The following are syllabi employed in the past for each of the twenty-five modules. Because the field of psychopharmacology is growing and changing rapidly, material taught in each module is fluid and there are curriculum changes from one iteration to another.
Format: Live
Instructors: Staff
Required Text:
Material given to registered students.
Summary of Contact Hours:
16 hours of coursework
2 hours of Examination
Course Description:
This course outlines psychoactive medicines past and present, and their basis
of action. The student is introduced to how one determines appropriate usage
in the treatment of various mental disorders.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Develop basic knowledge of broad categories of psychotropics used in treatment of mental disorders.
2. Learn basic principles of pharmacology to understand psychopharmacology
3. Begin to develop cognitive strategies for selecting appropriate medications
4. Be introduced to efficacy, safety, and ethical issues relevant to psychopharmacological practice.
Evaluations:
Two-hour multiple-choice exams, 75% pass rate.
Format: Live
Instructors: Staff
Required Materials:
Material given to registered students.
Course Description:
Overview of human anatomy to include anatomical terminology, cell biology, and
major organ systems.
Contact hours:
20 hours of coursework
2 hours of examinations
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Develop extensive knowledge of normal systems functioning.
2. Be able to visualize and communicate using appropriate medical terminology for organ parts and body positions.
3. Be able to explicate homeostatic mechanisms involved in each system.
4. Develop extensive understandings of feedback mechanisms between systems.
Evaluation:
Student must complete all assignments that are required in the program instructions.
Passing:
75% pass rate.
Format: Live
Instructors: Staff
Required Materials:
Material given to registered students.
Course Description:
Overview of biochemistry to provide student with the necessary understanding
of physiological processes. The course includes a broad range of inorganic
and organic chemistry as required for the study of physiology, pathophysiology,
and pharmacology.
Course Objectives:
The student will:
1. Learn biochemistry associated with information transference by nucleic acids.
2. Understand harnessing and utilizing energy through the Krebs cycle and related phenomena.
3. Learn the chemical basis of respiration including the role of hemoglobin and blood buffers.
4. Learn the basics of the synthesis of protein, hormones, enzymes, and other organic substances.
Evaluation:
Student must complete all assignments that are required in the program instruction.
Passing:
75% pass rate.
Format: Live
Instructors: Staff
(2002 Instructors: Robert Williams, M.D. and Frank Tornatore, Ph.D.)
Required Reading Materials:
Stahl, S. (2000) Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practice
applications. Cambridge: University Press
Material given to registered students.
Course Description:
This course focuses on the structure and function of the nervous systems on
a cellular level as well as the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the central
nervous system. Basic constructs of pharmacology related to neurochemistry are
introduced.
Course Objectives:
Student will:
1. Learn, in-depth, the chemical and electronic exchange involved in neurotransmission.
2. Learn about neurotransmitters and neuromodulators controlling cognitive and affective states.
3. Learn neuromorphology on the cellular and central nervous system levels.
4. Learn principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics related to neurotransmission.
Evaluation:
At conclusion of the course, student will take a two-hour objective examination.
Students must achieve a 75% pass rate.
Format: Live
16 hours of Lecture/Discussion
2 hours of examinations
Instructors: Staff
(Instructor for 2003: John Bolter, Ph.D.)
Required Readings:
Material given to registered students.
Supplemental Readings on:
Structure and Function of
The respiratory System
The excretory systems
The reproductive glands
The adrenal glands
The immune system
The digestive system
Course Description:
This course provides an in-depth study of the structure and function of the
major organ systems with special emphasis upon drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
in different body systems. The theoretical material is bridged to the practical
as the student is taught about comprehensive biopsychosocial history taking.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Learn the steps of a biopsychosocial history taking.
2. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of the cytochrome 450 system as well as other pharmacokinetics.
3. Learn the basic principles of reading a EKG
4. Be able to integrate knowledge about body systems, electrolytic balance and pharmacodynamics.
Evaluation:
At conclusion of the course, student will take a two-hour objective examination.
Students must achieve a 75% pass rate.
Format: Live
16 hours of lecture/discussionInstructors: Staff
(Instructor for 2003: John Preston, Psy.D.)
