DAPN 820 : Advanced Pharmacology for Advanced Practice

This course offers an in-depth exploration of pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics, & pharmacodynamics specifically designed for advanced practice nurses.  The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of drug therapy principles and their clinical applications. Students will understand the therapeutic uses of various drug classes and develop skills to manage and optimize patient care through effective pharmacotherapy. This course will focus on preparing students with the advanced pharmacological knowledge needed to be a safe, effective provider.

Course Objectives:

1.      Analyze and evaluate the complexities of prescriptive authority and professional responsibility for advanced practice nurses within diverse healthcare, legal, and ethical frameworks.

2.      Synthesize advanced principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to optimize therapeutic decision-making and individualized patient care.

3.      Critically appraise and integrate evidence on the pharmacologic profiles of major drug classes to incorporate effective pharmacotherapy regimens for diverse patient populations. 

4.      Evaluate pharmacotherapeutic strategies for patients across the lifespan—including pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, bariatric, and lactating populations—incorporating physiologic and developmental considerations.

5.      Integrate comprehensive pharmacologic management plans for complex chronic conditions, with current guidelines and patient-specific variables to optimize outcomes.