What Will I Learn in an Online Medical Terminology Class?
People interested in pursuing careers in health care may benefit from a medical terminology class; in fact, they're often required to take one. Read this article for information about what you might learn in an online medical terminology class.
Overview of Medical Terminology
Health care providers use specialized medical terminology when communicating with one another. This terminology is familiar to most professionals who work in health care and allows them to communicate more efficiently on a daily basis. As such, a course in medical terminology helps prepare students who plan to work in health care and related industries. Most classes are organized according to the systems of the human body, such as the nervous system and circulatory system, and students learn the ways in which medical terms relate to their anatomical counterparts. Online medical terminology classes afford students convenience and flexibility in completing their coursework.
Important Facts About Online Medical Terminology Courses
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or the equivalent may be required |
| Certificate | Registered students may receive a certificate for participation (if the class isn't part of a formal academic program) |
| Continuing Education | CE credit awarded by some professional organizations for approved courses |
| Programs | May be required in programs for medical transcription, medical assisting, nursing, dietetics, medicine and other healthcare fields |
| Median Salary (2021) | $30,100 (Medical Transcriptionists) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 7% decline (Medical Transcriptionists) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Basic Medical Terminology Skills
Medical terms generally consist of a root word surrounded by a prefix and a suffix. In an online medical terminology class, students gain an understanding of how the meaning of a root word changes depending upon the prefix and suffix used. Students learn a variety of often-used prefixes and suffixes, such as 'itis', 'otomy' and 'micro', and practice creating terms by combining roots with different prefixes and suffixes. Important aspects of the history of medical terminology might also be discussed.
Advanced Medical Terminology Skills
Medical terminology students generally learn terms that are specific to a variety of basic human systems, including the musculoskeletal system, urinary system and digestive system. Online medical terminology classes can also cover terminology that relates to cancer. Students will also learn the rules for forming singular and plural medical terms, as well as how to correctly abbreviate medical terms.