Programs Health & Social Services Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology

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Semesters: Spring | Fall | Summer | Winter

Program Overview

This program provides comprehensive instruction in medical terminology, focusing on the reading, spelling, pronunciation, and interpretation of commonly used medical terms, symbols, and abbreviations. It explores each body system in detail, covering anatomical, pathological, and clinical aspects, along with planes, directions, and body positions. Additional topics include pharmacological terminology and oncology. Engaging activities, diagrams, and soundbites are integrated to support student self-assessment and reinforce the connection between medical terms and the structure and function of the human body.

Course Highlights

Hours of instruction: 150
This program delivery is offered in-class, distance and a blend of both.

Full-time duration: 4 Months
Upon registration, each student is provided with a personalized timeline, including completion dates, to guide and assist with the program’s time management. If taken by distance, students proceed at their own pace and are required to complete the course in 16 weeks.

Homework Hours: Homework hours are integrated into the program curriculum with an online delivery model; however, a student can expect to review and study materials to successfully complete course tests and exams.

Graduation Requirements: To graduate, students must successfully complete all courses with minimum C grade (50% to 59%).

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. This program is not eligible for PGWP.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Medical Terminology can expect to find a career working in one of the following positions:

  • Clerical assistant

  • Administration assistant – Healthcare

  • Medical office assistant

  • Clerical Healthcare Specialist

Salary Range

Administrator assistant - Healthcare

Anticipated Salary Range

$60,000
AVERAGE ESTIMATED STARTING WAGE PER YEAR
$80,000
AVERAGE ESTIMATED EXPERIENCED WAGE PER YEAR

*This estimate is based on available employment data at the time. Actual salary will be based on numerous factors.

Source: Glassdoor

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Course Curriculum

Introduction to Medical Terminology

Introduction to Medical Terminology — 1 hr

This course introduces students to the program’s objectives and learning outcomes, emphasizing the importance of medical terminology and the proper use of medical language. Students will also explore effective learning styles for memorization and retention of medical terms.

Terminology Basics

Terminology Basics — 7 hrs

This course introduces the foundations of medical terminology, focusing on Latin and Greek word origins. Students will learn to define medical terms, identify basic root words, prefixes, and suffixes, and use combining vowels to create accurate medical terms. The course also explores the influence of languages like French and English on medical terminology.

Structures of the Body, Movement, and Color

Structures of the Body, Movement, and Color — 7 hrs

This course provides an overview of human body structures and functions, focusing on the anatomy and physiology of organ systems. Students will explore body cavities, directional and positional terms, and medical terminology related to body systems and colors.

Integumentary System

Integumentary System — 7 hrs

This course focuses on the integumentary system, covering its organs, structures, and related medical terminology. Students will learn to define, pronounce, and spell common conditions and disorders, interpret abbreviations and acronyms, and explore clinical procedures and laboratory tests associated with the system.

Musculoskeletal System

Musculoskeletal System — 11 hrs

This course provides an in-depth study of the muscular and skeletal systems, focusing on their organs, structures, and functions. Students will learn to identify common diseases and disorders, understand diagnostic procedures and lab data, and interpret related abbreviations and acronyms.

Cardiovascular System

Cardiovascular System — 11 hrs

This course offers a comprehensive overview of the cardiovascular system, including the identification and function of its organs and structures. Students will learn about the heart’s electrical system and the sequence of signal conduction, as well as the differences between pulmonary and systemic circulation. The course covers key measurements of cardiac function, common cardiovascular symptoms, and the terminology used to describe them. Additionally, students will explore laboratory tests, clinical procedures, and abbreviations related to the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Hematology, Lymphatic, Immune System, and Oncology

Hematology, Lymphatic, Immune System, and Oncology — 8 hrs

This course provides an in-depth study of hematology, immunology, the lymphatic system, and oncology. Students will learn about the components and formation of blood, blood groups, and the clotting process. The course covers the structure and functions of the lymphatic system and its physiological processes, as well as common symptoms, diseases, and treatments related to these systems. Students will also explore clinical procedures, laboratory tests, and terminology associated with diagnosing and treating disorders, including cancer types and treatment protocols. Emphasis will be placed on understanding relevant abbreviations and combining forms.

Respiratory System

Respiratory System — 7 hrs

This course provides a comprehensive study of the respiratory system, focusing on the structures of the upper and lower respiratory tracts and their functions. Students will learn the process of respiration and explore common respiratory diseases, disorders, treatments, and medications. The course includes an overview of clinical procedures and laboratory tests used for diagnosis and treatment, along with the proper spelling, pronunciation, and interpretation of terminology and abbreviations related to the pulmonary system. Students will also gain knowledge of combining forms and their meanings in respiratory system terminology.

Nervous System

Nervous System — 11 hrs

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the nervous system, covering the organs, structures, and their functions. Students will learn the terminology related to diseases and disorders of the brain, central nervous system, and peripheral nervous system. The course includes the interpretation of abbreviations, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes, as well as an overview of clinical and surgical procedures and laboratory tests for the nervous system. Students will also study common symptoms and diagnoses associated with behavioral health, classifications of behavioral health disorders, relevant diagnostic tests, and medications used for treating nervous system and behavioral health conditions. Completion requires viewing all course content and attempting the course test.

Endocrine System

Endocrine System — 7 hrs

This course provides an in-depth overview of the endocrine system, focusing on its organs, structures, and their functions. Students will learn the terminology related to the endocrine system, including the meanings of combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes. The course will cover clinical procedures and laboratory tests associated with the endocrine system, as well as abbreviations and the correct spelling of commonly used medications.

