Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Pharmacology for the Health Professional (Face-to-Face)

NURS 3212-01

Course: NURS 3212-01
Credits: 2
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: NURS
CRN: 12660

Course Description

This course examines the pharmacotherapeutic agents and complementary interventions used in the treatment of illness as well as the promotion, restoration, and maintenance of health and wellness. Emphasis will be placed on clinical judgement and the RN role as it relates to concepts of safe medication administration, monitoring, and effectiveness.

Required Texts

Required

  • Assessment Technologies Institute. (2023). RN Pharmacology for Nursing, Review Module. (9th edition). Assessment Technologies Institute.
  • Assessment Technologies Institute. (2024). Pharmacology Made Easy 5.0. [Software]. ID:CDN009434727

Recommended

  • Karch, A. (2020). Focus on Nursing Pharmacology(8th edition). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN:978-1-4963-1822-0

Supplemental Resources

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the roles of the professional nurse in relation to medication administration, monitoring, and education.
  • Describe the nurse's legal and ethical responsibilities with regard to medication administration and management.
  • Describe characteristics of major medication classifications used in the treatment of commonly occurring diseases in terms of uses, mechanisms of action, drug effects, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, toxicity, and interactions.
  • Apply pharmacological principles into clinical decision- making
  • Examine the RN role in safe medication administration and management

Course Requirements

Grade Scheme

A100 % to 94.0%
A-<94.0 % to 90.0%
B+<90.0% to 87.0%
B<87.0% to 84.0%
B-<84.0% to 80.0%
C+<80.0% to 77.0%
C<77.0% to 74.0%
F< 74.0 %

Grades will be determined in the undergraduate programs using the following grading scale. To progress in the undergraduate program, students must pass each course with a C (74%) minimum. Grades will not be rounded in this course.

ATI Pharmacology Proficiency and Remediation

Current proficiency levels for the Pharmacology ATI exams are:

  • Level 3: 86.3% - 100%
  • Level 2: 71.1% - 86.2%
  • Level 1: 52.7% - 71.0%
  • Below Level 1: 0.0% - 52.6%

Grading for proficiency levels as follows:

For students that reach Level 3 their grade will be
  • 95.1% - 100% proficiency equals 100%
  • 90.4% - 95% proficiency equals 95%
  • 86.3% - 90.3% proficiency equals 90%
For students that reach Level 2 their grade will be
  • 81.2% - 86.2% proficiency equals 88%
  • 76.1% - 81.1% proficiency equals 84%
  • 71.1% - 76.0% proficiency equals 80%
For students that reach Level 1 their grade will be
  • 64.4% - 71.0% proficiency equals 78%
  • 58.5% - 64.3% proficiency equals 74%
  • 52.7% - 58.4% proficiency equals 70%

Students who get Below Level 1 for any ATI receive 0%. If they receive at least a Level 1 on either the midterm or the final ATI, the ATI they received a Below Level 1 on will be adjusted to 70%. Students who receive Below Level 1 on both the midterm and final ATI will receive 0% for both exams.

Any student that gets Below Level 1 proficiency score on the ATI midterm exam must do 8 hours of remediation focused on ATI. This will include meeting with the professor. Remediation will include: an approved study plan with the instructor. This may include focused review or a plan approved by the instructor. Suggestions for remediation include the ATI focused review, review of course PowerPoints, retaking ATI Pharmacology Made Easy modules, or studying Active Learning Templates. Remediation for ATI Midterm must be complete prior to taking the final ATI exam. Failure to complete remediation for any ATI exam will result in a ZERO score for the ATI exam and failure of NURS 3212.

The ATI exams will be administered at the date and time listed in the syllabus. Rescheduling an ATI exam will be per the instructor's discretion with a 20% grade deduction.

