Course Standards
1) Interpret the historical development of the medical language, illustrating the Latin and Greek
origination of the medical terms used today. In an informational artifact, detail the importance
of historical events in medicine and their relationship to modern medical language.**
2) Identify and explain the definitions and roles of the four types of word parts (word roots,
combining forms, combining vowels, suffixes, and prefixes) in forming medical terms. Apply
knowledge of word forms and structures to interpret unfamiliar medical terms throughout this
course. Research the origins of eponyms; then differentiate between medical eponyms,
acronyms, and abbreviations.
3) Research and summarize the precautions surrounding the use of abbreviations and symbols
within the healthcare profession. Explain and demonstrate the importance of clear, proper
documentation when filling out a patient/client chart or other patient document. For example,
explain why using appropriate abbreviations is so important when prescribing the correct
dosage for a patient’s medication (i.e., writing “mg” for milligrams).
4) Examine a professional medical journal or mock patient document specifically related to an
unfamiliar disease, phenomenon, diagnosis, or area of medical research. Demonstrate the
ability to locate medical terms and define the prefixes, suffixes, abbreviations, and symbols in
order to arrive at a professional understanding of the topic discussed. Interpret and synthesize
the text into an original summary, review, or other written or verbal analysis of the topic,
showing mastery of unfamiliar terms.
5) Evaluate multiple evidenced-based research articles. Document in an informational artifact the
correlation of diseases and/or disorders discussed in the articles with terminology associated
with anatomical positions, body planes, cavities, directional terms, body systems, and symbols.
6) Analyze and interpret vocabulary related to pathology, diagnostic, and therapeutic medical
terms, as well as abbreviations of the body systems below, by evaluating professional texts
featuring such terms. Demonstrate mastery of medical terminology use and accurate spelling in
each area through verbal and written explanation.
a. Cells, tissues, and glands
b. Genetics
c. Integumentary
d. Respiratory
e. Cardiovascular
f. Musculoskeletal
g. Endocrine
h. Nervous
i. Lymphatic/immune and hemolytic
j. Gastrointestinal
k. Urinary
l. Special senses
m. Reproductive
7) Interpret, analyze, and accurately spell vocabulary linked to diagnostic procedures and
pharmacology in the following areas: therapeutic services, diagnostic medicine, biotechnology
services, emergency medical services, cardiovascular services, and dental services. Demonstrate
the skills involved when interpreting a prescription or complex diagnostic procedure by
explaining the terminology, abbreviations, and symbols to a classmate in language that is more
familiar and easy to understand.
8) Research a current medical, legal, or ethical issue found within professional and/or peer
reviewed journals. Develop an informative or persuasive article, report, or research paper
documenting the concepts and perspectives surrounding the issue. When writing, include
appropriate medical terminology and apply conventional citation methods used in medical
literature. For example, investigate current debates surrounding stem cell research and argue
for whether this line of research benefits the medical community and society at large; or,
document the increase in mental health diagnoses and the impact this phenomenon has on the
population. Cite all sources used in the course of the research, review, and revise writing as
needed.
1) Interpret the historical development of the medical language, illustrating the Latin and Greek
origination of the medical terms used today. In an informational artifact, detail the importance
of historical events in medicine and their relationship to modern medical language.**
2) Identify and explain the definitions and roles of the four types of word parts (word roots,
combining forms, combining vowels, suffixes, and prefixes) in forming medical terms. Apply
knowledge of word forms and structures to interpret unfamiliar medical terms throughout this
course. Research the origins of eponyms; then differentiate between medical eponyms,
acronyms, and abbreviations.
3) Research and summarize the precautions surrounding the use of abbreviations and symbols
within the healthcare profession. Explain and demonstrate the importance of clear, proper
documentation when filling out a patient/client chart or other patient document. For example,
explain why using appropriate abbreviations is so important when prescribing the correct
dosage for a patient’s medication (i.e., writing “mg” for milligrams).
4) Examine a professional medical journal or mock patient document specifically related to an
unfamiliar disease, phenomenon, diagnosis, or area of medical research. Demonstrate the
ability to locate medical terms and define the prefixes, suffixes, abbreviations, and symbols in
order to arrive at a professional understanding of the topic discussed. Interpret and synthesize
the text into an original summary, review, or other written or verbal analysis of the topic,
showing mastery of unfamiliar terms.
5) Evaluate multiple evidenced-based research articles. Document in an informational artifact the
correlation of diseases and/or disorders discussed in the articles with terminology associated
with anatomical positions, body planes, cavities, directional terms, body systems, and symbols.
6) Analyze and interpret vocabulary related to pathology, diagnostic, and therapeutic medical
terms, as well as abbreviations of the body systems below, by evaluating professional texts
featuring such terms. Demonstrate mastery of medical terminology use and accurate spelling in
each area through verbal and written explanation.
a. Cells, tissues, and glands
b. Genetics
c. Integumentary
d. Respiratory
e. Cardiovascular
f. Musculoskeletal
g. Endocrine
h. Nervous
i. Lymphatic/immune and hemolytic
j. Gastrointestinal
k. Urinary
l. Special senses
m. Reproductive
7) Interpret, analyze, and accurately spell vocabulary linked to diagnostic procedures and
pharmacology in the following areas: therapeutic services, diagnostic medicine, biotechnology
services, emergency medical services, cardiovascular services, and dental services. Demonstrate
the skills involved when interpreting a prescription or complex diagnostic procedure by
explaining the terminology, abbreviations, and symbols to a classmate in language that is more
familiar and easy to understand.
8) Research a current medical, legal, or ethical issue found within professional and/or peer
reviewed journals. Develop an informative or persuasive article, report, or research paper
documenting the concepts and perspectives surrounding the issue. When writing, include
appropriate medical terminology and apply conventional citation methods used in medical
literature. For example, investigate current debates surrounding stem cell research and argue
for whether this line of research benefits the medical community and society at large; or,
document the increase in mental health diagnoses and the impact this phenomenon has on the
population. Cite all sources used in the course of the research, review, and revise writing as
needed.