Mental Health Pharmacology

Developed in partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences.

$499.00 Hybrid

Who is this for?

This microcredential aims to address the gap in mental health care environment and better prepare interprofessional healthcare workforces (allied health, social work etc.) who are working in mental health care settings.

OVERVIEW

This microcredential is designed to enhance learners’ existing pharmacological knowledge when engaging in medication practices and better prepare nurses and other medical professionals working in healthcare to apply the appropriate clinical interventions through person-centered care in a variety of scenarios supporting a pharmacological standard of practice. Building on prior pharmacological knowledge, learners will be able to provide patient-centered care by assessing the efficacy of prescribed psychotropic medications to support patient recovery. This includes thoroughly monitoring and assessing adverse events and applying the appropriate clinical intervention. Learners will engage in multiple treatment scenarios in which they will become more familiar with commonly prescribed medications and provide health teaching to their patients/clients.

Partners

In partnership with Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

COURSE OUTLINE

Week 1: Welcome
Introduction

Week 2: Antipsychotics
Typical and Atypical Antipsychotics
Adverse Effects of Antipsychotics

Week 3: Mood Stabilizers
Overview of Mood Stabilizers
Anticonvulsants & Lithium

Week 4: Antidepressants
Overview of Antidepressants
Adverse Effects of Antidepressants

Week 5: Benzodiazepines and Stimulants
Benzodiazepines and Adverse Effects
Tolerance to Benzodiazepines
Stimulants & Stat Medications

Week 6: Wrap Up
Medications and Capacity to Make Treatment Decisions
Medication Adherence
Review

Learner Benefits

Comprehensively assess the efficacy of medication on patients/clients with mental health diagnoses

Monitor for adverse reactions through observations and lab reports

Educate patients on the purpose and efficacy of their medication in the recovery process

Learn purposeful and persuasive communication techniques in order to best support medication adherence

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the course start?

Facilitator-led course start times can be found next to the course names and descriptions.
How much time is required of me?

Microcredentials typically require between 2-3 hours a week of course work. For Facilitator- led microcredentials, there is one hour a week of on-line instruction from the facilitator.
Do I have to show up for class?

Attendance during facilitated time is highly recommended as it provides the most value to the microcredentials with time to learn from industry experts, network with classmates, and deeper understanding of content. However, attendance is not mandatory and all sessions are recorded and posted afterwards on the learning platform.
How am I evaluated?

What makes a TALENT microcredential different is the final assessment. There are weekly multiple choice questions that will guide your learning progress then learners are given a final assignment where they will apply their learning to a practical assignment. A facilitator will evaluate the final assignment and award a digital badge if the final assignment is completed successfully.
How long is the course?

Microcredentials are 6 weeks long with 2-3 hours a week of course work.
Will this microcredential get me a job?

Microcredentials are a great way to differentiate yourself when searching for a job. The digital badge can be added to social platforms and resumes to demonstrate your skills. TALENT works closely with learners to guide and advise on learner's career journeys.
Is there any financial assistance?

We never want finances to be a reason why learners can't improve their skills and gain meaningful employment. If you have any questions about financial assistance, please reach out to us directly (info@ontariotechtalent.ca).