Medical terminology is the language spoken in healthcare. Understanding medical terminology is essential for efficient communication and working practices between physicians, non-clinical staff and healthcare organizations. For medical coders and billers, job performance depends on mastery of medical terminology.
If you are new to healthcare and considering a career inMedical billing and coding, benefit from taking the AAPC Medical Terminology online course along with theCertified Professional Coder (CPC)®ÖCertified Professional Biller (CPB)®Education. The medical terminology course will help you maintain your coding and billing studies. It will also improve your performance on the CPB and CPC exams, ensuring you can communicate effectively and thrive in the workplace.
- Learn word parts to quickly master countless medical terms
- Familiarize yourself with the systems of the body, including structures, diseases, and medical treatments, and learn directional terms and guidelines for representing anatomical locations.
- Earn 20 CEUs on successful completion (AAPC certified members). For single use only.
- Highly recommended for students who want to take CPC, COC, CIC, CRC or CPB online courses.
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- Course/System Requirements
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BothAnatomymiMedical terminologyClasses are recommended for students who do thisCPC®,AOC™,CIC,CDN, ÖCPB™ Medical BillingCourses
By purchasing an online course and other items, I confirm that I have read and agree to the online courseTerms and ConditionsIt is inrefund policy.
The date of purchase is considered the start date of the course, allowing additional time to process your order.
Certificate of Medical Terminology course and CEU
- The successful completion of this course requires that the students achieve a score of at least 70% in all module examinations and the final examination. After passing the medical terminology online course, students receive a certificate in medical terminology. Certified AAPC members also earn 20 CEUs.
CEUs for medical terminology courses only apply to CPC, CPPM, COC, CPB, CIC, and CRC.
(Video) How To Master Medical Terminology - Tuesday Test Tips - Download the Medical Terminology Course Schedule
Medical Terminology Course Requirements
- There are no prerequisites for the Medical Terminology online course.
- This medical terminology training course is an independent self-learning program. There are no face-to-face meetings and students can log into the course at any time. Students can also email questions about course content to AAPC instructors.
- This online course consists of 16 chapters, 10 module exams and a final exam. It must be completed within two months, but students have access to the course materials for three months from the date of purchase. Students can extend the course time if necessary. Course extensions can be purchased for a monthly fee.
- By purchasing this online course and other items, you confirm that you have read and agree to the online course.Terms and ConditionsIt is inrefund policy.
system requirements
- High speed internet access withSupported computer operating systems and web/internet browsers
- Proofreader Adobe Acrobat (free download available)
- For the best experience, using a mobile device is not recommended.
Description of the course Medical Terminology
The online medical terminology course provides students with the terminology used in the medical billing and coding profession and its application in clinical settings. If you register for this course, your registration includes:
- A first-class textbook with a comprehensive glossary of medical terminology and detailed color illustrations to clarify the text and support visual learning (Medical Terminology: An Illustrated Guide, Ninth EditionBarbara Janson Cohen, MSEd und Shirley A. Jones, MSEd, MHA, MSN, EMT-P, RN)
- Reading assignments, exercises, module exams and a final exam.
- Individual online training as required.
Learning objectives of medical terminology
Upon successful completion of the online medical terminology course, students will be able to:
- Correctly identify the role of the four types of words in the formation of medical terms
- Analyze unfamiliar medical terms with this word component knowledge.
- Define anatomy and physiology and use anatomical reference systems to identify the anatomical location of all major organ systems
- Learn medical terms and medical acronyms for each body system.
Contents of the course Medical terminology
- Introduction to medical terminology.Students will learn the components that make up most medical terms and will be able to recognize, remember, and use these terms correctly.
- disease and treatment.Students are able to describe the main categories of diseases, infectious organisms and common reactions to diseases. They can describe the patient's examination, diagnosis and treatment methods. Students will also be able to identify the main categories of drugs and distinguish between generic and brand names. You will learn to use technical terms and parts of words for diseases, patient examinations, diagnoses, treatments, surgeries and medications.
