Online Class: Medical Terminology 101

Mastering medical terminology is critical for effective healthcare communication, this course offers a comprehensive learning journey from root words to complex disease terms. Through multimedia content and interactive assessments, students enhance their language fluency, crucial for aspiring and current medical professionals.

$95.00
no certificate
- OR -
$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 15
    Lessons
  • 21
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 39,965
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 18
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.8
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Medical Terminology: The Language of Healthcare

In the intricate world of healthcare, the precision of language is paramount. It's not just about understanding the language; it's about being fluent in it. According to the Joint Commission, communication errors were the leading cause of medical errors, which could have been prevented. As the healthcare environment evolves, so does its lexicon. Whether you're a budding medical professional or an established one, mastering the medical terminology is crucial.

About the Course

Our course is meticulously designed to serve as the bridge between the common man and medical professionals, ensuring clarity, precision, and confidence in medical communication. In a world where a slight miscommunication can lead to significant consequences, this course equips you with the linguistic tools to excel in any health and science career.

Engage with an enriching mix of rich text, illustrative pictures, comprehensive diagrams, HD video lectures, and interactive assignments and exams. This blended learning experience ensures that not only do you absorb the information but can also apply it in real-world situations.

Course Highlights:

  1. Foundational Insight: Kick start with the basics of medical language, understanding the prefixes, suffixes, and word roots that form the bedrock of medical terms.

  2. Body Systems: Dive deep into the intricacies of various body systems. For instance, when studying the cardiovascular system, understand terms like 'cardiomyopathy' not just as a word, but what it means - 'cardio-' (heart), '-myo-' (muscle), '-pathy' (disease).

  3. Disease Dynamics: Unpack the nuances between health, wellness, and disease terminologies, ensuring clarity in documentation and communication.

  4. Medical Instruments: A unique aspect of this course is understanding the tools of the trade. Know the difference between a stethoscope and an otoscope, ensuring you're always a step ahead in clinical situations.

Who Should Enroll?

  1. Aspiring Medical Professionals: If you're charting a path in medical transcription, billing, coding, or any medical support role, this course is your starting point.

  2. Existing Medical Personnel: For doctors, nurses, dentists, and others who wish to refine their medical language precision.

  3. Students: Preparing for anatomy, physiology classes, or looking for a head start before medical college? We've got you covered.

  4. Medical Enthusiasts: If you have an insatiable curiosity about medical language, this course is your gateway.

What Sets This Course Apart?

We believe in the mantra of 'learning at your own pace.' Our user-friendly format ensures you get a solid foundation in medical language without the pressures of traditional classroom settings. With a blend of well-crafted written content, illustrative media, and interactive elements, you're not just reading or watching – you're engaging, understanding, and mastering.

Course Breakdown:

  1. Building Blocks: Lessons 1-2 lay the foundation, from medical basics to understanding word roots.

  2. Body Systems Deep Dive: Lessons 3-12 delve into the different body systems, ensuring you're well-versed with terms from cardiovascular to reproductive systems.

  3. Advanced Modules: Lessons 13-14 cover the detailed examination, instrumentation, and more to give you an edge in practical situations.

  4. Assessment: Lesson 15, the final exam, is where you showcase your medical terminology prowess.

Your Journey Starts Here

Embark on a transformative journey through the annals of medical language. Dive deep into the terminologies that form the backbone of healthcare communication. With our course, you're not just learning; you're preparing to make a difference in the world of healthcare. Enroll today and take the first step towards mastering the language of medicine.

Who should take this course?

Anyone interested in pursuing a career in the health and medical field will greatly benefit from taking this course. If you have not already taken a medical terminology course in the last few years, this course serves both as an introduction to new recruits and as a refresher for established medical professionals.

Is medical terminology just about memorizing a bunch of words?

While memorization is important for some word components, medical terminology is more about learning the word roots, prefixes, and suffixes so that you know what a word means through its combination of word parts. This course will help you decipher the meaning behind seemingly impossible to learn (or remember) words by analyzing the word parts (just like a jigsaw puzzle). It may sound strange, but learning medical terminology is actually fun!

Should I take this course before enrolling in a PA or LVN program?

It is strongly recommended that you have a good foundation of medical terminology before starting any medical, physician assistant or nursing programs, and this course will help you achieve mastery of medical terms particularly if you have no previous medical terminology experience.

Why should I choose this medical terminology course?

