This introductory course examines the principles of pharmacology required to administer medications in a safe and professional manner. Medication administration requires the application of the nursing process for clinical decision-making. Various routes of medication administration are introduced and complementary, Indigenous and alternative remedies and polypharmacy across the lifespan are also explored.
Prerequisites
Course type
This course is offered as part of a VCC program and cannot be taken individually.
International students: Eligibility is determined at the program level. Visit the program page for international student requirements and application information.
- Introduction to Pharmacology; The LPN role and Legal Responsibilities of Medication Administration; Pharmacodynamics; Pharmacokinetics; Drug Actions and Interactions; Drug Calculations (child, adult, elderly), Drug Classifications according to body systems; Principles of Medication Administration; Drug Distribution Systems; Basic terminology used in pharmacology
- Nursing Process and Pharmacology
- Routes of Medication Administration: oral, rectal, topical, parenteral, percutaneous
- Introduction to complementary, Indigenous and traditional healing alternatives; Vitamin Supplements; Herbal Preparations; Homeopathy; Pharmacology in the Older Adult; Polypharmacy across the lifespan
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70313 |
September 2, 2026 to November 18, 2026 |
Lab Lecture |
VCC Broadway Building B | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40214 |
January 5, 2027 to March 23, 2027 |
Lecture | VCC Broadway Building B | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.
How to take this course
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please email at [email protected].
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.