- Circulation, blood and immunity.Die Studierenden sind in der Lage, die Struktur und Funktion des kardiovaskulären und lymphatischen Systems in ihren normalen und klinischen Aspekten zu erkennen. Neben dem Erlernen medizinischer Begriffe und medizinischer Abkürzungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Herz-Kreislauf- und Lymphsystem lernen sie Erkrankungen kennen und verstehen die Komplexität und Wechselbeziehung der beiden Systeme.
- respiration and digestion.Students of the Medical Terminology course learn about the mechanisms, functions and diseases of the respiratory system and are able to use the appropriate terminology related to the respiratory system. You will also learn about the structures, functions and disorders of the digestive system.
- Male reproductive and urinary systems.The student can recognize the structures and functions of the urinary system as well as clinical aspects and medical terms of urology. In this module, students will also learn to recognize the structures and functions of the male reproductive system and to understand male reproductive disorders.
- Female reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth.The students are able to recognize the structures and functions of the female reproductive system. You will also learn clinical aspects of the reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth, and common medical terms and abbreviations used in relation to the female reproductive system.
- Endocrine and nervous system, behavioral disorders.The students get to know the components and functions of the nervous system, the most important behavioral disorders as well as medical terms and abbreviations from neurology.
In addition, students will understand and appreciate the complexity of the endocrine system, including its various hormones and how they interact with other systems in the body. Students will be able to identify structures and functions, learn about various disorders and apply medical terms related to the endocrine system in a practical way.
- the sensesStudents are made familiar with terms, roots and abbreviations related to the senses. This type of medical terminology will give you a better understanding of the challenges associated with living with disorders affecting the senses.
- The skeleton and muscles.The students of the medical terminology course are familiarized with the terms, roots, abbreviations and clinical pictures of the skeletal system and muscles.
- A first.The students are able to recognize the anatomy of the skin and the associated structures. Students will also learn about the clinical aspects of the skin, common medical terms and abbreviations used in relation to the skin system.
Why Take a Medical Terminology Course?
Can you name the nine parts of the abdomen? Do you know the difference between coronal and sagittal plane? Can you locate the dorsal and ventral body cavities? The answers to these questions are based on a highly specialized vocabulary.
Words like dysgeusia, gonagra, and iliopag sound like a foreign language, almost unintelligible, with no background in life sciences or healthcare. But you don't have to give up your career goals or stay in a dead end, because for you the language of medicine is Greek.
With a systematic and conceptual approach, the AAPC Medical Terminology training course will provide you with a solid foundation in essential healthcare vocabulary. As we break words down into building blocks and create a structure to help you understand new terms, you'll see your medical language skills increase.
Who Should Take a Medical Terminology Course?
Mastery of medical terminology is a must for medical coders and billers whose primary job is to translate patients' health information into medical codes.
The AAPC strongly recommends the online medical terminology course for students who are considering theCertified Ambulatory Coder (COC®)miCertified Stationary Coder (CIC®)Training as well as CPC and CPB courses. Because the language of medicine is critical to job performance, all certification exams test your knowledge of medical terminology, including theCPC exam.
The value of this course goes beyond medical billing and coding and is just as important for students preparing for other non-clinical healthcare careers. You must be able to use medical terminology to participate in everyday interactions, understand what you read, write and discuss, whether you are trained to be a medical records technician, medical transcriptionist, medical scribe, to HEDIS summaries or to become a CDM (Billing Description Master) analyst, cancer registry, patient care worker or fraud investigator.
The Medical Terminology online course is also valuable for individuals returning to the healthcare field after a leave of absence, or for professionals moving from a specialty to an area of medicine that requires a broader vocabulary.
You will find that the Medical Terminology online course is not a prerequisite for enrolling in an AAPC Billing and Coding training program. Because professionals coming from clinical roles, such as nurses and doctors, are already familiar with medical terminology and don't need this or thatAnatomyEducation. However, the medical terminology course should not be considered optional for those without a solid knowledge of medical terminology.
FAQs
How do you pass a medical terminology course? ›
- Using visual cues to remember complex terms.
- Practicing terms using apps for iOS and Android.
- Deciphering terms by learning basic Latin components (root, suffix, prefix)
- Bulk learning using self-made acronyms.
- Using engaging guides and workbooks.