This course is uniquely designed to be as easy and simple to use as possible while still providing all the information you need to decipher the necessary, need-to-know medical terms you will commonly see in any medical office environment. With clear and concise instructions, diagrams, pictures, printable lessons, high quality videos, and engaging assignments and lesson exams, you'll be well versed in medical terminology by the time you complete this course. An instructor is also available to provide feedback and help you with any questions you may have about the material. If you enroll in the CEU Certificate version of the course, you will receive an online/downloadable certificate of course completion documenting your accredited CEUs and contact hours at successful completion.

Can you really learn medical terminology online? Wouldn't it be better to take an in-person course?

Not only can you learn medical terminology online, in most cases it's probably the preferred method of leaning medical terms. Because this course is online, you'll have instant access to review notes, printable lessons and exercises, online activities, and lesson videos you can pause, rewind, and repeat as needed. Due to its self-paced nature, you decide when you learn that is not only most convenient for your schedule, but also the time that you'll be able to focus distraction-free, whether that is in the morning or late at night.

What kind of certificate does this course offer?

If you choose the CEU Certificate version of the course, you'll receive an accredited CEU Certificate of Course Completion at successful course completion. To successfully complete this course, you'll need to score a 70% or higher overall/final grade. This grade includes the assessment of all lesson assignments, lesson exams, and final exam. The certificate will state the course title, CEUs earned, contact hours, and course completion date which you can place in the "Professional Development" or "Continuing Education" area of your resume.

What is the difference between this course and Comprehensive Medical Terminology?

This course is great if you are new and unfamiliar with medical terms or you need a refresher course. If you already have experience with medical terminology or you have completed this course, you may want to move to our more advanced medical terminology course Medical Terminology 201. We also offer a combination medical terminology course called Comprehensive Medical Terminology 1 & 2 which covers this course and Medical Terminology 2.

Course Motivation

Today's job market is rapidly evolving, with healthcare and allied health occupations at the forefront of this change. These fields are not just growing; they are surging, with predictions indicating continued expansion for at least the next five years. Those entering the healthcare sector now are strategically positioning themselves for substantial long-term benefits.

Key to thriving in healthcare is a firm grasp of medical terminology. But fear not—you don't need a medical degree for this. With just a basic high school education, you can successfully navigate and excel in this area.

Medical terms might seem daunting at first, but they are mostly made of interchangeable parts—roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Once you learn these components, you'll be able to decipher unfamiliar terms with ease. More than that, this knowledge will be a crucial asset in your job applications.

Now is the perfect time to embark on a new journey in the medical field. Let go of any intimidation you feel towards medical jargon. This course is designed to demystify these terms, guiding you step by step towards fluency.

Our course is self-paced, accommodating your schedule and learning style. It requires no prior medical knowledge and is structured in easy-to-follow lessons, each potentially completable in just one to two weeks. You will progress from being a novice to comfortably understanding, articulating, and knowing the meanings of medical terms. This course is invaluable for anyone aiming to join the medical community, be it as a professional or a volunteer. It's also a great resource for personal knowledge, aiding in understanding medical discussions, from routine check-ups to complex disease-related conversations.

By the end of this course, you will:

  • Understand various body systems, their components, and functions.
  • Recognize and interpret basic medical terms.
  • Differentiate between strong and weak vital signs.
  • Distinguish signs and symptoms of diseases.
  • Identify the care needed based on word roots.

You'll delve into medical terms by exploring their parts and learn to construct terms from these components. Additionally, you will master pronunciation, spelling, and the meanings of common prefixes and suffixes, paced for optimal learning.

Your expanding knowledge will include:

  • Recognizing anatomical positions and bodily directions.
  • Understanding terms related to the abdominal cavity and peritoneum.
  • Familiarity with body planes.
  • Identifying regions of the abdomen, thorax, and peritoneum.
  • Describing body locations using orientation terms.

If medical terminology has ever felt like an insurmountable barrier, this course is your key to overcoming it. We've carefully crafted the content to simplify and clarify medical terms, enabling quick and effective learning.

