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Dr. Sherrie B. Moore

In the Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course, students will learn the language of medicine, using pharmacy nomenclature and the skills necessary to measure different types of prescriptions through four lessons. This includes understanding the dosage calculation methods, mathematical conversions, and formulas most commonly used within the pharmacy. Students will also learn how to prepare and measure tablet and capsule medications, liquid prescriptions, and other considerations, including parenteral and enteral, and insulin and syringes. It is essential to understand the patient and medication safety practices necessary for the role, such as handling and disposing of hazardous material. Additionally, this course provides insight into the various roles a pharmacy technician is expected to perform, how to properly handle these tasks, and a variety of other real-world scenarios a pharmacy technician will encounter in the pharmacy. After completion of this course, students will have a solid base knowledge of prescriptions, dosages, calculations, and the overall tasks of the role.

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In the Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course, students will learn the language of medicine, using pharmacy nomenclature and the skills necessary to measure different types of prescriptions through four lessons. This includes understanding the dosage calculation methods, mathematical conversions, and formulas most commonly used within the pharmacy. Students will also learn how to prepare and measure tablet and capsule medications, liquid prescriptions, and other considerations, including parenteral and enteral, and insulin and syringes. It is essential to understand the patient and medication safety practices necessary for the role, such as handling and disposing of hazardous material. Additionally, this course provides insight into the various roles a pharmacy technician is expected to perform, how to properly handle these tasks, and a variety of other real-world scenarios a pharmacy technician will encounter in the pharmacy. After completion of this course, students will have a solid base knowledge of prescriptions, dosages, calculations, and the overall tasks of the role.

Course objectives include:

- Verify medication orders, calculate and measure dosage, and prepare and package medications

- Apply knowledge of pharmacology, documentation, and inventory management in the pharmacy

- Practice basic calculation methods related to pharmacy, including fractions, decimals, percentages, the metric system, ratios, and proportions

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1
Calculating the proper dosage of a medication is the primary component of administering a drug. Explore the 3 basic methods used for dosage calculation: Dimensional Analysis, Ratio and Proportion, and using Formulas, as well as various pediatric dosage calculations, and infusion calculations for flow rate, time and weight.
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Module 2
In this lesson, we review filling prescriptions in a tablet and capsule form, types of tablets and capsules, filling machines, and bottles.
Module 3
This lesson discusses liquid prescriptions, solutions, solubility, suspensions, emulsions, various emulsifiers, and methods.
Module 4
The role of the Pharmacy Technician is to ultimately interpret prescriptions or review patients' charts to prepare appropriate medications. This lesson reviews those important tasks and identifies various scenarios and how to address them.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops the important mathematics skills necessary for Pharmacy Technicians
Examines various types of medications and their uses
Course instructor Dr. Sherrie B. Moore has been recognized for her work in pharmacy and medical field
Taught by Dr. Sherrie B. Moore, who is an experienced pharmacy instructor
Provides a wide range of real-world scenarios that connect theory to practice
Introduces the basic concepts of pharmacy, such as the language of medicine and pharmacology

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials with these activities:
Medication Math Review
Brush up on basic math skills essential for pharmacy calculations.
Browse courses on Fractions
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks on basic math operations.
  • Solve practice problems involving fractions, decimals, and percentages.
  • Take a practice quiz to assess your understanding.
Review basic mathematical operations and conversions
Strengthen your foundation by reviewing and practicing basic mathematical operations, conversions, and units to prepare for the course's dosage calculations.
Browse courses on Mathematical Operations
Show steps
  • Read through your notes or textbooks from previous courses covering basic math operations and conversions
  • Practice solving simple math problems involving fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions
  • Complete online quizzes or worksheets to test your understanding and identify areas where you need more practice
Organize and review course materials
Prepare for success by gathering and organizing all materials required for the course, such as notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Browse courses on Dosage Calculations
Show steps
  • Gather all relevant course materials from various sources
  • Organize materials logically and systematically
  • Review materials regularly to enhance understanding
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Join a study group or online forum
Connect with fellow students to discuss course content, share knowledge, and help each other overcome challenges in dosage calculations and pharmacy practice.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Join or create a study group with classmates or other students taking the same course
  • Participate in online forums or discussion boards dedicated to pharmacy calculations or related topics
  • Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your understanding with others
  • Review and discuss course materials and practice problems together
Online Dosage Calculation Tutorials
Seek additional guidance and practice through online tutorials.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online platforms offering dosage calculation tutorials.
  • Choose a tutorial that aligns with your learning style and pace.
  • Follow the tutorials, complete practice exercises, and review your understanding.
Practice dosage calculation problems
Enhance your understanding and accuracy in dosage calculations by regularly practicing problems using different methods.
Browse courses on Dosage Calculations
Show steps
  • Find online practice problems or create your own using the course materials
  • Solve the problems using the three primary methods: dimensional analysis, ratio and proportion, and formulas
  • Check your answers and identify any areas where you make mistakes
  • Repeat the process regularly to improve your proficiency
Problem Sets
Practice the core dosage calculation methods to improve accuracy and speed.
Show steps
  • Review the lesson materials on dosage calculation methods.
  • Attempt the practice problems provided in the lesson.
  • Check your answers against the provided answer key.
  • Repeat steps 1-3 until you are comfortable with the concepts.
Explore online tutorials on pharmacy calculations
Supplement your classroom learning by seeking out online tutorials that provide clear and concise explanations of pharmacy calculations.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable websites or YouTube channels that offer tutorials on pharmacy calculations
  • Choose tutorials that cover topics relevant to your course, such as dosage calculation methods, conversions, and formulas
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes on key concepts and techniques
  • Practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials
Study Group Discussions
Engage with peers to discuss concepts and solve problems collaboratively.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates or online peers.
  • Schedule regular meetings to discuss course materials and work on assignments together.
  • Take turns presenting concepts and leading discussions.
Medication Calculations Study Guide
Create a comprehensive study guide to reinforce your understanding.
Show steps
  • Gather notes, assignments, and quizzes from the course.
  • Organize and review the materials, identifying key concepts and formulas.
  • Summarize and condense the information into a concise study guide.
Design a medication administration plan
Apply your knowledge of pharmacy calculations and medication administration to a practical scenario by creating a comprehensive plan for a specific patient's medication regimen.
Browse courses on Medication Administration
Show steps
  • Select a patient case study or create a hypothetical patient scenario
  • Gather information about the patient's medical history, current medications, and relevant laboratory values
  • Calculate the appropriate dosages for each medication based on the patient's body weight and condition
  • Determine the frequency and route of administration for each medication
  • Create a detailed medication administration plan that includes all the necessary information, such as drug name, dosage, route, timing, and any special instructions
Mentor a junior or struggling student
Enhance your own understanding by mentoring a student who is struggling with dosage calculations or pharmacy practice concepts.
Show steps