- Taking free online classes.
An online program for learning this terminology is quite complex. Students must complete work on their own, without the actual aid that one might normally receive within a classroom setting. A professional medical school program is equally as complex yet provides what may be seen as essential classroom support.
What is the best way to remember medical terminology? ›Use Flashcards
Since the human brain is wired to absorb information by visual cues, using flashcards to memorize the term can help train your brain for effective memorization. You can either purchase medical terminology flashcards or use online flashcard resources for accelerated learning and retaining medical terms.
Taking an online medical terminology course is a really good way to complement your medical studies and get a better understanding of the terms you'll use regularly throughout your education and career. If you're still looking for a place to complete your main degree, then consider University of the People.
How do I memorize and remember medical terminology? ›- Get your Greek (and Latin) on. Nearly all medical terms come from Greek or Latin words. ...
- See the patterns in words. ...
- Use Acronyms. ...
- Imagine it. ...
- Flash cards. ...
- Medical Term Bingo. ...
- Slow and steady. ...
- Start Your Healthcare Administration Journey Today.
Medical Terminology is a 120-hour online Con Ed class. The class encompasses both Med Term I and Med Term II within the 16 weeks of instruction. This course in an introduction to the study of the structure of medical words and terms.
What is the most difficult part of online classes? ›Having a time management system is perhaps the most difficult challenge for students to overcome because it depends entirely on self-motivation. Students need to be serious about their education, learn how to manage time, set their daily schedule, and study despite constant distractions.
Do medical schools look at online courses? ›Will online classes impact my chances of admission? Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Maybe. You might have educational circumstances that qualify you as an exception, especially if you are a non-traditional medical school applicant, or if you attended an under-resourced school.
Are online courses more difficult? ›Probably not. But they are different and those differences can sometimes make them more difficult for individuals. It's important to remember that online education is more self-directed. Students who know how to stay motivated and study at their own pace could find great success in this type of education.
What are the 3 ways to easily learn medical term? ›- Use Techniques You Used in School, Like Flashcards and Rewriting Terms on Paper. ...
- Learn Some Greek and Latin Roots of Common Medical Terms. ...
- Make a Game Out of Studying Terminology for Your Health Administration Diploma.
What to do if you don t understand medical terminology? ›
One way to increase patient understanding is to use plain, nonmedical language, also known as "living room language." Try explaining medical terms by breaking them down based on the word's root. For example, "cardiomyopathy" translates to "heart muscle disease" ("cardio" = heart; "myo" = muscle; "pathy" = disease).
What are the 3 general rules of medical terminology? ›There are three basic parts to medical terms: a word root (usually the middle of the word and its central meaning), a prefix (comes at the beginning and usually identifies some subdivision or part of the central meaning), and a suffix (comes at the end and modifies the central meaning as to what or who is interacting ...
Is a medical terminology certificate worth it? ›If you're considering a career as a Medical Office Assistant, then having a Medical Terminology course under your belt is definitely an asset. Being familiar with certain medical terms and procedures will make your job a lot easier.
Can you learn medical terminology on your own? ›One way to learn medical terminology is by creating your own acronyms. You can do this by taking one letter of each word or a group of related words, and forming a single new word or a phrase. It may take a little bit to actually come up with the acronyms, but in the end, it will save you a lot of time.
Can I take a medical terminology class online? ›StraighterLine's online Medical Terminology course is often taken as a prerequisite for nursing and other health science degree programs. The topics covered in this course help students develop a fluency in the highly specialized language of health and the human body.
Is there an app to learn medical terminology? ›Oxford Medical Dictionary
The app, also available for Android devices, provides information written by other healthcare professionals. It doesn't just boast some 12,000 entries on medical science, but it also has more than 140 illustrations to help visual learners.
- Try to understand the information first. Information that is organized and makes sense to you is easier to memorize. ...
- Link it. ...
- Sleep on it. ...
- Self-test. ...
- Use distributed practice. ...
- Write it out. ...
- Create meaningful groups. ...
- Use mnemonics.
Taking Practice Tests
According to several studies, self-testing is a proven technique that helps medical students to retrieve information and better memorize what they have learned. Taking practice tests is a retrieval practice that boosts long-term memory of medical students.
