Online Medical Terminology Courses: How to Choose
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Many health care certificate and degree programs require students to complete a medical terminology course. However, with so many online courses, choosing the right one can take time and effort. This guide compares six top online medical terminology courses, helping you find the perfect one for your goals, budget, and schedule.
First, what is medical terminology?
Medical terminology is the vocabulary for anatomical features, physiological processes, and medical interventions. It is crucial for anyone entering health care. A solid foundation in medical terminology is essential whether you're an aspiring doctor, nurse, medical coder, or other health care professional. This technical language has helped the 14.7+ million people employed in the medical field.
Some programs include a medical terminology course, but standalone classes are available if you need a refresher on medical vocabulary or if it's a prerequisite for a health care program. To help you identify your needs and goals, we've compared six online medical terminology courses from reputable institutions. They vary in cost, comprehensiveness, and completion time, but all can be done from home.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medical Terminology Course
Cost
Tuition models range from a monthly fee due while the course is in progress to a flat rate for a six-month completion deadline. Course costs range from $49 for one month of access and an anticipated workload of 10 hours a week to a flat fee of $895 for 180 days of use.
You’ll also want to factor in textbook and software expenses to estimate total enrollment costs better. When choosing courses, consider your budget, expected value, and professional benefits.
Duration
Course lengths range from 28 days to six months. Consider how much time you can dedicate to studying each week or month and choose a course that lets you complete the assignments within your desired timeframe.
Flexibility
We've only highlighted online courses, so all the medical terminology classes we highlighted are more flexible than in-person classes. Even so, some are more self-paced. If you need a highly flexible schedule, look for ones that allow you to start anytime and learn at your own pace.
Course Content
All courses cover medical vocabulary, but some offer more comprehensive content and longer commitments. Review the class outcomes and objectives to ensure they align with your goals.
Recognition
Check if potential employers or educational programs recognize the course. Review the transferable credit policy and whether the course can be used for another program or certificate.
Technology Requirements
Ensure you have the necessary technology for the course, including a compatible device, internet connection, and required software.
Support and Resources
Check the support options like instructor assistance, discussion forums, or extra materials. Anticipate the help you need and how quickly you want to communicate with staff. For example, 24/7 assistance will be helpful if you plan to work outside standard hours.
Comparing 6 Online Medical Technology Programs
These six medical terminology courses cater to different time commitments, budgets, professional or academic goals, and depth levels.
Penn Foster: Medical Terminology Certificate
In this self-paced program, students will become fluent in medical word construction, meanings, and language. Participants must be 16 or older, or 18 or older in Texas, and have at least an eighth-grade education. They need high-speed internet, a valid email address, and a computer or device.
- Cost: $399
- Length: one month
What You'll Learn
- Terminology used in diagnostics and body structures
- Medical terms related to musculoskeletal, circulatory and respiratory systems.
- Medical terms for digestive, nervous, and reproductive systems
Pros
- Accredited nationally by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Digital textbooks included in the course cost
Cons
- The program's first half is aimed at beginners with study tips and an introduction to health care.
- Course cost may include tax based on your state.
University of San Diego - Professional and Continuing Education: Medical Terminology
The University of San Diego’s medical terminology course offers a six-month completion window for those who can dedicate a few hours each week. After completion, students can list, define and identify medical terms for different body systems. Requirements include high-speed internet, access to Canvas learning management system and Microsoft Office (2003 or later).
- Cost: $399
- Length: six months from enrollment to complete all assignments
What You'll Learn
- Identify common medical word parts.
- Interpret medical, diagnostic and laboratory abbreviations and terms.
- Decipher medical terms using root words, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes.
- Distinguish between singular and plural forms of medical terms.
- Classify medical word parts for numbers, positions, and directions.
Pros
- Assigned instructor for the program’s duration
- Credit validation upon completion for partner academic institutions and organizations.
Cons
- Completed for a grade.
- Requires purchasing a textbook.
