Healthcare Office Assistant Professional: Introduction to Pharmacology

About Course

The Pharmacology course will assist in developing an understanding of how drugs work, drug classifications, methods of administration and the major drug groups affecting the various body systems.
It introduces essential principles of pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic effects, and safe medication practices.
Learners will explore drug interactions, dosage calculations, regulatory requirements, and factors influencing individual responses to medications.
The course also emphasizes medication safety, prevention of drug misuse, and accurate healthcare documentation.
Through practical examples and real-world healthcare scenarios, learners will develop the knowledge and skills required to support patient safety, effective communication, and responsible medication management in healthcare settings.

Upon completion of this course the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Describe drug classifications, selected drugs and drug groups.
Discuss the history of drugs and analyze current Canadian legislation related to the pharmacology profession.
Identify safety issues related to storage and administration of medication.
Review and describe practices for effective record keeping and identify issues pertaining to consent.
Describe the pharmacokinetics of drug use and identify significant factors that influence drug effects and interactions.
Complete basic mathematical calculations and metric conversions related to the safe and accurate administration of medications.
Identify common medications that can be used effectively in the treatment of diseases that are affecting Canadians.

Course Content

Topic 1: Drug Classification

Topic 1: Introduction

00:00
LO1: Define the Principles and Types of Drug Classification.

00:00
LO2: Describe Major Drug Classes and their Therapeutic Uses.

00:00
LO3: Compare Drug Classes based on their Properties and Clinical Applications

00:00

Topic 2: Drug Regulation and Approval

Topic 3: Drug Classes, Schedules, and Categories

Topic 4: Pharmacodynamics

Assessement I

Topic 5: Drug Administration

Topic 6: Abuse and Misuse

Topic 7: Age-Related Factors

Topic 8: Health-Related Factors

Assessement II

Topic 9: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacotherapy

Topic 10: Terminology, Abbreviations, and Adaptation

Final Exam

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Topic 1: Drug Classification

Topic 1: Introduction

LO1: Define the Principles and Types of Drug Classification.

LO2: Describe Major Drug Classes and their Therapeutic Uses.

LO3: Compare Drug Classes based on their Properties and Clinical Applications

Topic 2: Drug Regulation and Approval

Topic 2:Introduction

LO1: Identify Regulatory Authorities and Drug Approval Requirements.

LO2: Explain the Stages of Drug Development, Clinical Trials, and Approval.

LO3: Analyze the Role of Drug Regulations in ensuring Safety and Efficacy.

Topic 3: Drug Classes, Schedules, and Categories

Topic 3:Introduction

LO1: Define Drug Classes, Schedules, and Categories.

LO2: Describe Prescription, Over-the-Counter, and Controlled Drugs.

LO3: Differentiate Drug Schedules based on Therapeutic Use and Legal Restrictions.

Topic 4: Pharmacodynamics

Topic 4:Introduction

LO1: Define Pharmacodynamics and Drug-Receptor Interactions.

LO2: Explain Drug Mechanisms of Action and Dose-Response Relationships.

LO3: Analyze Drug Potency, Efficacy, and Therapeutic Effects.

Assessement I

Assessment I

Topic 5: Drug Administration

Topic 5:Introduction

LO1: Identify Common Routes of Drug Administration

LO2: Describe Safe Medication Administration and Dosage Calculation Procedures.

LO3: Apply Drug Administration Principles to ensure Patient Safety.

Topic 6: Abuse and Misuse

Topic 6:Introduction

LO1: Define Drug Abuse, Misuse, Dependence, and Addiction.

LO2: Explain the Causes, Warning Signs, and Effects of Drug Abuse.

LO3: Analyze Drug Misuse Risks and Appropriate Prevention Strategies.

Topic 7: Age-Related Factors

Topic 7:Introduction

LO1: Identify Age-Related Factors affecting Drug Responses.

LO2: Explain the Effects of Age on Drug Metabolism and Dosage Requirements.

LO3: Analyze Medication Safety Considerations for Pediatric and Geriatric Patients.

Topic 8: Health-Related Factors

Topic 8:Introduction

LO1: Identify Health Conditions influencing Drug Responses.

LO2: Describe the Effects of Diseases, Allergies, and Organ Function on Drug Therapy.

LO3: Analyze Health-Related Factors affecting Medication Safety and Effectiveness.

Assessement II

Assessment I

Topic 9: Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacotherapy

Topic 9:Introduction

LO1: Define Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacotherapy, and Drug ADME Processes.

LO2: Explain Drug Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion.

LO3: Analyze Pharmacokinetic Factors influencing Drug Dosing and Therapeutic Outcomes.

Topic 10: Terminology, Abbreviations, and Adaptation

Topic 10:Introduction

LO1: Identify Common Pharmacological Terms and Medication Abbreviations.

LO2: Explain Drug Adaptation, Tolerance, and Therapeutic Responses.

LO3: Interpret Medication Terminology and Drug Adaptation in Clinical Contexts.

Final Exam

Assessment I

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