Why Study Medical Terminology?

Medical terminology is the specialized language healthcare professionals use to describe the human body, its functions, diseases, treatments, and procedures. It serves as a universal mode of communication that ensures clarity, precision, and consistency across the healthcare continuum. Here's why understanding medical terminology is crucial:

Effective Communication: Facilitates clear and accurate communication among healthcare providers, ensuring quality patient care.

Professional Competence: Essential for interpreting medical records, reports, and prescriptions and understanding patient diagnoses and treatments.

Patient Interaction: Effectively communicate with patients, explaining their conditions and treatments in understandable terms.

Documentation and Coding: Aids in accurate medical documentation, which is vital for patient care, billing, and compliance.

Course Structure

Foundations of Medical Terminology

In medical terminology, medical word parts - roots, prefixes, and suffixes - lay the foundation for understanding and constructing complex medical terms. This topic explores how word roots form the basic meaning of a term, prefixes modify or refine that meaning, and suffixes indicate specific conditions, procedures, or specialties. Students will also learn the rules for combining forms, such as combining vowels, to create clear and accurate terms. By mastering these components and their construction rules, students learn to decipher unfamiliar terms, enhance their medical vocabulary, and communicate effectively in healthcare environments.

Body Systems 

• Cardiovascular System
• Digestive System
• Endocrine System
• Genetics
• Integumentary System
• Lymphatic and Immune Systems
• Musculoskeletal System
• Nervous System
• Oral System
• Respiratory System
• Female Reproductive System
• Male Reproductive System
• Special Senses
• Urinary System

Diseases and Conditions

The course includes common medical conditions and their associated terminology, crucial for effective communication in healthcare settings. These diseases and conditions will focus on identifying and describing the symptoms patients experience, the diagnostic processes used to determine medical conditions, and the treatments prescribed to manage or resolve these conditions. Learners will interpret and use precise medical terms to articulate clinical observations, document patient care, and collaborate with healthcare professionals. Mastery of this terminology enables students to navigate medical records confidently, communicate with clarity, and enhance their readiness for careers in the healthcare field.

Practical Applications and Case Studies

Case studies provide an in-depth analysis of a patient's medical history, condition, treatment, and outcomes to enhance understanding and learning in a clinical or educational setting. Practical applications focus on interpreting medical documentation and using medical terminology effectively in clinical scenarios. Learners will analyze medical records, charts, and reports to understand diagnoses, treatments, and patient histories. This topic emphasizes the real-world use of terminology, such as documenting clinical findings, communicating with healthcare teams, and educating patients. By practicing these skills, students gain confidence in applying medical terminology accurately and professionally in various healthcare settings.

Engagement Exercises

At the end of each body system section, an engagement exercise reinforces your understanding and application of the material. Various study modes accommodate diverse learning styles, including interactive tools like matching exercises and flashcards. These activities are designed to enhance retention, encourage active participation, and make learning medical terminology engaging and effective.

Learning Objectives

• Learn the basic structure of medical terms, including roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
• Recognize and interpret common medical terms related to various body systems and conditions.
• Develop the ability to use medical terminology in written and oral communication accurately.
• Enhance your comprehension of medical documentation and communication within healthcare settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

View answers to the following frequently asked questions.

• What if I change my mind and want to cancel my enrollment in the DMU Medical Terminology Course?
• What is the difference between the free and paid course?
• Can I take the course first and pay the $99 later?
• Is there a test? What happens if I do not pass?
• Is the medical terminology course eligible for academic credit or a grade from DMU?
• How much time does it take to complete the DMU Medical Terminology Course?
• When and how will I receive my certificate?
• Will my employer, licensing board, or higher education institution accept this course as part of their required criteria?
• Can I receive CME/CE credit for the DMU Medical Terminology Course?
• I am applying to an employer or academic program and need a letter stating that an academic transcript is not offered for the DMU Medical Terminology Course.
• I am an educator and would like to use a section of the DMU Medical Terminology Course in my teaching curriculum.

Questions

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences
Continuing Medical Education  |  Center for Educational Enhancement
cme@dmu.edu
515-271-1596