Required Readings:
Stahl, S. (2000) Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practice
applications. Cambridge: University Press
Preston, J., O’Neal, J. & Talaga, M. (2002). Handbook of clinical pharmacology for therapists. 2cnd Ed. Oakland: New Harbinger Press
Articles:
Supplemental reading materials distributed by Dr. Preston including quick reference
on anti-depressant medications, clinical pathways, depression checklist, and
treatment resistant depression.
Course Description:
This course explores the biological etiology of mood disorders. Current research
about appropriate antidepressants to prescribe for various mood disorders is
covered in depth.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Develop an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of actions of the various drugs used in treatment of mood disorders.
2. Be able to select the most appropriate psychotropics for various mood disorders given the effect and the side effect profile of each drug.
3. Develop skill in assessing the cost/benefit ratio associated with psychotropic use with individual patients with mood disorders.
4. Develop an understanding of a dynamic biopsychosocial model for the use of psychotropics in the treatment of mood disorders.
5. Be aware of the legal and ethical issues involved in the use of psychotropics in the treatment of mood disorders.
Evaluation:
Two-hour examination, 75% pass rate.
Format: Live
16 hours of lecture/discussion
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
(Instructor for 2003: Don Fineberg, M.D.)
Required Readings:
Supplemental material from Hirshkowitz, M. developed for SIAP - (Sleep and
its Disorders in Humans)
Handouts by professors
Course Description:
Both the biological etiology and stress factors associated with various anxiety
disorders are studied in detail. The efficacies of various psychotropic treatments
are studied. Also included is the holistic treatment of sleep disorder including
hypnotics, anti-anxiety medication, and behavioral and psychosocial treatment
plans.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Develop an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of action of the various drugs used in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
2. Be able to select the most appropriate psychotropics for various anxiety disorders given the effect and the side effects profile of each drug.
3. Develop skill in assessing the cost/benefit ratio associated with psychotropic use with individual patients with anxiety disorders.
4. Develop an understanding of a dynamic biopsychosocial model for the use of psychotropics in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
5. Be able to identify the various etiologies of sleep disorders.
6. Be able to practice a dynamic biopsychosocial model in the treatment of sleep disorders from acute care to long-term sleep hygiene.
Evaluation:
Two-hour examination, 75% pass rate.
Format: Live
16 hours of Lecture/Discussion
2 hours of exams
Instructors: Staff
(2003 Instructors: Robert Williams, M.D., Don Fineberg, M.D., Frank Tornatore,
Ph.D.).
Required Readings:
Stahl, S. (2000) Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific basis and practice
applications. Cambridge: University Press
Supplemental material from Abraham Fiszbein, M.D., developed for SIAP.
Course Description:
Current research on the etiology of various psychotic disorders is considered;
effects and side effects of medication used for treating these disorders are
reviewed in-depth. Special treatment considerations with children and geriatric
patients are included.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Develop an in-depth understanding of the
mechanisms of actions of the various drugs used in treating psychotic disorders.
2. Be able to select the most appropriate psychotropics for various psychotic disorders given the effect and the side effect profile for each drug.
3. Develop skill in assessing the cost/benefit ratio associated with psychotropic use with individual patients with psychotic disorders.
4. Develop an understanding of a dynamic psychological model for the use of psychotropics in the treatment of psychotic disorders.
5. Learn about the developmental issues related to
pharmoacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
6. Focus on the treatment of ADHD as well as childhood anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
Evaluation:
Two-hour examination, 75% pass rate.
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework (8 hrs. psychopharmacology, 8 hrs. medicine)
2 hours of examinations
Instructors: Staff
(Instructors for 2003: Elliot Oppenheim, M.D. and Robert Williams, M.D.)
Required Readings:
Ethics Notebook for New Mexico Psychologists, developed by Elliot Oppenheim,
M.D.
Course Description:
Psychopharmacology of personality disorders and comprehensive integration of
the treatment of various disorders to include the study of ethics, prescription
methodology, review of psychopharmacological interview and treatment methods.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Know the pro and con literature regarding efficacy of psychopharmacological treatment of personality disorders.
2. Refine holistic approach of the treatment of personality disorders, which
includes the use of psychotropics when appropriate.
3. Be knowledgeable about ethical issues related to prescribing, including,
but not limited to informed consents, record keeping, and
pharamacoeconomics.
4. Be knowledgeable about legal issues related to prescribing, including but not limited to risk management and liability issues.
