Medical Terminology And Word Building - GlobalRPH (2024)

FAQs

How do you pass a medical terminology class? ›

The three building blocks of a medical term are the prefix, root, and suffix. The root word can be found in the center of the term, or the beginning if a prefix is not present. The root word, or stem, gives the overall meaning to the medical term.

Medical terms are built from word parts. Those word parts are prefix, word root, suffix, and combining form vowel. When a word root is combined with a combining form vowel the word part is referred to as a combining form. Make sure you understand key parts of medical terminology.

When defining a medical word, start with the suffix first and then work left to right stating the word parts. You may need to add filler words. As long as the filler word does not change the meaning of the word you may use it for the purpose of building a medical vocabulary.

Though learning medical terminology may be easier than you thought, there's still a lot to learn. In addition to anatomical terms, conditions, diseases, injuries, surgical procedures, and medical treatments — all of which number in the thousands — you also need to navigate a myriad of drugs, equipment, and supplies.

Students will have two hours to complete the exam, which includes 200 questions. A minimum score of 70 percent (140/200) is required for passing. Students who pass the exam may receive credit on their SWOSU transcript for the 2453 Medical Terminology course. The test may be taken at the SWOSU Assessment Center (1001 N.

There are three basic parts to medical terms: a word root (usually the middle of the word and its central meaning), a prefix (comes at the beginning and usually identifies some subdivision or part of the central meaning), and a suffix (comes at the end and modifies the central meaning as to what or who is interacting ...

How do you simplify medical terminology? ›

Make simple word switches, for example say: “stop smoking” instead of “smoking cessation”, “kidney” not “renal” and “bottom” not “rectum”. And explain medical terms in a digestible, friendly way, but avoid confusing euphemisms (like “the change” instead of “menopause”).

Language Rules for Building Medical Terms

Rule 1: When combining two combining forms, you keep the combining vowel. Rule 2: When combining a combining form with a suffix that begins with a consonant, you keep the combining vowel.

Medical terms are built from four word parts. Those word parts are prefix, word root, suffix, and combining vowel. When a word root is combined with a combining vowel, the word part is referred to as a combining form.

While memorizing terms across that many disciplines might seem impossible, medical language can be simplified when you understand that nearly all medical terms can be broken down into three parts: the prefix, the root and the suffix.

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.

You can memorize a group of similar or related medical terms by creating acronyms. Just take one letter of each word and form a single new word or a phrase. Creating acronyms yourself takes a little bit of imagination and creativity, but it's extremely effective.

Medical exams are notoriously difficult! The depth and level of knowledge you will be expected to master will get harder at each subsequent step along the path to your final goal. You will be tested on more than just factual recall.

The Medical Terminology courses listed provide essential learning for careers in healthcare, covering language basics, anatomy, and patient interaction. These programs are key for medical professionals to communicate effectively and manage medical documentation.