Understanding Medical Terminology
Careers in medicine are some of the most sought after and rewarding professions in the world. Those who hold positions in the field of medicine have likely been through extensive schooling, and are knowledgeable about medicine as a whole. Medical terminology is the most important base for a higher education in medicine. Without knowing the proper terms and what they mean, it is likely that an individual will not make it in the medical world. At Lamson Institute, the Medical Assistant, Lab Assistant, EKG Technician/Phlebotomist, and Medical Biller/Coder/Office Specialist programs are all gateways into the medical field; for a student to succeed in one of these programs, their medical vocabulary must be extensive.
Medical terminology gets its’ roots from ancient Greece and like many words in the English language, the root of most medical terms is Greek. By grasping a base knowledge of these root words, students are likely to gain a more clear understanding of their definition in modern medicine. Aside from the root word, there are also prefixes and suffixes that are commonly used amongst doctors and their assistants. These prefixes and suffixes are usually attached to a root word to specify a problem along with a location, such as cardiology. Cardio is the root word meaning heart, while the suffix ology adds a meaning of study. Therefore; cardiology is known as the study of the heart.
Although certain individuals may have no problem wrestling with the large list of medical terms in front of them, others struggle to master medical terminology. By having a general knowledge of root words, prefixes, and suffixes, students may have an easier time when there is an unfamiliar term encountered. By beginning with the root words, students may find it easier to identify the meaning of a new word based upon the meaning of its root.
The faculty and staff at Lamson Institute understand that jobs in the field of medicine see fierce competition, and those that are going to be hired must have an edge. Knowing a variety of common as well as uncommon medical terms will create numerous opportunities to showcase knowledge and expertise. An extensive vocabulary cannot only open doors to new careers, but new places, people, and perhaps friends. For a successful career in the field of medicine, nothing is more valuable than an extensive wealth of definitions of medial terms and a drive to succeed.
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