Evaluation:
Two-hour examination, 75% pass rate, which is inclusive of material covered
in the first nine models.
Format: Live
16 hours of course work
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Lynette Summers, R.N., FNP, and other nurse practitioner Staff and residents of Family Practice Clinic associated with Memorial Medical Center
Required Text: McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis For Disease In Adults And Children (4thd Ed.) Mosby 1998.
Swartz, M. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination (4th Ed.) , W.B. Saunders, 1998.
Recommended: Bharat, N. Griffith's Five Minute Clinical Consult. (PDA version).
Equipment:
Stethoscope
Otoscope
Blood Pressure Cuff
Other equipment needed to conduct physical examinations
Course Description:
Extensive teaching of basic methods of physical assessment, extensive practice
conducting basic physical assessment such as taking blood pressure, otoscopic
and stethoscope examinations, and stick blood tests; basic interpretation of
laboratory results.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Learn the basic philosophy and physical techniques of conducting physical examinations.
2. Exhibit proficiency in the following:
establishing appropriate doctor-patient
relationships in conducting physical exams,
taking and recording temperature, height, weight,
and blood pressures, and taking patient and family history.
3. Develop basic familiarity techniques (such as
palpation, tapping) with used in conducting physical examinations (proficiency in examining different systems will be developed in later courses).
Evaluation:
Students will successfully complete a physical exam using these basic methods.
Format: Live
18 hours of coursework (14 hrs. of Pathophysiology, 4 hrs. of physical assessment).
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Lynette Summers, R.N., FNP, and other nurse practitioner Staff and residents of Family Practice Clinic associated with Memorial Medical Center
Required Text: McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis For Disease In Adults And Children (4thd Ed.) Mosby 1998.
Swartz, M. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination (4th Ed.) , W.B. Saunders, 1998.
Recommended: Bharat, N. Griffith's Five Minute Clinical Consult. (PDA version).
Equipment:
Stethoscope
Otoscope
Blood Pressure Cuff
Other equipment needed to conduct physical examinations
Course Descriptions:
This course includes the study of genetics, cellular biology, integumentary
system, as well as selected pediatric topics (psoriasis).
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms and
relevant assessment findings in the
integumentary system.
2. Discuss the pathophysiological basis of common
abnormal assessment findings in the integumentary system.
3. Interpret assessment findings for the
integumentary system logically based on an
understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms.
4. Apply analytic reasoning and problem solving to a
variety of selected clinical case situations of
the integumentary system.
5. Interpret normal from abnormal in both
anticipated and actual findings in the comprehensive health assessment of the integumentary systems.
6. Synthesize assessment findings of the
integumentary systems into diagnoses using a deliberate and systematic process of data collection and analysis.
7. Demonstrate critical thinking and use of research
finding in the analysis of a comprehensive health assessment of the integumentary system as the basis for advanced therapeutic practice interventions.
Evaluations:
• Two-hour examination at 75% passing rate.
• Class discussion of assigned cases.
• Report on physical exam of integumentary system.
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework (14 hrs. of Pathophysiology, 4 hrs. of physical assessment).
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Lynette Summers, R.N., FNP, and other nurse practitioner Staff and residents of Family Practice Clinic associated with Memorial Medical Center
Required Text: McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis For Disease In Adults And Children (4thd Ed.) Mosby 1998.
Swartz, M. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination (4th Ed.) , W.B. Saunders, 1998.
Recommended: Bharat, N. Griffith's Five Minute Clinical Consult. (PDA version).
Equipment:
Stethoscope
Otoscope
Blood Pressure Cuff
Other equipment needed to conduct physical examinations
Course Descriptions:
This course includes the study of eyes, ears, nose, and immune system, as well
as selected pediatric topics (diabetes I & II).
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms and
relevant assessment findings in the eyes, ears,
nose, and immune system.
2. Discuss the pathophysiological basis of common
abnormal assessment findings in the eyes, ears, nose, and immune system.
3. Interpret assessment findings for the eyes, ears,
nose, and immune system logically based on an understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms.
4. Apply analytic reasoning and problem solving to a
variety of selected clinical case situations of the eyes, ears, nose, and immune system.
5. Interpret normal from abnormal in both
anticipated and actual findings in the
comprehensive health assessment of the eyes,
ears, and nose immune systems.
