Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The purpose of this course is to teach the veterinary technology student about principle of pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic indications, drug classifications and specific drugs within each class, proper methods of administration of each drug, biologicals, controlled substances, possible adverse reaction of each drug, and a review of posology.  

This is designed for second year veterinary technology students and is a graduation requirement for the Associates Degree in Applied Sciences in Veterinary Technology. Credits in this course are not transferable to a four year school towards a baccalaureate degree.  

The text required for this course is Pharmacology for Veterinary Technicians, Second Edition, Bill, 1997 ISBN-0-8151-0902-4  

Upon successful completion of the course, the short term outcome will be that the student will have satisfactorily accomplished the goals and objectives of this course content and outcome guide and confirmed as provided in the assessment above. The long term outcome desired is for the student to gain sufficient knowledge of veterinary pharmacology to successfully pass the National Veterinary Technician Board Examination and effectively utilize the knowledge gained in their Cooperative Education Experience and as a practicing veterinary technician upon graduation. The course content and outcome guides are developed by college-wide subject area faculty and approved by management.

This course is designed to be a lecture course. It is a four-credit-hour course that meets for four-lecture hour per week.  

Topics covered will be definitions, general pharmacological principles, posology, routes of administration, drug toxicities and adverse reactions, controlled substances, anti-parasitics, analgesics, antipyretics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, antimicrobials, and emergency medicine drugs.

Grades will be based on the student’s understanding of the course content as demonstrated by two midterms, periodic quizzes, one comprehensive final exam, and by attendance. To receive a passing grade, the student must have attended a minimum of 70 percent of each of the lecture classes.

1.0 DEFINITIONS  

INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL:
The goal is for the student to develop a proficient working knowledge of the following terms as they apply to veterinary pharmacology.  

2.0 INTERPRETING DRUG ORDERS AND DISPENSING OF DRUGS

INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL:
The goal is for the student to develop a proficient working knowledge of how to interpret a drug order, a prescription and label dispensed medications correctly. The student must also understand how to purchase handle, store, dispense and keep inventory of controlled substances.

3.0 ADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS AND MECHANISMS OF ACTION  

INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL:
The goal is for the student to develop a proficient working knowledge of various routes or drug administration and gain a basic understanding of the mechanism of action of drugs. The student will also be able to understand the potential for adverse drug reactions and human hazards from veterinary drugs.  

4.0 ANTIMICROBIAL DRUGS  

INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL:
The goal is for the student to develop a proficient working knowledge of antimicrobial disinfectants, antiseptics and chemothereputic agents commonly used in veterinary medicine. The principals of antimicrobial therapy and factors that influence the use of each medication in the various species will be discussed.

5.0 ANTI-PARASITIC DRUGS  

INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL:
The goal is for the student to develop a proficient working knowledge of anti-parasitic and insecticidal agents commonly used in veterinary medicine. The principals of anti-parasitic and insecticidal therapy and factors that influence the use of each medication in the various species will be discussed.

6.0 AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM, CARDIOPULMONARY DRUGS AND DIURETICS

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS: The goal is for the student to develop a proficient working knowledge of agents that effect the autonomic nervous system, cardiac, respiratory drugs and diuretics commonly used in veterinary medicine. The drugs used in emergency medicine as well as their application will especially emphasized.

7.O ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES, ANALGESICS AND ANTIHISTAMINES  

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS:
The goal is for the student to develop a proficient working knowledge of anti-inflammatories, analgesics and antihistamines commonly used in veterinary medicine. The use and handling of controlled substances will also be reviewed were applicable.  

8.0 MISCELLANEOUS DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS  

INSTRUCTIONAL GOALS:
The goal is for the student to develop a proficient working knowledge of the following drugs used in veterinary medicine. The student should be able to list and describe the trade name, generic name, mode of action, dosage form, uses and adverse reactions for each of the drugs. The student must describe the drugs use in emergency medicine if applicable.