SCI 3105 (LUOA), NURS 105 (LUO): Medical Terminology

11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 03/11/2025

Course Description

This course provides basic understanding of medical terms and abbreviations. Includes study of prefixes, suffixes, word stems, and technical terms with emphasis on proper spelling, pronunciation and applications. Elementary aspects of the nursing process with special emphasis on assessment are incorporated.

Rationale

Clear communication between healthcare providers ensures a safer environment for the clients. Without an understanding of the language used, this communication is not possible. The student will gain the tools upon which to build a broader vocabulary within the discipline by learning the basics of medical terminology, its foundations, and its structure.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion

 Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided topic. The initial thread must be at least 150 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 100 words. (CLO: I; RN-BSN PLO: VII; BSN Essentials: II).

Medical Abbreviations Chart Assignment

The student will create a chart of 20 common medical abbreviations with the long form and definition of each. The chart will also contain an additional 10 abbreviations that must be avoided in practice, including the long form, correct abbreviation, and definition for each abbreviation. (CLO: B; RN-BSN PLO: VII; BSN Essentials: I)

Terminology Flashcards Assignments (2)

The student will be required to create a total of two 25-card study sets throughout the duration of this course. Each study set will be based off of terminology acquired through his/her assigned course textbook readings and then submitted to the discussion board area. (CLOs: A, F; RN-BSN PLO: VII; BSN Essentials: I)

Quiz: Spelling

The Quiz: Spelling will cover content found in the textbook. The quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice questions, allow unlimited attempts, and have a 20-minute time limit. The quiz will automatically submit at the end of 20 minutes. The highest score will be posted to the grade book. (CLOs: E, H; RN-BSN PLO: VII; BSN Essentials: I).

Professional Development Plan Assignment

The student will write a 2-page essay in current APA format answering the following questions: 1) How will you plan to continue learning medical terminology? 2) What exercises can you do to continue learning medical terminology (e.g., reading, web-based games, etc.)? 3) What did you find most difficult, and how can you improve that aspect? A title page and reference page must be included. However, no abstract is needed, and the essay may be written in first person. (CLOs: C, G, I, & J; RN-BSN PLO: VII; BSN Essentials: I & II)

Quizzes (6)

The student will complete a total of 6 quizzes throughout this course. Each quiz will cover the textbook readings for the module: week in which it is assigned. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes; contain 45 multiple-choice questions; allow unlimited attempts; and have a 45-minute time limit. Audio questions may be in select quizzes.  Please make accommodations for headphones, speakers etc.  The quiz will automatically submit at the end of 45 minutes. The highest score will be posted to the gradebook. (CLOs: A; RN-BSN PLO: VII; BSN Essentials: I)

Tests (2)

The student will complete  a total of 2 Tests in this course. Each test will cover the content from the course Reading. Each test will be open-book/open-notes; contain 100 multiple-choice questions; and have a 1-hour and 40-minute time limit. (CLOs: A, H, E; RN-BSN PLO: VII; BSN Essentials: I, II) 

The student will complete all reading assignments through SmartBook and answer application questions. (CLOs: A, B, D; RN-BSN PLO: VII; BSN Essentials: I, II)