6. Synthesize assessment findings of the eyes, ears,
nose, and immune systems into diagnoses using a deliberate and systematic process of data collection and analysis.
7. Demonstrate critical thinking and use of research
findings in the analysis of a comprehensive health assessment of the eyes, ears, nose, and immune system as the basis for advanced therapeutic practice interventions.
Evaluations:
• Two-hour examination at 75% passing rate
• Class discussion of assigned cases
• Report on physical exam of the eyes, ears, nose, and eyes
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework (14 hrs. of Pathophysiology, 4 hrs. of physical assessment).
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Lynette Summers, R.N., FNP, and other nurse practitioner Staff and residents of Family Practice Clinic associated with Memorial Medical Center
Required Text: McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis For Disease In Adults And Children (4thd Ed.) Mosby 1998.
Swartz, M. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination (4th Ed.) , W.B. Saunders, 1998.
Recommended: Bharat, N. Griffith's Five Minute Clinical Consult. (PDA version).
Equipment:
Stethoscope
Otoscope
Blood Pressure Cuff
Other equipment needed to conduct physical examinations
Course Descriptions:
This course includes the study of the pulmonary & Circulatory systems as
well as selected pediatric topics (hemophilia and Marfan’s Syndrome).
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms and
relevant assessment findings in the pulmonary and circulatory systems.
2. Discuss the pathophysiological basis of common
abnormal assessment findings in the pulmonary and circulatory systems.
3. Interpret assessment findings for the pulmonary and circulatory systems logically based on an
understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms.
4. Apply analytic reasoning and problem solving to a
variety of selected clinical case situations of
the pulmonary and circulatory systems
5. Interpret normal from abnormal in both
anticipated and actual findings in the comprehensive health assessment of
pulmonary and circulatory systems.
6. Synthesize assessment findings of pulmonary and circulatory systems into
diagnoses using a deliberate and systematic process of data collection and
analysis.
7. Demonstrate critical thinking and use of research findings in the analysis
of a comprehensive health assessment of the pulmonary and circulatory
systems as the basis for advanced therapeutic practice interventions.
Evaluations:
• Two-hour examination, 75% pass rate
• Class discussion of assigned cares
• Report on physical exams of respiratory and circulatory systems
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework (14 hrs. of Pathophysiology, 4 hrs. of physical assessment).
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Lynette Summers, R.N., FNP, and other nurse practitioner Staff and residents of Family Practice Clinic associated with Memorial Medical Center
Required Text: McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis For Disease In Adults And Children (4thd Ed.) Mosby 1998.
Swartz, M. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination (4th Ed.) , W.B. Saunders, 1998.
Recommended: Bharat, N. Griffith's Five Minute Clinical Consult. (PDA version).
Equipment:
Stethoscope
Otoscope
Blood Pressure Cuff
Other equipment needed to conduct physical examinations
Course Descriptions:
This course includes the study of the digestive systems and the female genito-urinary
system. Special topics include the pregnant patient, and leukemia.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms and
relevant assessment findings in the digestive and the female genito-urinary system.
2. Discuss the pathophysiological basis of common
abnormal assessment findings in the digestive and the female genito-urinary system.
3. Interpret assessment findings for the digestive and the female genito-urinary system logically based on an understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms.
4. Apply analytic reasoning and problem solving to a variety of selected clinical case situations of the digestive and the female genito-urinary system.
5. Interpret normal from abnormal in both anticipated and actual findings in the comprehensive health assessment of the digestive and the female genito-urinary system.
6. Synthesize assessment findings of the digestive and the female genito-urinary system into diagnoses using a deliberate and systematic process of data collection and analysis.
7. Demonstrate critical thinking and use of research finding in the analysis of a comprehensive health assessment of the digestive and the female genito-urinary system as the basis for advanced therapeutic practice interventions.
Evaluations:
• Two-hour examination, 75% pass rate
• Class discussion of assigned cases
• Report of physical examination of the digestive system and history taking
of the female genito-urinary system
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework (14 hrs. of Pathophysiology, 4 hrs. of physical assessment).
