BackBTAC 125 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals – Syllabus and Course Overview
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Course Overview
Introduction
BTAC 125 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals is a foundational course designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of medical language used in healthcare settings. The course emphasizes the analysis and construction of medical terms, understanding of abbreviations, and accurate spelling, pronunciation, and definition of terms related to anatomy, disease processes, procedures, laboratory tests, and drugs. This course is suitable for students preparing for administrative roles in healthcare rather than clinical degrees.
Course Structure and Requirements
Credits and Contact Hours
5 credits
55 hours of instruction
Instructor Information
Instructor: Shannon Sharpe, BTAC Faculty
Email: Ssharpe@greenriver.edu
Office: Available via email/Zoom or on campus during winter quarter
Student Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11-11:55 a.m. or by appointment
Required Textbook
Medical Language: Immerse Yourself, 6th edition with MyMedTerm (Susan M. Turley)
ISBN-13: 978-0138052898
Access provided via Inclusive Access unless opted out
Course Description and Major Topics
Course Focus
Analysis of word parts: roots, prefixes, suffixes, combining vowels
Interpretation of common medical abbreviations
Spelling, pronunciation, and definition of medical terms
Terms related to major organ systems, disease processes, procedures, laboratory tests, and drugs
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Identify and define the four major word parts most frequently used with major body systems and specialties
Correctly assemble word parts into medical terms associated with each body system
Define the most common suffixes and prefixes used by major body systems
Define the meaning of major word roots used by major body systems
Accurately spell and pronounce medical terms related to anatomy and anatomical positions
Accurately spell and pronounce medical terms related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
Accurately spell and pronounce medical terms related to radiology exams, laboratory tests, and prescribed drugs
Define abbreviations related to anatomy, diagnoses, and procedures
Define major terms used for human body orientation, anatomic position, and body planes
Define unfamiliar medical terms by analyzing word parts and verifying definitions using a medical dictionary
Use the Internet to locate information about specific medical conditions, procedures, and research
Identify and define pathological conditions common to body systems
Correctly label anatomical diagrams for major body systems
Instructional Methods
Assignments (Textbook and MyMedTerm)
Quizzes and exams
Individual and group participation
Lecture/discussion and application
Course Policies and Standards
Follow chapter assignment sheets in Canvas
Participate regularly in online and in-class discussions
Complete assigned readings and presentations
Complete all hands-on and written tests on designated dates
Maintain up-to-date software and equipment for online participation
Submit assignments and tests by due dates; no late submissions accepted
Final exams and midterms are proctored live and must be scheduled with the instructor
Assessment and Grading
Grading Breakdown
Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
MMT, Assignments, Discussions | 40% |
Exams | 40% |
Final Exam and Midterm | 20% |
Note: The lowest assignment and exam scores will be dropped. No make-up assignments or exams are allowed.
Grading Scale
% Earned | Grade | Letter Grade Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
98-100% | 4.0 | A |
95–97% | 3.9 | A |
93-94% | 3.8 | A |
91-92% | 3.7 | A |
90% | 3.6 | A |
89% | 3.5 | B |
88% | 3.4 | B |
87% | 3.3 | B |
86% | 3.2 | B |
85% | 3.1 | B |
84% | 3.0 | B |
83% | 2.9 | B |
82% | 2.8 | B |
81% | 2.8 | B |
80% | 2.7 | B |
79% | 2.6 | C |
78% | 2.5 | C |
77% | 2.4 | C |
76% | 2.3 | C |
75% | 2.2 | C |
74% | 2.1 | C |
73% | 2.0 | C |
72% | 1.9 | D |
71% | 1.8 | D |
70% | 1.7 | D |
69% | 1.6 | D |
68% | 1.5 | D |
67% | 1.4 | D |
66% | 1.3 | D |
65% | 1.2 | D |
64% | 1.1 | D |
63% | 1.0 | D |
0–63% | 0.0 | F |
Letter Grade Equivalents: 3.6 to 4.0 = A; 2.7 to 3.5 = B; 1.7 to 2.6 = C; 1.0 to 1.6 = D; Below 1.0 = F
Student Responsibilities and Behavior
Regular attendance and punctuality
Class preparedness and timely submission of assignments
Respectful communication with instructor and peers
Uphold academic integrity: no cheating or plagiarism
Follow Green River College policies for computer lab use and campus safety
Campus Resources and Accessibility
Disability Support Services available for alternative formats
Green River College is an equal opportunity educator and employer
Accessibility information: www.greenriver.edu/accessibility
Required Websites and Technology
Canvas: Main platform for assignments, discussions, and grades
MyMedTerm: Platform for medical terminology assignments and training
Ensure compatibility and functionality of all required software and internet connections
Summary Table: Key Course Elements
Element | Description |
|---|---|
Course Focus | Medical terminology, word parts, abbreviations, anatomy, procedures |
Assessment | Assignments, quizzes, exams, participation |
Grading | MMT/Assignments/Discussions (40%), Exams (40%), Final/Midterm (20%) |
Policies | No late submissions, academic integrity, respectful behavior |
Resources | Canvas, MyMedTerm, Disability Support Services |
Additional Info
This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, expectations, and resources for students enrolled in BTAC 125 Medical Terminology for Healthcare Professionals.
Students are encouraged to review all linked resources for campus policies, safety, and accessibility.