The trouble is that medical terminology courses are often dense, dry, and difficult to understand, no matter the instruction medium. Too often, they rely solely on rote memorization to teach the subject matter.
How many questions are on a medical terminology exam? ›Dean Vaughn's Medical Terminology by Body Systems, Peterson's Publishing, Latest Release (Online version). 5. Test Instructions: The written test will consist of 100 multiple choice items in a maximum of 90 minutes. 6.
What is the best medical terminology program? ›
What are the best medical terminology courses? We found that Coursera and edX offered the best Medical terminology online courses. They both were free for students to use and for an additional fee, students could receive a certificate of completion and potentially transfer their credits to a college or university.
What students should not do online classes? ›- Don't sit yourself around distractions. ...
- Don't snack without muting yourself first. ...
- Don't turn off your camera for long periods of time or frequently to get up and go do things around your house/space.
- Don't wait for the teacher to ask you to go on mute. ...
- Don't post links and memes in the chat.
You need to devote enough time to each of your online lessons to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge properly. However, online education often lacks a strict curriculum of traditional classes, and it often leads to students failing to evaluate how much time they need to comprehend the learning materials.
What is the easiest online class to take? ›- Social Science.
- Health Education.
- Art/Music Appreciation.
- Basic History.
- General Education Courses.
Generally speaking, they're the same traits needed to be a successful in an online study program. As online learning is mostly self-directed, completing a course online shows prospective employers that you're driven, have initiative, can manage your time well and are tech-savvy.
Do employers consider online courses? ›A FutureLearn survey shows that up to 44% of hiring managers considered online education to be between "very to extremely" important. The study further revealed that online education has been more acceptable since 2020 than in prior years.
Can you fail classes and still get into med school? ›Do people get accepted into medical school even though they have failed a course or two in the past? Yes. It's all about demonstrating improvement. The most important thing you can do is to learn from the experience and improve.
What is one disadvantage of taking an online course? ›The classic disadvantages of online learning center around technical problems. Nothing disrupts an online lesson more than audio, video, or connection issues. Many times in the past, students were required to download and/or install cumbersome apps or technology that would deliver inconsistent performances.
What are the 10 disadvantages of online classes? ›- Online courses require more time than on-campus classes. ...
- Online courses make it easier to procrastinate. ...
- Online courses require good time-management skills. ...
- Online courses may create a sense of isolation. ...
- Online courses allow you to be more independent.
The length of online classes varies. Some can be completed in as little as five weeks, while others take longer. On average, online courses last eight to nine weeks, especially those offered through universities.
What is the most easiest medical course? ›
Which medical field is the easiest? Phlebotomy is the easiest medical field to get into and to practice. Part of your training can come online, and with an accelerated program, you can be ready for your state licensure exam in under a year. Phlebotomists draw blood and transport it for lab testing.
Where can I learn medical terminology for free? ›- Penn Foster Online Medical Terminology Certification Course. ...
- Ashworth College Online Medical Terminology Course. ...
- Coursera's Clinical Terminology for International & US Students. ...
- Des Moines University Online Medical Technology Course.
The most important rule to remember when analyzing medical terminology is to begin at the end. If a medical term is long enough to break down, it usually describes either a condition, an action, or a relationship. The end of such a term tells us which of the three we're talking about.
How do you simplify medical terminology? ›Make simple word switches, for example say: “stop smoking” instead of “smoking cessation”, “kidney” not “renal” and “bottom” not “rectum”. And explain medical terms in a digestible, friendly way, but avoid confusing euphemisms (like “the change” instead of “menopause”).
Why is medical terminology so complex? ›Medical terminology is notoriously complicated, given the Latin and Greek origins of many medical terms. Then there are the eponyms (words derived from someone's name), such as listeriosis or Guillain–Barré syndrome.
What is the golden rule in medical terms? ›But the essence of medical ethics, the golden rule, has been largely overlooked or undervalued: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).
What is rule of 2 in medical? ›The rule of 2s is a useful mnemonic for the features of Meckel diverticulum, although the figures do have a broad range: occur in 2% of the population. are 2 inches (5 cm) long. are 2 feet (60 cm) from the ileocecal valve.