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Lynette Summers, R.N., FNP, and other nurse practitioner
Staff and residents of Family Practice Clinic associated with Memorial Medical
Center
Required Text: McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. Pathophysiology: The Biologic
Basis For Disease In Adults And Children (4thd Ed.) Mosby 1998.
Swartz, M. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination (4th Ed.) , W.B. Saunders, 1998.
Recommended: Bharat, N. Griffith's Five Minute Clinical Consult. (PDA version).
Equipment:
Stethoscope
Otoscope
Blood Pressure Cuff
Other equipment needed to conduct physical examinations
Course Descriptions:
This course includes the study of the male genito-urinary/reproductive system
and the muscular-skeletal system. Special study of rheumatology of children
and the elderly is included.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms and relevant assessment findings in the muscular-skeleton and male genito-urinary system.
2. Discuss the pathophysiological basis of common abnormal assessment findings in the muscular-skeleton and male genito-urinary system.
3. Interpret assessment findings for the muscular-skeleton and male genito-urinary system logically based on an understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms.
4. Apply analytic reasoning and problem solving to a variety of selected clinical case situations of the muscular-skeleton and male genito-urinary system.
5. Interpret normal from abnormal in both anticipated and actual findings in the comprehensive health assessment of the muscular-skeleton and male genito-urinary system.
6. Synthesize assessment findings of the muscular-
skeleton and male genito-urinary system into diagnoses using a deliberate and systematic process of data collection and analysis.
7. Demonstrate critical thinking and use of research
finding in the analysis of a comprehensive health assessment of the muscular-skeleton and male genito-urinary system as the basis for advanced therapeutic practice interventions.
Evaluations:
• Two-hour examination, 75% pass rate
• Class discussion of assigned cases
• Report on physical examination of muscular-skeletal system and history taking
of the male genito-urinary system
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework (14 hrs. of Pathophysiology, 4 hrs. of physical assessment).
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
Required Readings:
Kreuch, T. Common Neuropsychological Disorders of Interest to Psychologists’
New Mexico State University Material (Fall, 2000)
Williams, R. (1999). Brain Basics: An integrated biological approach to understanding and assessing human behavior. Mesa, Arizona: R.P. Williams
Equipment:
Stethoscope
Otoscope
Blood pressure cuff
Other equipment needed to conduct physical examinations
Course Descriptions:
This course includes the study of genetics, cellular biology, abdomen/digestive
system, psoriasis, and pediatric topics.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms and
relevant assessment findings in neurology.
2. Discuss the pathophysiological basis of common abnormal assessment findings in neurology.
3. Interpret assessment findings for the abdomen/digestive system logically based on an understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms.
4. Apply analytic reasoning and problem solving to a variety of selected clinical case situations of neuropathology systems.
5. Interpret normal from abnormal EEGs. Become familiar patterns associated with various seizure disorders.
6. Synthesize assessment findings of neuropathological physical with psychological tests of neuropsychological functioning.
7. Demonstrate critical thinking and use of research findings in the analysis of a comprehensive health assessment of neurology as the basis for advanced therapeutic practice interventions.
Evaluations:
• Two-hour examination, 75% pass rate
• Class discussion of assigned cases, including expected neurological and neuropsychological
testing
• Demonstration of neurological examination
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework (14 hrs. of Pathophysiology, 4 hrs. of physical assessment).
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
Required Readings:
Special handouts from professors
McCance, K & Huether, S. (1998). Pathophysiology: The biological basis for disease in adults and children. St Louis: Mosby.
Equipment:
Stethoscope
Otoscope
Blood pressure cuff
Other equipment needed to conduct physical examinations
Course Descriptions:
This course includes neurological disorders of children and the elderly. Special
attention is given to analysis of types of dementia and to autoimmune illnesses
such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Describe the pathophysiological mechanisms and relevant assessment findings in the neuropathology of children and the elderly.
2. Interpret assessment findings for the neuropathology of children and the elderly.
3. Apply analytic reasoning and problem solving to a variety of selected clinical case situations of the children and elderly neuropathology.
4. Synthesize assessment findings of neurological exam and neuropsychological exam for the children and elderly.
Evaluations:
• Student must demonstrate conducting a complete physical exam including history
taking and report.
• Student has six weeks to complete take home final exam over Courses IX - XVII
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
Required Readings:
Edmunds, M.V. & Mayhew, M.S (2000) Pharmacology for the primary care provider.
