The medical profession is one that continues to grow throughout all of the United States. Now is the time to get involved with this ever-expanding profession as many medical jobs are in high demand. Careers that involve medical terminology are available in great abundance and cover a wide range of disciplines. Individuals who are skilled in the area of medical terminology have options and are free to choose from a variety of jobs that offer competitive pay and great benefits.
Basic Medical Terminology Overview
Medical terminology is not just used by doctors and nurses, but also by many others working in the health care industry. Individuals without any formal training can use their knowledge of medical terminology to acquire a variety of jobs. And those in a current position can vie for a promotion with the additional skill set of being well versed in medical terminology.
Many other certifications feature sections on medical terminology. For example, the certification to become a medical coder has a lengthy exam section on medical terminology. Also, medical transcriptionists rely heavily on their knowledge of medical terminology to complete their job assignments. Medical assistants are another group that needs to have a firm grasp of medical terminology since they are frequently working alongside physicians. Two other occupations that rely a on solid foundation of medical terminology are medical billers and coders.
A medical terminology certification not only involves medical terms, but also focuses on medical abbreviations, procedures and diagnoses. It is a comprehensive study of all the pertinent language used by medical assistants, transcriptionists, billers and coders among others.
In this type of certification program, students are taught the etymology of words that describe all the different parts of the body. There are also medical terms that describe pathological conditions along with the systems within the body. The functions of various parts of the body are explored in detail and there is also a concentration on the various organs and tissues throughout the body. The importance of these terms can have a substantial effect when working in the medical industry.
Medical Terminology Certification
To obtain a medical terminology certification, one must complete the necessary coursework that evidences a firm grasp of all the required medical terminology. This is finished off with the issuing of a final exam that covers all the prescribed coursework. Medical terminology certification programs can last up to three months, providing an extensive focus on the human body. Words are often broken down by root, suffix and prefix to provide a more detailed understating. That kind of understanding is tested regularly throughout the certification program.
Obtaining a medical terminology certification is the first step towards a future in the medical profession. So many health care-related jobs require a sound knowledge of medical terms and abbreviations. Earning a medical terminology certification will help individuals get started on their future careers. It will also help those in the health care industry who are looking for advancement.
Medical Terminology Class Certification for College Credits
A medical terminology certification can generally be applied to college credits. Individuals who are looking to embark on a future in some type of medical training can use their medical terminology certification to receive college credit. This can also be used in select medical certification programs, which is offered by various technical institutes and vocational schools.
Medical Terminology Course Education Requirements
Starting out in a medical terminology certification program does not require any type of previous education. A high school diploma or GED equivalency is deemed useful throughout the program, although neither one is a prerequisite.
Job Prospects and Potential Pay
Major medical occupations require state licenses, although not everyone in the medical field is a doctor or nurse. In fact, there are no statewide licenses or certifications needed to work as a medical transcriptionist, medical biller and coder, or medical administrative assistant. Companies are free to hire whomever they choose for those positions. Therefore, the chances of obtaining employment are helped immensely with a medical terminology certification. Some companies choose to train their medical personnel accordingly, but most generally require a sound knowledge base of medical terminology. That is accomplished by earning a medical terminology certification.
Those working in a clerical medical capacity can average a salary ranging anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on their experience, location and job title. Some of those who are earning salaries on the higher end of that range did not acquire a formal education. Many of them learned on the job. That kind of career path can be one step closer with a medical terminology certification.
Resources
LinkedIn provides a listing with more than 22,000 medical terminology jobs throughout the United States. Browse by city and apply online.
Medical Terminology Dictionary
Type in a medical term and allow this online resource to provide you with an exact definition of that word.
Medical Terminology Abbreviations
Take a look at the various abbreviations for various medical terminology with this valuable online resource.