The healthcare field has many exciting opportunities for skilled professionals. The medical terminology course at USD is designed to give current and prospective healthcare workers a comprehensive understanding of medical verbiage and language. With revised and updated lecture content, assignments and access to the DavisPlus learning lab, this course is based on the body systems method and intended to provide students with an overview of the latest medical terminology. Topics covered in this online, self-paced course include body systems, organs, human disease, medical terms, word parts, abbreviations, the health professions, cancer medicine, and more!
Students who require a medical terminology course as a prerequisite for academic tracks - such as pre-nursing, pre-medical, and other pre-health professions - are excellent candidates for this course. Our online medical terminology course is also designed for current practicing medical professionals, including:
Number of Units: 2.0 graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Required Text, Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach by Barbara Gylys and Mary Ellen Wedding available at Amazon.com or your local bookstore.
Technical Requirements
Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the New Student Orientation and your online course. Grading: Letter Grade Transcripts: Can be ordered after completion View FAQS
Taking a medical terminology course is a great first step to equip you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to be successful.
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Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.
Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment. Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.
Key differences from traditional classroom methods:
Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:
The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:
Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.
Medical terminology is the standardized language used by healthcare professionals to describe the human body, diseases, procedures, and treatments. Understanding medical terminology is essential for accurate communication, documentation, and patient care across clinical and administrative settings.
By gaining a solid understanding of medical terminology and the language used in healthcare, you will be able to:
This course is designed for students preparing for healthcare programs such as pre-nursing, pre-medical, or other pre-health professional tracks, as well as working medical professionals. Typical participants include physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, medical coders, medical secretaries, laboratory technicians, surgical technicians, occupational therapists, and other healthcare staff who want to improve their familiarity with medical language and terminology.
Yes. This course is suitable for beginners and anyone interested in gaining a foundational understanding of medical language, including students preparing for pre-health programs and individuals entering healthcare-related administrative roles.
Yes. A strong grasp of medical terminology is a critical foundation for careers in medical coding, billing, and other healthcare administrative roles, as it enables accurate documentation and communication of diagnoses and procedures.
There are no prerequisites.
Assignments include written exercises, quizzes, and practical activities based on the course readings and presentations. The course typically culminates in a final project or exam that synthesizes learning across all modules.
Yes. Students are required to use Medical Terminology Systems: A Body Systems Approach by Barbara Gylys and Mary Ellen Wedding. The textbook is available online or at local bookstores.
This is a two-unit graduate-level extension credit course, which documents professional learning but does not automatically count toward a USD master’s degree.
There are no application deadlines. Once enrolled, you have 180 days to complete the course at your own pace.
As a self-paced course, completion time varies based on your schedule. All assignments must be finished within 180 days from enrollment.
Our in-demand courses provide cutting-edge education sought after by the healthcare industry.
Small class sizes with real-world healthcare professionals are an important part of the USD experience.
Our healthcare courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.