St. Louis: Mosby
Course Description:
In this course, students will develop advanced working knowledge of concepts
of pharmacology as well as practical skills needed to prescribe.
Course Objectives:
The student will
1. Demonstrate advanced understanding of concepts of
pharmacology (such as pharmacokinetics, pharmoacodynamics, and therapeutic window).
2. Demonstrate sophisticated understanding of guidelines for selecting drugs (including cost benefit ratio: drug interactions, etc.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in using computer programs to access drug interactions.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in presenting medication to a patient including: explanation to the patient of effects, side effects, and dangers of the medications.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in record keeping regarding drugs prescribed.
6. Demonstrate proficiency in writing prescription.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in interviewing patients at follow up sessions regarding effects and side effects.
Evaluation:
• Examination will be a mock interview in which the student demonstrates proficiency
in objectives listed above.
• Short answer exam, 75% pass rate
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
Required Readings:
Edmunds, M.V. & Mayhew, M.S (2000) Pharmacology for the primary care provider. St. Louis: Mosby
Course Description:
Student will learn the pharmoacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of medications
used and the treatment of respiratory, cardiovascular, hormonal, infective,
and gastro-intestinal disorders.
Course Objectives:
Students will:
1. Learn about the pharmoacodynamics and
pharmacokinetics of drug groups used in the treatment of respiratory, cardiovascular, hormonal, infective, and gastro-intestinal disorders.
2. Given a patient’s physical diagnosis from
the above conditions, with a list of medications for treatment and a psychological diagnosis, the students will be able to select an appropriate psychotropic to add the medical reign.
3. In a mock telephone conversation with the treating physician, the student will be able to discuss the patient’s medical condition and recommend a psychotropic intervention.
4. In a mock interview with the patient, the student will effectively discuss the recommended added medication(s) (including all aspects of informed consent results of the discussion with he primary treating physician).
5. Demonstrate record keeping and writing a prescription.
Evaluation:
Grade will be based upon proficiency demonstrated in mock interviews with the
treating physician and patient.
Format: Live
Instructors: Staff
Course Description:
Students will learn about the pharmoacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of additional
classes of drugs used in the treatment of muscular-skeletal, dermatological,
and neurological disorders.
Course Objectives:
The student will:
1. Learn about the pharmoacodynamics and
pharmacokinetics of drug groups used in the treatment of muscular-skeletal, integumentary, and neurological disorders.
2. Given a patients physical diagnosis from
the above conditions, with a list of medications for treatment and a psychological diagnosis, the students will be able to select an appropriate psychotropic to add the medical reign.
3. In a mock telephone conversation with the
treating physician, the student will be able to discuss the patient’s medical condition and recommend a psychotropic intervention.
4. In a mock interview with the patient, the student
will effectively discuss the recommended added medication(s) (including all aspects of informed consent results of the discussion with he primary treating physician).
5. Demonstrate advanced understanding of the
principles of action of psychopharmacological agents.
Evaluation:
• One hour multiple choice exam, 75% passing rate
• Proficiency in mock interview
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
Required Readings:
Text:
Hanson, G., Venturelli, P. & Fleckenstein, J., (Eds.), (2002) Drugs and
society (7th Ed.) Sudbury, Massachusetts: James and Bartlett.
Articles:
Simpson, M. Drugs and Drugs class Material for New Mexico State University (May,
2002)
Course Description:
Students will learn about the mechanism of action of various drugs of abuse
and the efficacy of varied treatment approaches for each class of drug abuse.
Course Objectives:
The student will:
1. Be able to explain the major mechanisms of action
for the drug classes that are substances of abuse (alcohol, opiods, stimulants, sedatives/hypnotics, nicotine, marijuana, inhalants, and anabolic steroids).
2. Be cognizant of adverse effects of the drug classes that are substances of abuse and be able to link symptoms to probable drug of abuse.
3. Be cognizant of major biopsychosocial therapeutic approaches (including psychotherapy and pharmacology) employed in the treatment of disorders caused by various classes of drugs of abuse.
4. Learn about the efficacy of alternative therapies used in the treatment of addictions.
Evaluation:
Two-hour examination, 75% passing rate.