Assignment Outline

Quizzes and Module Assignments 45%

Students must earn an 80% on the Pharmacology Made Easy quizzes, but the quizzes may be taken as many times as necessary to earn an 80%. Once the student earns an 80%, they will upload their score to Canvas for full credit. Interactive ATI Pharmacology Made Easy tutorials help students review medications and principles learned in the reading. Each module focuses on drugs that relate to a body system. Students will complete the entire module, including the lesson, case study, activities, and test at the end. Students must earn an 80% on the first attempt of the Pharmacology Made Easy lesson test at the end of each module. If they earn an 80% on their first attempt, they will not have to complete Active Learning Templates. If students were not able to earn 80% on the first attempt of the test at the end of the Pharmacology Made Easy module, they will need to submit completed Active Learning Templates (ALTs) for all prototype medications listed in the assignment in Canvas. ALTs need to be handwritten and include the following: expected action, therapeutic use, complications, medication administration, contraindications, nursing interventions, interactions, client education, evaluation of effectiveness. If required, all Active Learning Templates must be submitted in order to receive full points for the module. If ALT's are not submitted with the lesson test results, the student will receive a grade of 0 for the entire module.

Application Assignments 15%

Students will complete three assignments (medication mapping, patient education tool, unfolding case study) that will allow them to apply the pharmacology principles they are learning in the ATI text, online ATI Modules, and in-class lectures/Power Points. These assignments will be graded according to the rubric in Canvas.

Participation 10%

Points will be given for attendance and participation each week. Students are responsible for showing up to class on time and staying until the end of class. Attendance will be taken when class starts. If a student comes in late or leaves early without making prior arrangements with the professor, they will not receive full points for the day.

ATI Practice Exam Tickets 5%

Students will be required to complete and submit an ATI practice exam with a score of 90% or above in order to be allowed to take the ATI midterm and final exam. This practice exam is their 'ticket' to the actual test. Students may take the practice exam as many times as needed from the time it opens until the time it closes (see Canvas) to get the required 90%.

ATI Midterm 10%

The ATI Midterm is comprehensive of the information in the entire course. Prior to taking the ATI midterm, students should study all chapters of the ATI text, including those that are at the end of the semester. See the grading structure above. Any student that gets below Level 1 proficiency score on the ATI midterm exam must complete 8 hours of remediation focused on ATI. This will include meeting with the professor and submitting a study plan approved by the instructor. Suggestions for remediation include the ATI focused review, review of course PowerPoints, retaking ATI Pharmacology Made Easy modules, or studying Active Learning Templates. Remediation for the ATI Midterm must be complete prior to taking the final ATI exam. Failure to complete remediation for the ATI midterm will result in a ZERO score for the ATI exam and failure of NURS 3212.

ATI Final Exam 15%

The ATI final exam is comprehensive of the information in the entire course. See the exam schedule and grading structure above.

