficulties should seek guidance assistance from
the instructor, academic advisor, or college counselor. Students observed or found to be cheating in any
Health Science Division course will be given a “zero” on the test or assignment. A written report of the
incident, signed by the instructor and the student, will be placed in the student’s permanent file. This
notice will remain on file and in effect for the remainder of the student’s enrollment in the Health Science
Division. Should a second incident of cheating occur in any Health Science Division course, the student
will be given a failing grade for the course and will be dismissed from the Health Science Division for
one year (all re-application guidelines apply) and possibly from SSCC, as per college guidelines.
The “zero” grade for dishonesty will not be used as the drop grade in a course in which a drop grade
option is given. If a student allows another student to copy or cheat from their work, the same
ramifications will be given to that student as well. The student witnessing cheating is morally obligated to
report the incident to the instructor.
Successful attainment of the objectives of this course will be measured by the student passing all
competency-based exams (CBE), written assignments, other as assigned, and a final course grade of A or
B. Students will be graded on his/her performance of the competency-based skills listed in the course
description. Students must meet the passing average exam score requirement before any other scores will
be averaged into the final grade as a score (see XI. Evaluation)
Students will be required to complete exams/competencies at the times designated in the Course
Schedule. Students are required to participate in all class activities.
To meet the objectives of each course students must attend all scheduled classes. At the beginning of the
term all instructors will pass out a “Class Schedule”, which lists all class meetings. If a student must miss
class due to extenuating circumstances, as a professional responsibility, the student is expected to inform
the instructor via phone, e-mail, or voice message should the instructor not be available.
Students will be allowed three (3) class absences. Absences over three times will result in a drop of one
letter grade from the final grade; the third absence will reduce a final grade of A to a B, a B to a C
(therefore removing a student from the program) or may drop the D to an F, requiring repeat of the
course. Two instances of significant tardiness and/or leaving early will be considered equivalent to an
absence for purposes of this calculation.
Faculty may withdraw students who have missed 20% of the total scheduled classes of a course and issue
a grade of WI to the student.
ALTH 1130 – Pharmacology for Allied Health
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Students may withdraw from classes up to and including the week before final exams by giving written
notice of their intent to withdraw to the Student Services Office. Attendance in class is an important part
of the learning process. Excess absence may result in a failure. Faculty may count attendance as part of
the grading policy and a failure to officially withdraw may result in a failing grade. Withdrawal from
classes may affect the student’s academic status and/or financial aid. See the FEE SCHEDULE section of
the College Catalog for the policy on refunds and financial aid.
Any student who misses a scheduled competency, either demonstration or checkoff must make an
appointment, within one week of return to school, with the instructor to make up this portion of the class.
Failure to do so will result in a “Fail” for the competency, therefore failure of the course. It is the
students’ responsibility to make arrangements for this.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus at any time to fulfill the objectives of the
course. Notice of changes will be given at least one class prior to effect of the change. Absence from
class shall not excuse a student from being subject to the change.
XIII.
OTHER INFORMATION:
Classroom Conduct: Civility in the classroom is required. As future professionals, students are to
conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner. Disruptive, rude, sarcastic, obscene,
disrespectful speech and/or unprofessional behavior have a negative impact on everyone, and will not be
tolerated. Students are reminded the online discussion boards and chat rooms in the online course are
considered classrooms and the same rules apply. Students will use these tools in the online classroom for
information that pertains to the course; it is not to be used for personal exchanges of a social nature. If
you engage in any such conduct you will be asked to leave and you will receive a “zero” for any work
completed on that day. The instructor reserves the right to permanently remove a student from the class
for inappropriate conduct after consultation with the Department Coordinator and/or Academic Dean.
Refer to Student Code of Conduct in the SSCC Academic Catalog and online at sscc.edu.
FERPA: Work submitted in this class may be seen by others. Student work may be seen when being
distributed, during group project work, or if it is chosen for demonstration purposes. Other instructors
may also see your work during the evaluation/feedback process. Student assignments and exams are kept
on file for review by various accrediting boards. On occasion papers may be traded with another student
or work-study for grading purposes.
Student work may be submitted electronically to other entities to determine if references are cited
appropriately. Plagiarism is a serious offense. Work submitted by the student must be the student’s own
creation. The instructor reserves the right to fail any student who submits plagiarized or duplicated work.
A grade of “zero” will automatically be given to the duplicated submissions. The instructor will be the
sole judge in such cases. If a student cannot demonstrate conclusively that a work was not copied or
plagiarized or, in the case of the original author, was copied without consent, the penalty will stand.
Disability Services: Students with disabilities may contact the Disabilities Service Office, Central
Campus, at 800-628-7722 or 937-393-3431.
Tutoring Services: Please refer to Student Code of Conduct in the SSCC Academic Catalog and online
at sscc.edu.
Inclement Weather: In the event of campus delay (when this class start time is impacted by said delay)
the class will begin at the scheduled campus opening time to complete any remaining class time
permitted.