Special Senses

Special Senses — 8 hrs

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the sensory system, focusing on the organs of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Students will learn to identify the location and functions of these organs, understand related terminology, and interpret the meanings of combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes. The course will cover clinical procedures and laboratory tests specific to the sensory system, as well as common conditions, diagnoses, and their associated treatments. Students will also become proficient in recognizing abbreviations and understanding medications commonly used for each part of the sensory system.

Digestive System

Digestive System — 8 hrs

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the digestive system, focusing on the identification and function of its structures. Students will learn the process of ingestion and digestion and how it supports bodily nourishment. The course covers common gastrointestinal diseases, disorders, treatments, and medications, as well as clinical procedures and laboratory tests used for diagnosis and treatment. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and interpreting relevant abbreviations and recognizing the terminology used, including combining forms specific to the digestive system.

Genitourinary System

Genitourinary System — 8 hrs

This course provides an overview of the genitourinary system, including the identification of its structures, their location, and function. Students will learn the processes of glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and tubular secretion. The course also covers essential terminology, including combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes related to the genitourinary system. Students will be equipped to recognize symptoms and interpret pathological conditions of the urinary tract, as well as understand laboratory tests and clinical procedures used for diagnosis and treatment. The course concludes with an exploration of abbreviations commonly associated with the genitourinary system.

Reproductive System

Reproductive System — 8 hrs

This course provides an in-depth overview of the male and female reproductive systems, including their organs and structures and their functions. Students will learn essential terminology related to both reproductive systems and will explore diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, and blood tests commonly used in reproductive medicine. The course will also cover abbreviations, combining forms, prefixes, and suffixes specific to the reproductive system, as well as the names and uses of medications frequently prescribed for reproductive conditions.

Obstetrics & Neonatology

Obstetrics & Neonatology — 8 hrs

This course provides a comprehensive overview of obstetrics and neonatology, focusing on the stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and neonatal development. Students will learn the process of conception and fetal development, the impact of each stage of pregnancy on the fetus, and key terminology related to childbirth and the neonate. The course will also cover diagnostic procedures performed during pregnancy, labor, and post-delivery, as well as medical terminology, including prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, and abbreviations. Students will become familiar with medications and treatments specific to obstetrics and neonatology,and will explore conditions and disorders unique to this field.

Pediatrics

Pediatrics — 8 hrs

This course provides an in-depth understanding of pediatric health, focusing on the milestones and major landmarks in a child’s development. Students will learn to identify the different stages of childhood development and the necessary health monitoring associated with each stage. The course covers specific terminology related to pediatrics, diagnostic procedures used in pediatric medicine, and the analysis of medical prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, and abbreviations. Students will also explore medications and treatments relevant to pediatric care, examine conditions and disorders unique to this specialty, and identify genetic disorders affecting children.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology — 11 hrs

This course provides a comprehensive overview of pharmacology fundamentals, including drug administration methods and drug schedules. Students will learn the basics of drug nomenclature, classification, and the function of various drug types. The course also covers identifying drug classes by their generic name endings and analyzing commonly used abbreviations in pharmacology. Additionally, students will develop the ability to recognize and differentiate sound-alike medications, ensuring accurate and appropriate use for specific conditions.

Diagnostic Data

Diagnostic Data — 11 hrs

This course provides an overview of diagnostic testing and procedures used in medical practice. Students will learn to identify various types of diagnostic tests, including blood and urine laboratory tests, and understand the information they provide. The course covers diagnostic radiology studies, their purposes, and relevant terminology. Additionally, students will explore other diagnostic methods such as physical examinations and orthopedic maneuvers. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing medical terminology and abbreviations, as well as understanding how diagnostic procedures contribute to accurate diagnoses and the overall maintenance of health in the general population.

Final Exam

 Final Exam — 3 hrs

This assessment evaluates the student’s progress and determines the level of learning outcomes they have achieved.

Admission Requirements

Academic Eligibility
  • Grade 12 or equivalent Canadian qualification, or 19+ years of age at the start of the program.
  • No course prerequisites are required to be admitted to the program.
English‑Language Proficiency

Applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency through any one of the following:

  • Completion of 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10,11 or 12 from a country where English is one of the principal languages
  • Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction
  • An English Language Proficiency Test with one of the following minimum scores:
    • International English Testing (IELTS) Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.0
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT: Minimum overall score of 67 (TOEFL-Home test not accepted).
    • Canadian English Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP): Listening 7, Speaking 7, Reading 7, and Writing 7
    • Duolingo English Test: Minimum overall score of 105
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Minimum overall score of 52

See full English Language Proficiency Requirements for details.

Technology Access
  • Distance Learning students must have reliable high‑speed internet and a device capable of running online‑class software (e.g., Microsoft Teams)

Tuition Fees

Domestic/International Students (Synchronous)
  • Tuition Fee: $995
  • Application Fee: $250
  • Assessment Fee: $250
  • Administration Fee: $100
  • Materials Fee (Books not included): $300
  • Archive Fee: $30
  • Total Fees: $1,925*

*Domestic students may qualify for financial aid or Focus College scholarships. Complete the application form or visit our Financial Assistance page to learn more.

Domestic/International Students (Self-paced, Asynchronous)
  • Tuition Fee: $550
  • Application Fee: $250
  • Assessment Fee: $250
  • Administration Fee: $100
  • Materials Fee (Books not included): $300
  • Archive Fee: $30
  • Total Fees: $1,480*

*Domestic students may qualify for financial aid or Focus College scholarships. Complete the application form or visit our Financial Assistance page to learn more.

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