Course Outline

Course Summary

  • Mon Jan 12, 2026 — Module 1 ATI Pharm * - Dosage Calculations Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Jan 13, 2026 — Module 2 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Jan 13, 2026 — Commenced Attendance Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Jan 13, 2026 — Module 2 ATI Intro to Pharm Lesson Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Jan 19, 2026 — Module 2 ATI Pharm* - Intro to Pharm. Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Jan 19, 2026 — Study Plan Assignment due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Jan 20, 2026 — Module 3 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Jan 20, 2026 — Module 3 ATI Cardiac Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Jan 26, 2026 — Module 3 ATI Pharm* - Cardiac Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Jan 27, 2026 — Module 4 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Feb 2, 2026 — Module 4 ATI Pharm* - Respiratory Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Feb 2, 2026 — Module 4 ATI Respiratory Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Feb 3, 2026 — Module 5 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Feb 3, 2026 — Module 5 ATI Pain Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Feb 9, 2026 — Module 5 ATI Pharm* - Pain Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Feb 9, 2026 — Study Plan Check-In Assignment due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Feb 10, 2026 — Module 6 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Feb 10, 2026 — Medication Mapping Assignment due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Feb 16, 2026 — Module 6 ATI Neuro 2 Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Feb 16, 2026 — Module 6 ATI Pharm* - Psych Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Feb 17, 2026 — Module 7 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Feb 17, 2026 — Module 7 ATI GI Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Feb 23, 2026 — Module 7 ATI Pharm* - GI Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Feb 24, 2026 — Module 8 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Feb 24, 2026 — Module 8 ATI Endocrine Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Mar 2, 2026 — Module 8 ATI Pharm* - Endocrine and Diabetes Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Mar 3, 2026 — Module 9 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Mar 3, 2026 — ATI Midterm Ticket due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Fri Mar 6, 2026 — Module 9 ATI Hematologic Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Fri Mar 6, 2026 — Module 9 ATI Pharm* - Anemia and Anticoagulants Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Mar 17, 2026 — Module 10 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Wed Mar 18, 2026 — ATI Midterm Exam due by 8am (link)
  • Tue Mar 17, 2026 — Module 10 ATI Musculoskeletal Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Mar 23, 2026 — Module 10 ATI Pharm* - Musculoskeletal Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Mar 23, 2026 — Patient Education Assignment - Video due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Mar 30, 2026 — Module 11 ATI Neuro 1 Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Mar 30, 2026 — Module 11 ATI Pharm* - Neuro Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Apr 6, 2026 — Module 12 ATI Infection Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Apr 6, 2026 — Module 12 ATI Pharm* - Antibiotics Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Apr 7, 2026 — Module 13 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Apr 13, 2026 — ATI Final Ticket due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Apr 13, 2026 — Module 13 ATI GU Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Apr 13, 2026 — Module 13 ATI Pharm* - GU Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Apr 13, 2026 — Unfolding Case Study Assignment due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Apr 14, 2026 — Module 14 Class Participation due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Tue Apr 14, 2026 — Module 14 ATI Pharm* - Chemo Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Apr 20, 2026 — Module 14 Immune Lesson and Test w/ ALT's due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Mon Apr 20, 2026 — Module 15 ATI Pharm* - Alternative. Quiz due by 11:59pm (link)
  • Wed Apr 22, 2026 — ATI Final Exam due by 8am (link)
  • — Active Learning Template Instructions (link)
  • — ATI Remediation Plan (link)
  • — ATI Remediation Plan Documentation #1 (link)
  • — ATI Remediation Plan Documentation #2 (link)
  • — ATI Remediation Plan Documentation #3 (link)
  • — Introductions (link)
  • — Module 11 Class Participation (link)
  • — Module 12 Class Participation (link)
  • — Module 15 Class Participation (link)
  • — Narcan Training Review (link)
  • — Patient Education Assignment - Presentation (link)

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late Assignments

All assignments, quizzes, exams etc. are due at the time designated in Canvas. There is a 10% deduction per day on any late submission. A student must reach out to the instructor BEFORE a deadline if they have an extenuating circumstance related to an assignment. The extenuating circumstance will be evaluated by the instructor. The instructor will determine if full points will be given or if the 10% deduction per day will apply. Submissions will not be accepted after the last day of the term/semester at 11:59 pm.

Instructor's Response Time & Feedback

From the Department of Nursing Faculty Handbook:

Semester long course guidelines: Emails from students in semester-long classes must be responded to within three business days (Definition of business day: Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and does not include holidays). All assignments must be graded within seven calendar days of due date for semester-long courses. If faculty need an extension to grade assignments because of assignment length, holiday, or other circumstances, faculty will notify students in advance. Assignments need to be graded in sufficient time to allow students to improve and build upon their learning for subsequent assignments.

Attendance Policy

Points will be given for attendance and participation each week. Students are responsible for showing up to class on time and staying until the end of class. Attendance will be taken when class starts. If a student comes in late or leaves early without making prior arrangements with the professor, they will not receive full points for the day. In certain cases, a student may join class via Zoom, but the student must have their camera on and participate in the class in order to receive participation points.

Course Fees

  • Students will register and self pay online for Pharmacology Made Easy 5.0 once the semester begins. The software costs $138.
  • Students will register and pay online for Pharmacology Made Easy 5.0 once the semester begins. The software costs $134.

Statement of Safety or Risk Assumption

AI Policy

Within this course, all submitted assignments should be written, developed, created, and inspired by the student. If any work is created by artificial intelligence (AI), it will be considered plagiarized work and a violation of SUU Policy 6.33: Academic Misconduct (https://www.suu.edu/policies/06/33.html) . This could result in a failing grade or disciplinary action through the Dean of Students’ Office. AI is an evolving technology and will impact academic, professional, and personal lives. However, it is important that as part of their education, students learn to critically think, create, and evaluate in their assignments. Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT) are not allowed for graded assignments in this class. Although the use of these types of tools may be allowed in other classes or are used professionally, this class will focus on learning foundations without the aid of generative AI. Any perceived use of generative AI will be investigated for possible submission to the university as cheating.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.