Moreover, entering the medical field is not just a career move; it's a financially sound decision. The sector consistently offers higher annual incomes compared to many other professions. Medical Terminology 101 is more than just a course; it's a stepping stone to a rewarding career in the medical field, suitable even for those starting in entry-level positions.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.45 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(34,101 votes)

Lesson 1. From Cells to Systems: The Building Blocks of Life

21 Points
This comprehensive lesson details body structures, from cells to systems like respiratory and urinary, emphasizing their vital functions. It highlights key medical terms, distinguishing signs from symptoms, and conveys the essential scope of medical language for tissue and organ identification. Additional lesson topics: Intro to Structure and Function of the Body; Medical Terminology Basics; Medical Terminology: A Short Lecture
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7050.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Why are you taking a medical terminology course?
  • Assessment: Quiz 1

Lesson 2. Essential Prefixes and Suffixes Explained

20 Points
Focusing on medical word etymology, this lesson equips learners to deconstruct terms into prefixes, roots, and suffixes, learning their roles in expressing conditions, actions, or processes. Through practice, students gain the skills needed to navigate and utilize complex medical vocabulary. Additional lesson topics: Medical Terminology Basics; Medical Terminology Flash Cards; Medical Terminology I; Medical Terms: Roots, prefixes, suffixes
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7051.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Health Careers
  • Assessment: Quiz 2

Lesson 3. Decoding the Human Form: Structure and Orientation

22 Points
Bootstrap your knowledge of anatomy and physiology by defining crucial terms followed by a deep dive into the planes, directions, and cavities of the body. This lesson simplifies navigating the body's complex geography through structured sections and regions. Additional lesson topics: The Human Body: An Orientation; A and P I: Orientation
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7052.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Quiz 3

Lesson 4. Disease Pathways and Cellular Structures

20 Points
Cytology and histology delve into the intricacies of cells and tissues which underpin the human body's structure and function. Pathology studies the changes induced by diseases, exploring causes and modes of disease transmission. Additional lesson topics: Mechanisms of Disease
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7053.pdf
  • Assessment: Quiz 4

Lesson 5. Cardiovascular System Essentials: Anatomy and Pathology

19 Points
This lesson outlines the combining forms to recognize cardiovascular structures, illustrates diagnostic approaches like stress testing, and addresses pathological issues such as coronary thrombosis. Treatment options like defibrillation and angioplasty are highlighted to manage cardiovascular diseases effectively. Additional lesson topics: Heart Structure and Circulation; Cardiovascular System 1, Heart, Structure and Function; Human Circulatory System
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7054.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Quiz 5

Lesson 6. Pathological Insights of the Gastrointestinal Tract

10 Points
The digestive system lesson covers crucial topics including organ identification, disease pathology, diagnostic testing, and treatment methods, using combining forms to simplify learning. It emphasizes understanding conditions like cirrhosis and diagnostic tools such as endoscopy and CT scans, alongside treatments like colostomy and laparoscopic surgery. Additional lesson topics: The Digestive System: CrashLecture Biology 28
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7055.pdf
  • Assessment: Quiz 6

Lesson 7. Foundations of the Lymphatic System: Structure, Pathology, and Treatment

13 Points
The lymphatic system serves as your portal to identifying structures like lymph nodes and vessels, while recognizing conditions such as enlarged lymph nodes. Diagnostic and treatment options span CT scans to sophisticated therapies, offering comprehensive medical approaches. Additional lesson topics: The Lymphatic System, Part 1
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7056.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Quiz 7

Lesson 8. Musculoskeletal Mastery

8 Points
Get acquainted with major musculoskeletal components via their combining forms, investigate prevalent pathologies, and learn about related diagnostic techniques. Examine the therapeutic approaches for maintaining skeletal integrity and alleviating joint pain. Additional lesson topics: Biology Video: Learn about Human Skeleton
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7057.pdf
  • Assessment: Quiz 8

Lesson 9. The Nervous System: Pathologies and Imaging Techniques

15 Points
The nervous system lesson breaks down key combining forms and their related anatomical structures, along with identifying common illnesses like Alzheimer's and strokes, impacting the brain and spine. It also describes diagnostic tools such as MRIs and CT scans that assist in the evaluation of diseases affecting this intricate system. Additional lesson topics: The Nervous System; Nervous System/Neural Tissue: Anatomy and Physiology Help
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Quiz 9

Lesson 10. Breathe Easy: An Overview of Respiratory Health

10 Points
With an architectural metaphor, the respiratory lesson explains how organs like the bronchi and lungs function, with a focus on pathological conditions such as emphysema and pneumonia. Essential diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies are discussed, featuring procedures like thoracotomy and pulmonary function tests. Additional lesson topics: Respiratory System Videos; The Respiratory System; Respiratory Anatomy; Respiratory System
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7059.pdf
  • Assessment: Quiz 10