Straighter Line: Medical Terminology
Depending on how quickly you can complete the course, Straighter Line might be one of the most affordable options. For those on the fast track, the 28-day course costs $178. With the flexible schedule, you’ll learn to define and break down complex medical terms by evaluating word parts.
- Cost: $79 plus $99 (monthly membership fee).
- Length: The course can be completed in as few as 28 days.
What You’ll Learn
- Improve medical term pronunciation, spelling and usage
- Distinguish common medical abbreviations and acronyms.
- Interpret medical terms for body systems, diagnosis, disease and treatment.
- Apply knowledge to communicate effectively in healthcare settings.
- Explore anatomical and physiological terminology.
- Study common diseases and treatments.
- Understand the ethical use of medical terminology.
- Develop critical thinking skills to deduce unfamiliar medical terms.
Pros
- 24/7 access to the platform’s free tutoring service
- Credits transfer to more than 3,000 colleges and universities.
Cons
- 2-3 days wait for graded assignments
- The membership fee of $99 is due each month the course is in progress.
Bunker Hill Community College: Medical Terminology
Bunker Hill Community College offers a comprehensive 60-hour course covering 12 medical terminology categories. The class has open enrollment, and students can access it 24-48 hours after registration. To ensure student success, the requirements include Windows 8+ or macOS 10.6+, the latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Word, and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Cost: $895
- Length: 6 months
What You'll Learn
- Define medical term components (roots, prefixes, suffixes)
- Explain the functions of body systems.
- Identify diagnoses, procedures, and treatments for each body system.
- Understand medical abbreviations and acronyms.
- How to accurately spell and pronounce medical terms.
Pros
- Active Duty members and their spouses qualify for scholarships.
- Direct platform, email, or phone support for courses
Cons
- Most expensive course on this list
- Doesn’t qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, or Pell Grant.
University of California, Berkeley - Extension: Medical Terminology
Students can start this online course at any time and have 180 days to complete it from the enrollment date. One of the unique requirements is English language proficiency. Although students don’t need to submit test scores, the program recommends scoring at these levels: TOEFL: 90, IELTS: 7, DAAD: C1, TEM-4/TEM-8: Level 70 and Duolingo: 125.
- Cost: $800
- Length: Approximately 30 hours of instruction and 60 hours of study
What You’ll Learn
- Understanding word parts, medical terms, abbreviations, and their use in relation to human body systems, disease, and treatment
- Provides a foundation for those interested in health care careers or further education.
Pros
- Two semester units can be used for Berkeley’s Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program.
- Assigned instructor for academic support
Cons
- Prerequisites include high school-level biological science courses.
- Requires a textbook purchase.
Rice University: Medical Terminology (Coursera)
Rice University’s Coursera class offers the most budget-friendly medical terminology course in this roundup. The first week is free so students can learn key phrases without any upfront cost. To earn the certificate, they complete three courses and 45 lecture hours at their own pace.
- Cost: $49/month after a 7-day trial
- Length: 1 month at 10 hours/week
What You'll Learn
- Identify word parts (prefixes, suffixes, and roots) and abbreviations commonly used in the medical field.
- Read and understand health records
- Identify terms associated with the ten major organ systems.
Pros
- Financial aid or scholarships available
- Translated lessons available in 21 languages
Cons
- Not eligible for university credit
- Three exams determine pass/fail.
Before enrolling, it's a good idea to:
- Research the institution offering the course.
- Read reviews from past students
- Contact the course provider with questions.
- Consider your learning style and choose a matching course.
- Consider how the course fits into your long-term career or educational plans.
Bottom Line
While the Rice University (Coursera) class is the most affordable option, Active Duty members and their spouses would benefit from Bunker Hill Community College’s military scholarships. For those looking for transferable credits, Straighter Line’s course is a great match, and Penn Foster includes complimentary access to digital textbooks. Lastly, the University of San Diego and University of California, Berkeley’s courses are ideal for students who need up to six months to complete assignments.
Choosing the right medical terminology course depends on your needs, goals, and circumstances. You can use this guide as a starting point to find the best match.