Course Outline

Unit I - Introduction, Ethics & Medical Documents

Module 1: Introduction

This first module provides an overall review of the practice of medical transcription. Students learn about the role of a medical transcriptionist and are introduced to medical documents and reports. They also receive instruction in the particular code of ethics all transcriptionists must adhere to.

Unit II - Keyboarding, Grammar and Style

Module 2: Punctuation

In this module, students receive instruction in grammatically correct punctuation. Proper punctuation is required to ensure accuracy in medical records.

Module 3: Capitalization

The third module covers the proper use of capitalization in medical transcription. Students learn how to capitalize medical terms, as well as general capitalization rules for standard correspondence.

Module 4: Transcribing numbers, figures and abbreviations

Module 4 provides instruction in the correct transcription of numbers and abbreviations. Transcription of roman numerals, numeric measurements, military time and medical abbreviations is covered.

Module 5: Letter transcription

This module provides a full overview proper letter format, and addresses the specific concerns MTs must take into account when transcribing a letter. Several professional letter formats are described.

Module 6: Proofreading and making corrections

Accuracy is essential when transcribing for medical records. In this module, students are presented with examples of common errors. They are provided with tips that allow them to accurately review their own work.

Module 7: References

In module 7, students learn to make best use of the reference books that come with the course. Medical dictionaries and word books are described, as well as techniques of cross referencing.

Module 8: Word endings, antonyms, eponyms and homonyms

In this module, students expand their vocabulary skills. They learn how to deal with common word endings, identify eponyms, and distinguish sound alike medical words based on context.

Module 9: Business letters and more

Module nine is geared towards transcriptionists who are also responsible for a range of medical office duties. The module covers general letter writing skills, as well as the particular filing and mail routing needs of a healthcare office.

Unit III - Terminology

Module 10: Word recognition

Module 10 provides an introduction to Word Building, an essential skill for any medical transcriptionist. Students learn to break medical words into their basic elements in order to discover their definition.

Module 11: Suffixes and Prefixes

The basic skill of Word Building is expanded upon in this module. Specialized medical suffixes and prefixes are defined, and their usage described. Knowledge of these allows students to expand their word recognition and building skills.

Module 12: Medical specialties and the body

In this module students continue to build upon their word recognition skills. Medical specialties are introduced, along with general anatomical terms. The module also provides a basic introduction to human anatomy.

Module 13: Appendix B - Combining forms

This module contains an extensive list of medical combining forms, an essential study tool for student transcriptionists, and a useful reference for professionals.

Module 14: Appendix C - Prefixes and suffixes, Appendix D - Frequently misspelled words

Module 14 serves as a transcription reference tool. Students may check their knowledge of prefixes and suffixes, and check the proper spelling of commonly misspelled words.

Module 15: Appendix E - State and Provincial abbreviations, Appendix F - Common abbreviations

Module 15 contains lists of additional commonly used abbreviations. State and Province short-forms are listed, along with a number of abbreviations specific to the medical industry.

Module 16: Appendix G - Homonyms, Appendix H: Short forms, brief forms and medical slang

Lists of commonly mistaken words are presented in this module, as well as a glossary of short forms often used by health-care staff.

Unit IV - Anatomy

Module 17: Digestive system, Urinary system, Reproductive system

In this module, students receive an introduction to the human digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The module presents a basic guide to the organs and elements that make up these respective systems, and a list of specialized terminology and facts related to those systems.

Module 18: Nervous system, Cardiovascular and Lymphatic systems, Respiratory system

Module 18 continues the overview of the body systems. The module contains a complete glossary and description of the nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic and respiratory system, as well as valuable information links.

Module 19: Musculoskeletal system, Integumentary systems, Sense organs, Endocrine systems

In module 19, students are provided with more information about the internal and external structure of the body. Sense organs, glands, and the skeletal structure are covered, and a glossary of terms for all systems is provided.

Module 20: Body systems

Module 20 provides an overall review of the body systems, and the terms and combining forms related to them.

Module 21: Diagnostic tests and procedures

This module contains an introduction and description to many of the diagnostic tests transcriptionists may record in their work. Tests and procedures such as angiographies and White Blood Cell counts are detailed and described.

Module 22: Medical abbreviations and symbols

An extensive list of medical abbreviations is presented in module 22, along with definitions for each. Module 22 serves as a study tool for other modules.

Module 23: Medical terms

In Module 23 students have access to an A to Z list of medical terms, and to a glossary of medical suffixes and prefixes.

Unit V - Pharmacology

Module 24: Introduction to pharmacology, Dermatologic drugs, Urinary tract drugs, Musculoskeletal drugs

This module presents a basic history of pharmacology and clinical drug use. It then details the specific drugs used for a variety ailments affecting various systems of the body.

Module 25: Cardiovascular drugs, Endocrine drugs, Pulmonary drugs, ENT drugs, Ophthalmic drugs

Module 25 continues the list of drugs used for specific body systems, detailing possible prescriptions for heart conditions, glandular conditions, and ear, nose and throat diseases.

Module 26: Obstetric-Gynecological drugs, Neurological drugs, Gastrointestinal drugs, A quick reference to pharmacology

Module 26 concludes the listing and descriptions of prescriptions specific to various body systems. It also contains a brief overview of the pharmacology industry.

Module 27: Disease listing

This module contains an alphabetical listing of hundreds of the most commonly diagnosed diseases. Module 27 is a useful adjunct to the reference books used by practicing transcriptionists.

Module 28: Drug listing - Part 1

Module 28 contains part one of an extensive and current list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Generic names are included along with brand-name drugs.

Module 29: Drug listing - Part 2

Module 29 concludes the alphabetical listing of the most commonly encountered drugs.

Unit VI - Transcription

Module 30: Tips for Medical Transcriptionists, Challenging medical words, phrases and prefixes, Difficult words for new MTs

In this module, students are presented with a concluding overview of the practice of medical transcription. Career tips are presented, along with a final list of challenging or difficult words.

Unit VII - Review, Resume

Module 31: Apply for a position

This final module contains valuable direction on finding work as a medical transcriptionist. Tips on resume preparation and submission are included, as well as an initial contact list of potential employers.

Depending on the course edition, advanced surgical, pathology and radiology modules may also be offered.