The online Des Moines University Medical Terminology Course is a fast and easy way to learn medical words and meanings. Modules and quizzes include:

• Word roots - prefixes and suffixes
• Circulatory system
• Nervous system
• Digestive system
• Respiratory system
• Urinary system
• Male reproductive system
• Female reproductive system
• Musculoskeletal system
• Cancer terms
• Medicine cabinet
• 30-question comprehensive quiz

Frequently Asked Questions

• What if I change my mind and want to cancel my enrollment in the 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 Des Moines University?
• How much time does it take to complete the DMU Medical Terminology Course?
• How long do I have to complete the course? Is my access limited to a specific timeframe?
• 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 Medical Terminology Course.
• I am an educator and would like to use a section of the DMU Medical Terminology Course within my teaching curriculum.

What if I change my mind and want to cancel my enrollment in the Medical Terminology Course?

The DMU Medical Terminology Course is non-refundable. Refunds will not be issued for any reason. 

What is the difference between the free and paid course?

The free course is available here. If you'd like documentation of completing the DMU Medical Terminology Course, the cost is $99, and you must register through the online system. The certificate is beneficial if you're applying for employment, which requires documentation of medical terminology knowledge. 

Can I take the course first and pay the $99 later?

No. If you'd like to receive a certificate, you must pay the $99. The price is in US dollars, and no refunds are given. 

Is there a test? What happens if I do not pass?

Yes, there is a graded final quiz and several ungraded knowledge checks throughout the course. You have three attempts to pass the final quiz. If you do not pass with three attempts, you must pay $99 to retake the course to receive a certificate.

Is the medical terminology course eligible for academic credit or a grade from Des Moines University?

No. The course is considered continuing education only; you're not an enrolled student at Des Moines University. The course is not eligible for academic credit or a grade, and an academic transcript is unavailable from the registrar's office. 

How much time does it take to complete the DMU Medical Terminology Course?

The time it takes to complete the course varies depending on the participant and their previous knowledge of medical terminology. Some people can complete it within two hours, while others may take their time and complete it over a week. It is truly at your own pace.

How long do I have to complete the course? Is my access limited to a specific timeframe?

Once you register for the course, you will have 180 days (approximately six months) from the date of purchase to complete the course. You can access the course 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during these 180 days. The exact date your access expires will be indicated in the "course summary" box on the course description page.

When and how will I receive my certificate?

You will automatically receive your certificate upon completing the final quiz. Certificates are available for download and will not be mailed to you. 

Will my employer, licensing board, or higher education institution accept this course as part of their required criteria?

While you are not an enrolled student at Des Moines University, some organizations may recognize this continuing education course as a prerequisite for employment or acceptance to an academic institution. This decision is left to the discretion of the employer or academic institution, and the participant must confirm this prior to enrolling in the course. The course is not eligible for academic credit or a grade, and an academic transcript is unavailable from the registrar's office. Des Moines University does not guarantee the course will be accepted, and refunds will not be issued. A $20 administrative fee will apply if documentation is requested to be sent to an organization by Des Moines University on behalf of an individual. Please call 515-271-1596 to pay via credit card if you need a letter submitted to an organization on your behalf. Participants can access a copy of the letter on the course welcome page or within their confirmation email and may submit it on their behalf at no additional charge.

Can I receive CME/CE credit for the DMU Medical Terminology Course?

Des Moines University does not award continuing education credit for the Medical Terminology Course.  The 2.0 contact hours are a learner's average time to complete the course (two hours).  

I am applying to an employer or academic program and need a letter stating that an academic transcript is not offered for the Medical Terminology Course.

A hyperlink to a downloadable letter is included in the confirmation email you will receive upon registering for the online Medical Terminology Course. After logging in, the letter can also be found on the course welcome page. Participants can print this letter and submit it along with their certificate of completion to an organization on their behalf at no additional charge. A $20 administrative fee will apply if documentation is requested to be sent to an organization by Des Moines University on behalf of an individual. Please call 515-271-1596 to pay via credit card if you need a letter submitted to an organization on your behalf. An academic transcript is not available from the registrar's office. 

