Campus Location: Wilmington Effective Date: 2015-51
Course Number and Title: MEA 170 – Pharmacology for Medical Assistant
Prerequisite(s):
Co-requisite(s):
MEA 120, MEA 150
MEA 125, MEA 151
Course Credits and Hours: 4 Credits
4 Lecture hours/week
1 Lab hour/week
Course Description: This course is an introduction to chemical characteristics, actions, and uses of common prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Modes of contraindications are covered for each drug discussed.
Required Text(s): Obtain current text book information at https://www.dtcc.edu/student-resources/bookstores or www.dtcc.edu/allschedules or by visiting the bookstore. You will need to know the course number and section.
Additional Materials:
Method of Instruction:
Disclaimer:
Medical Assistant Program Manual
Allied Health/Science Department Student Policy Manual
Medical dictionary
Face-to-Face
Core Course Performance Objectives:
1. Demonstrate medical assistant skills pertaining to medication administration. (CCC 2, 5,
2.
3.
7; PGC 4)
Apply mathematical calculations pertaining to medications. (CCC 7; PGC 4)
Discuss legal implications pertaining to medications. (CCC 2; PGC 2)
See Core Curriculum Competencies (CCC) and Program Graduate Competencies (PGC) at the end of the syllabus. Course objectives are coded to the competency(cies) they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
1. Demonstrate medical assistant skills pertaining to medication administration.
1.1
Identify the classifications of medications, including desired effects, side effects and adverse reactions.
1.2
Describe the relationship between anatomy and physiology of all body systems and medications used for treatment in each.
1.3
Explain the administration of oral medications.
1.4
Demonstrate administration of oral medications.
2. Apply mathematical calculations pertaining to medications.
2.1 Compute basic math problems.
2.2 Explain mathematical computations to solve equations.
2.3 Perform mathematical computations to solve equations.
2.4 Identify measurement systems.
2.5 Define basic units of measurement in metric, apothecary, and household systems.
2.6 Explain how to convert among measurement systems.
2.7 Perform conversion among measurement systems.
2.8 Identify both abbreviations and symbols used in calculating medication dosages.
2.9 Identify proper dosages of medications for administration.
2.10 Prepare proper dosages of medications for administration.
2.11 Clarify ordered doses/dosages prior to administration.
2.12 Demonstrate the proper procedure to clarify ordered doses/dosages prior to administration.
3. Discuss legal implications pertaining to medications.
3.1 Discuss all levels of government legislation and regulation as they apply to medical assisting practice, including Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regulations.
3.2 Explain local, state, and federal health care legislation and regulation appropriate to the medical assisting practice setting.
3.3 Describe the process to follow if an error is made in patient care.
3.4 Record accurately in the patient record.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies:
Students will demonstrate proficiency on all Core Course Performance Objectives at least to the
75 percent level to successfully complete the course. The grade will be determined using the
College Grading System:
92 – 100=
83 – 91 =
75 – 82 =
0 – 74 =
A
B
C
F

Students should refer to the Student Handbook for information on Academic Standing Policy,
Academic Honesty Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Core Curriculum Competencies: (The competencies every graduate will develop)
1.
Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
2.
Demonstrate effective problem solving and reasoning skills.
3.
Work effectively in groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
4.
Demonstrate ethical and professional understanding and conduct.
5.
Apply appropriate information literacy skills to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively.
6.
Use computer technology appropriate to the field.
7.
Use scientific and mathematical reasoning appropriate to the technology.
Program Graduate Competencies: (The competencies every graduate will develop specific to his/her major.)
1.
Exhibit effective nonverbal, verbal, and written communication in patient/client and family interventions and education and in professional relationships.
2.
Exercise independent judgment and critical thinking in performance of medical assisting, according to the profession’s standards of practice.
3.
Demonstrate professional patterns of behavior consistent with the profession’s code of ethics.
4.
Demonstrate clinical competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.
5.
Demonstrate administrative competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.