Format: Live
16 hours of course work
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
Required Reading:
Text:
Hanson, G., Venturelli, P. & Fleckenstein, J., Eds. (2002) Drugs and society
(7th Ed.) Sudbury, Massachusetts: James and Bartlett.
Articles:
Simpson, M. Drugs and Drugs class Material for New Mexico State University (5,
2002)
Course Description:
Students will become proficient in designing a detoxification and treatment
plan for patients addicted to various substances. Students will develop a broad
understanding of primary and secondary treatment and prevention in treatment
approaches to alcohol and addictive drugs.
Course Objectives:
The student will:
1. Learn about traffic safety and alcoholism and community reinforcement approaches.
2. Learn about specific steps and dangers involved in detoxification with patients addicted to various classes of medications.
3. Be knowledgeable about when detoxification can occur at home and when hospitalization is required.
4. Develop competency in the use of medications to treat cravings.
5. Be able to integrate use of psychotropics for dual diagnosis and to reduce cravings with a biodynamic biopsychosocial approach to treatment of addictions.
Evaluation:
Two-hour exam, 75% pass rate
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
(Scheduled 2003: James Meredith, Ph.D. - Prescribing Psychologist
Debra Brandt, R.N. - Herbalist
Elaine Luna, R.N. – Curandera
Raymond Tsosie, B.A. - Native American healer
Luis Vazquez, Ph.D. - Expert on Cross-Cultural Therapy)
Required Readings:
Various Readings from Instructors
Recommended Reading:
LeVine, E. & Padilla, A. (1980) Crossing Cultures In Therapy: Pluralistic
Counseling for the Hispanic. Monterry, Brook Cole
Course Objectives:
The student will:
1. Learn about constitutional factors leading to different reactions across ethnic groups to various classes of medications.
2. Learn extant knowledge regarding the side effects and efficacy of psychotropic medications across ethnic groups.
3. Develop advanced skills for explaining the use of psychotropic medications to patients within a context of a culture, with particular emphasis upon the Hispanic and Native American culture.
4. Be cognizant of issues in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of mental illness among the various ethnic groups, the rural and the poor.
5. Learn the basic principles of herbal medicines used for the treatment of mental disorders.
6. Be knowledgeable about the extant literature concerning the efficacy and drug interactions of herbs used for the treatment of mental disorders.
7. Refine an individual philosophy of treatment that integrates use of psychotropics with other psychological techniques of with the treatment of mental disorders.
Evaluation:
Two-hour examination, 75% passing rate.
P aper on personal approach to treatment that includes integration of biopsychosocial
model and ethical issues of practice.
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
Required Readings:
Articles:
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, “Practice
Parameters” 11/96; 12/96; 9/97; 10/97; 10/98; 12/99
Ciudad, H. Psychiatric Manifestations of Systematic Illness. Material for New
Mexico State University (01/2001).
Stanley, D. Geriatric Psychopharmacology Material for New Mexico State University Coursework (01/2001).
Course Description:
The student will refine skills for the psychotropic treatment of children and
the elderly
Course Objectives:
1. Become skilled in using the treatment algorithms recommend for the psychopharmacological treatment of mental disorders of children.
2. Become skilled in using the treatment algorithms recommended for the psychopharmacological treatment of mental disorders in the elderly.
3. Develop advanced skills in recognizing morphological, developmental, and behavioral signs in children that may signal medical conditions and developmental delay.
4. Given complex cases (in which there are various medical complications and non-responsiveness to psychopharmacological intervention), the student will be able to postulate appropriate steps for intervention.
Evaluation:
• Two-hour exam, 75% passing rate.
• Class discussion of cases.
Format: Live
16 hours of coursework
2 hours of examination
Instructors: Staff
(Scheduled 2003: James Meredith, Ph.D. - Prescribing Psychologist)
Required Readings:
Handouts from instructors and practice exams
Course Description:
This course will provide a synthesis of the biopsychosocial model to treatment
of mental disorders, with special emphasis on promising future directions in
treatment.
Course Objectives:
The student will:
1. Demonstrate competency in using computers to check drug interactions to plan treatment (select the appropriate algorithm for a condition, report the date on the computer bank).
2. Learn his or her areas of strengths and weaknesses as needed to prepare for national exam.
Evaluation:
Student will present computerized protocol of a mock client.
Student will complete practice exams and be able to specify any areas of weakness
in his or her training.