Catalog Description

Hours: 54 lecture
Description: Comprehensive overview of the medical language using a systems oriented approach of the human body. Covers the formation, spelling, correct pronunciation, and proper usage of common medical terms and abbreviations. The terminology is relative to the medical applications used within a wide variety of health care professions. Course meets the prerequisite requirements of numerous allied health care training programs, and is highly recommended as a preparatory course for EMT, Paramedic and Nursing programs. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate the ability to analyze medical terminology structurally into roots, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms.
  • CSLO #2: Identify medical terms referring to anatomical landmarks, anatomy of major body systems, and associated physiology of the human body.
  • CSLO #3: Convert common words to the equivalent medical term and relate medical terminology to common usage in the health care professions.
  • CSLO #4: Recognize, define, pronounce and correctly spell common medical terms in relationship to pharmacology, medical conditions and diseases, medical procedures and diagnostic test.
  • CSLO #5: Identify and define common abbreviations of medical terminology and usage in the health care industry.

Effective Term

Fall 2024

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

108

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

1. Analyze medical terms structurally into roots, prefixes, suffixes and combining forms;
2. Convert common words to their equivalent medical term and relate medical terminology to common usage;
3. Examine the methods of structuring and defining medical terminology;
4. Apply the rules for spelling and pronouncing medical terms;
5. Identify and define common medical practice abbreviations;
6. Verbally or in written form, spell medical words accurately;
7. Apply word-building principles to construct medical words;
8. Analyze, build, spell, and pronounce medical words/terms in relationship to body structures and system functions, diseases, medical procedures and diagnostic tests;
9. Differentiate proper singular and plural forms of medical terms;
10. Identify and recall medical terminology as it applies to human anatomy and physiology.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

            Methods of Evaluation

            • Classroom Discussions
              • Example: In a classroom discussion, students will discuss and identify the difference between a CT and MRI Scan.
            • Objective Examinations
              • Example: Objective Examinations: Students will take a multiple choice examination. Example: Identify the prefix that means no, not, without. A. Re- B. Retro- C. Pro- D. Sub-

            Repeatable

            No

            Methods of Instruction

            • Lecture/Discussion
            • Distance Learning

            Lecture:

            1. Using media resources to provide auditory assistance, the instructor will demonstrate to students how to correctly pronounce medical terms, student will then be divided into small groups for continued practice.
            2. Using media resources to visually display the human body systems and anatomical landmarks, instructors will model how to correctly identify, pronounce and spell the appropriate medic al terminology, followed by student practice and repetition.

            Distance Learning

            1. Following an online lecture on medical abbreviations, students list and common medical abbreviations and Use of the discussion board will facilitate critical thinking and group discussion. Students will be required to respond to a minimum of 2 others students initial responses which will allow for interaction between students and the instructor.

            Typical Out of Class Assignments

            Reading Assignments

            1. Read chapter on "Basic Word Structure" and complete the exercises using the combining forms. 2. Read chapters on male and female reproductive systems and complete the exercises building medical terms from common words/concepts.

            Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

            1. Complete exercises by using the proper medical term, acronym, and abbreviations that are interchangeable with their common or medical definition. 2. Given medical vignettes, provide the correct medical term that best completes the meaning of the sentences. 3. Given the findings of a physical examination, or the specific outcomes of clinical lab test, accurately describe the results using the proper medical terminology.

            Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

            Required Materials

            • The Language of Medicine
              • Author: Davi-Ellen, Chaber
              • Publisher: W.B. Saunders Company
              • Publication Date: 2016
              • Text Edition: 11th
              • Classic Textbook?:
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary
              • Author: Donald Venes
              • Publisher: F.A. Davis Company
              • Publication Date: 2013
              • Text Edition: 22nd
              • Classic Textbook?:
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • Medical Terminology Systems
              • Author: Gylys, Barbara A.
              • Publisher: F.A. Davis Company
              • Publication Date: 2023
              • Text Edition: 8th
              • Classic Textbook?:
              • OER Link:
              • OER:

            Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.