I am an educator and would like to use a section of the DMU Medical Terminology Course within my teaching curriculum.

Use of a single module, multiple modules, or the entire course is prohibited. A link directing students to the DMU Medical Terminology Course website may be included within your curriculum. Appropriate citations must be made to DMU and the authors. Content within the course may not be sold, licensed, or altered. Documentation (e.g., certificate of completion) may not be issued for completion of content derived from this course.  If participation tracking is necessary, the paid course must be purchased. 

Using this course, users agree to abide by copyright and trademark laws, intellectual property rights, and all other applicable laws of the United States of America. Links to other sites are provided as reference only, and DMU does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or appropriateness of the information contained at such sites. In providing links to other sites, DMU is not acting as a publisher or disseminator of the material on these other sites and does not seek to control or maintain editorial control over such sites. 

Where in the World is the DMU Medical Terminology Course?

The Des Moines University online Medical Terminology Course is a fast and easy way to learn medical words and meanings. This continuing education course has been taken worldwide, including the United States and over 50 countries. The course is in English and Spanish and can be accessed anytime from anywhere with an internet connection. There is a good chance that one of your neighbors has already completed the online Medical Terminology Course – and you should, too!

Course Authors

Donald Matz, PhD, Faculty Consultant
Chair and Professor, Anatomy and Professor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA

William J. Dyche, PhD, Course Author
Professor Emeritus, Anatomy, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA

Questions

Des Moines University
Continuing Medical Education
cme@dmu.edu
515-271-1596

Testimonials

"I liked how the course was organized and laid out. It addressed prefixes and suffixes, as well as word roots. It made the words seem less intimidating because you learn how to break them down." Austin, TX, 7/2/2018

"I wish to make a career change and am really interested in the medical field. I was able to go from knowing minimal medical terms to being comfortable in medical terminology.  This course was easy to follow yet challenging enough to keep me engaged." South Ozone Park, NY, 6/25/2018 

"I liked that real-life, applicable examples and case studies were provided throughout the course. I also enjoyed that the author of the course made the content fun and interesting, as well as relevant. I felt like the course was written in such a way that anyone could understand the material." Denver, CO, 6/14/2018

"I love the way the material was communicated throughout the course. At one point, I said to myself: 'Wow! The way this material is presented, and the language used throughout, is relatable and perfect for my learning style.'" New Richmond, OH, 5/12/2018

"Everything was clear and very easy to understand. When I was reading through the material, I felt like the professor was right there with me." Smyrna, GA, 4/16/2018

"I decided to take this course because I am a translator and I wanted to know more about the medical terminology that is used in hospitals and pharmacies. I loved that there were encouragements along the way, such as 'You know this already' or 'Don't get blown away by that intimidating word.' I also liked the background stories and explanations throughout the course; and finally, I really liked the different medical record examples, they made the learning experience even more interesting and unique." Budapest, Hungary, 3/25/2018

"I took this course as a recommendation from colleagues and professors. I liked that the course was self-paced and that there were quizzes after each system. It was a large quantity of material that touched on not only the body systems but also diseases, drug terminology, and cancer." Fremont, CA, 1/6/2018

"I liked the way the course was cumulative, not just the final quiz, but also from one quiz to the next. I liked being able to apply knowledge gained from one module to figure out the answers to questions in another. I also appreciated the historical fun-facts throughout the course." Frankfort, KY, 12/12/2017

"I took this course to further my education in the medical field and be more exposed to various medical terminology used. I liked the fact that the course had a lot of information throughout the chapters, and the quiz material directly reflected what was in the readings. The information was thorough, yet easy to understand, and the website was easy to navigate." Pearl City, HI, 12/6/2017

"This course taught me the different ways to breakdown each word. I learned how to tear apart a word instead of just memorizing it." Candia, NH, 8/24/2017

"I loved the way the topics within this course were introduced! The narration was very well-written and interesting. I also enjoyed all the cool trivia and facts included along the way!" Louisville, KY, 8/17/2017 

Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Date of original release: June 17, 2002
Most recent review/update: February 19, 2020
Termination date: December 31, 2026