What are the 5 main parts of a medical term? ›Medical terms are built from word parts. Those word parts are prefix , word root , suffix , and combining form vowel . When a word root is combined with a combining form vowel the word part is referred to as a combining form .
What grade level is medical terminology? ›The American Medical Association (AMA) has recommended writing patient education material at a sixth grade level or below. The writing construction should be written with short paragraphs and 1 - 2 syllable words [1].
What can I do with a certificate in medical terminology? ›- Medical Transcriptionist. While many companies are digitizing their medical records, there is still a market for medical transcriptionists. ...
- Medical Assistant. ...
- Medical Records Clerk. ...
- Medical Coding and Billing.
What counts as medical terminology experience? ›
Examples include medical transcriptionists, medical coders, medical secretaries and medical records clerks, according to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET OnLine). Medical terminology is particularly tied to medical transcription jobs.
What is the best way to memorize medical terminology? ›Use Flashcards
Since the human brain is wired to absorb information by visual cues, using flashcards to memorize the term can help train your brain for effective memorization. You can either purchase medical terminology flashcards or use online flashcard resources for accelerated learning and retaining medical terms.
- Using visual cues to remember complex terms.
- Practicing terms using apps for iOS and Android.
- Deciphering terms by learning basic Latin components (root, suffix, prefix)
- Bulk learning using self-made acronyms.
- Using engaging guides and workbooks.
- Taking free online classes.
An online program for learning this terminology is quite complex. Students must complete work on their own, without the actual aid that one might normally receive within a classroom setting. A professional medical school program is equally as complex yet provides what may be seen as essential classroom support.
How long does it take to complete medical terminology course? ›Medical Terminology Course Curriculum
Average time = 3 months.
Students can also learn comfortably at their own pace, on their own time. The trouble is that medical terminology courses are often dense, dry, and difficult to understand, no matter the instruction medium. Too often, they rely solely on rote memorization to teach the subject matter.
What to expect in a medical terminology class? ›In a medical terminology course, students will gain an understanding of how these root words and the prefixes and suffixes work together. Armed with this knowledge, you will be able to decipher unfamiliar terms. You'll cover terms related to major body systems such as the cardiovascular system or the nervous system.
What would happen if you don t understand medical terminology? ›Medical terms are used to accurately describe the condition of the patient and the treatment that they need to undergo. Without proper training and knowledge, the communication between healthcare workers may get confusing and the patient might not get the proper treatment at the end.
What are the three rules of medical terminology? ›There are three basic parts to medical terms: a word root (usually the middle of the word and its central meaning), a prefix (comes at the beginning and usually identifies some subdivision or part of the central meaning), and a suffix (comes at the end and modifies the central meaning as to what or who is interacting ...
How many hours is basic medical terminology? ›How Long Will the Medical Terminology Course Take to Complete? 16 Hours (choice of format):
Why is medical terminology hard? ›
The first reason clinical terminology is hard is therefore its vast scale and the multiplicity of potential activities, tasks and users it is expected to serve. The lists in Section 1.3 should give pause for thought. The total combination from the products of information types, tasks and users is very large indeed.
What is the best way to learn medical terminology quizlet? ›What's the best way to learn and study medical terminology? Students who have the best success in the medical terminology course review the medical terminology word parts daily, even for just a few minutes at time. .
Which medical terminology course is best? ›- Medical Terminology (Udemy) ...
- Clinical Terminology for International and U.S. Students (Coursera) ...
- Career Certificate in Medical Terminology (Ashworth College) ...
- Medical Terminology 101 (Udemy) ...
- Medical Terminology (edX) ...
- Cancer & Medical Terminology (National Cancer Institute)
SOAP—or subjective, objective, assessment and plan—notes allow clinicians to document continuing patient encounters in a structured way. Exactly what is a SOAP note? Here's an overview of how to write progress notes.
What are 3 key reasons why medical terminology is important? ›- Speaking the Standardized “Language of Medicine”
- Improved Patient Safety.
- Improved Patient Experiences.
- More Efficient Care.