Lesson 11. Exploring the Anatomy and Conditions of Skin & Sense Organs

13 Points
Unravel the complexities of skin and sense organs by exploring their vital structures and prevalent disorders. From anatomy basics to progressive diagnostic and treatment modalities, this lesson equips you with knowledge to connect medical concepts with human experiences. Additional lesson topics: Anatomy and Physiology Help: Integumentary System; The Layers of Human Skin; Integumentary System Supplementary Video
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7060.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Quiz 11

Lesson 12. Organ Systems Decoded: Endocrine and Urinary Functions

11 Points
This lesson explores the critical roles of the endocrine and urinary systems in maintaining homeostasis, emphasizing the identification and treatment of pathologies within each. Through analogies, updated data, and diagnostic insights, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of these systems. Additional lesson topics: The Endocrine System; Endocrine System; Endocrinology
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7061.pdf
  • Assessment: Quiz 12

Lesson 13. Reproductive Health: Essential Knowledge for Empowered Decisions

195 Points
The lesson presents an overview of male reproductive anatomy, likening its functions to an efficient factory, with components like the testes and prostate gland. Pathologies such as testicular carcinoma and tools for diagnosis, such as PSA testing and DRE, are discussed alongside treatment options like orchiopexy and prostatectomy. Additional lesson topics: Learn About the Male and Female Reproductive Systems; The Female Reproductive System; Welcome to the Reproductive System
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7062.pdf
  • Assessment: Quiz 13 - Mid-Term Course Review

Lesson 14. From Percussion to Auscultation: An In-Depth Guide

18 Points
Observation, touch, sound, and vibration converge in the practices of inspection, palpation, auscultation, and percussion during examinations. Instruments from simple speculums to advanced ultrasound stethoscopes amplify these physiological cues to aid diagnosis. Additional lesson topics: Medical Terminology; Medical Instruments Demonstration
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: optional-WordSearch-Activity-7063.pdf
  • Assessment: Quiz 14

Lesson 15. Comprehensive Assessment: One Sitting to Success

78 Points
Prepare for the comprehensive Final Exam, which demands focus in a single session to demonstrate your understanding of all covered topics. Wishing you success!
  • Lesson discussions: Your Opinion Matters: Course Rating; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Final Exam
473
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define and recognize basic word roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
  • Describe human body orientation.
  • Describe the human body in health and disease.
  • Recognize and define terms relating to the cardiovascular system.
  • Recognize and define terms relating to the digestive system.
  • Recognize and define terms relating to the lymphatic system.
  • Recognize and define terms relating to the musculoskeletal system.
  • Recognize and define terms relating to the nervous system.
  • Recognize and define terms relating to the respiratory system.
  • Recognize and define terms relating to the skin and sense organs.
  • Recognize and define terms relating to the endocrine system and urinary systems.
  • Recognize and define terms relating to the male and female reproductive systems.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Medical Terminology 101
Course Number: 8900158
Lessons Rating: 4.45 / 5 Stars (34,101 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: March 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.8 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$120
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

Student Testimonials

  • "I thought that this course was extremely helpful and I would definitely recommend it to someone who needs a refresher/ to master their medical terminology skills. I found it extremely helpful and full of lots of information that I will use going into my junior year of PA school." -- Madison S.
  • "I really enjoyed taking this course, extremely happy with the outcome. Because of this course I feel better prepared for the LVN program and will be able to reference for future upcoming classes like human anatomy and physiology, even micro. I'd like to thank the instructor for encouraging me throughout the lessons and keeping my grade updated promptly. Thank you." -- Iliana V.
  • "I loved the course and felt it did a great job covering everything needed and helping me implement that in real life! Thank you." -- Tawnya M.
  • "I thought this course was extremely helpful. Information was straight-forward and easy to understand. This made applying my newly learned knowledge to the assignments and exams a simple task after some studying." -- Jolie L.
  • "I love the format of this course and the varied assignments. The guides given towards the end are great study tools, and great reference materials I can use later. Thank you for making this course!" -- Kirstye R.
  • "This was a great course. Each lesson is very organized, informative and provides additional material to help the students. I have had a great experience! Thank you!" -- Nicole C.
  • "I really appreciated the variety of assignments to better understand the learning outcomes. I also really appreciated the fast feedback. Overall, this was very helpful." -- Elanie S.
  • "This class was incredibly helpful. The videos at the end of the lesson is a great way to summarize the lesson and is beneficial for auditory and visual learners." -- Cristian H.
  • "This class was a great way for me to fulfill my requirement for school while being able to work through and complete the material at my own pace." -- Landon M.
  • "My thoughts are that this course was great. I was able to work at my own speed and all the material was applicable to my career." -- Luke B.
View More Testimonials...