Career center

Learners who complete Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pharmacy Technician
A Pharmacy Technician may calculate and measure drug dosage, prepare and package medications, check and process prescriptions, and verify medication orders. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course helps build a foundation in these aspects of the role. Completing this course may provide a solid base knowledge for working as a Pharmacy Technician.
Pharmacy Assistant
A Pharmacy Assistant may prepare and dispense medications, assist pharmacists with patient care, and perform other duties as assigned. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course helps build a foundation in these aspects of the role. Completing this course may provide a solid base knowledge for working as a Pharmacy Assistant.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
A Pharmaceutical Sales Representative may promote and sell pharmaceutical products, educate healthcare professionals about medications, and provide customer service. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding the dosage and prescription process, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover sales techniques, it may provide some background knowledge on the products being sold.
Medical Office Assistant
A Medical Office Assistant may perform administrative and clinical tasks in a medical office, including scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, and assisting with patient care. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding medical terminology and dosage calculations, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of medical office administration, it may provide some background knowledge on the medical field.
Certified Medication Aide
A Certified Medication Aide may administer medications to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding dosage calculations and medication administration, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of medication aide work, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Pharmacy Technician Supervisor
A Pharmacy Technician Supervisor may oversee the work of pharmacy technicians, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide training. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding pharmacy operations and regulations, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of pharmacy supervision, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Pharmacy Buyer
A Pharmacy Buyer may purchase and manage inventory for a pharmacy or other healthcare facility. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding dosage forms and medication packaging, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of pharmacy purchasing, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Nurse
A Nurse may administer medications, provide patient care, and educate patients on their health conditions. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding dosage calculations and medication administration, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of nursing, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Physician Assistant
A Physician Assistant may provide medical care under the supervision of a physician, including prescribing medications and performing procedures. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding dosage calculations and medication properties, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of physician assistant practice, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Pharmacist
A Pharmacist may dispense medications, provide patient counseling, and manage a pharmacy. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding dosage calculations and medication properties, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of pharmacy practice, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Pharmaceutical Researcher
A Pharmaceutical Researcher may develop and test new medications and treatments. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding dosage forms and medication properties, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of pharmaceutical research, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager
A Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager may develop and execute marketing campaigns for pharmaceutical products. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding the pharmaceutical industry and medication properties, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of pharmaceutical marketing, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Clinical Research Associate
A Clinical Research Associate may manage clinical trials and collect and analyze data. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding dosage calculations and medication properties, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of clinical research, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Medical Writer
A Medical Writer may write and edit medical content, such as patient education materials, clinical trial protocols, and scientific articles. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding medical terminology and dosage calculations, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of medical writing, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.
Quality Assurance Specialist
A Quality Assurance Specialist may ensure that products and services meet quality standards. The Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials course may help build a foundation in understanding dosage forms and medication properties, which can be helpful for this role. While this course does not cover all aspects of quality assurance, it may provide some background knowledge on the field.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pharmacy Dosages and Prescriptions Essentials.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the dispensing of medication, including the principles of medication safety, the dispensing process, and the handling of hazardous drugs. It also covers various aspects of pharmacy practice, such as quality assurance and patient counseling. The book is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to follow and understand.
Comprehensive medical reference book that provides information on a wide range of medical topics, including diseases, drugs, and tests. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to find and understand the information you need.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of pharmacology. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to follow and understand.
Comprehensive drug reference book that provides information on a wide range of drugs, including their uses, dosages, side effects, and interactions. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to find and understand the information you need.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of medicinal chemistry. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to follow and understand.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of pharmacology and therapeutics. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to follow and understand.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the United States standards for the quality of pharmaceutical products. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to find and understand the information you need.

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