Curriculum
Instruction Pack I: Introduction to Medical Transcription and Editing
In Pack 1, students study proper English usage, including the rules of grammar, punctuation and style and use of correct spelling and logical sentence structure. They discover medical language and its structure, including prefixes, suffixes, combining forms, root words, plurals, abbreviations, acronyms, eponyms, homonyms and antonyms. Students use and evaluate the reliability of related grammar and style references and other resources for research and practice.
Instruction Pack II: Medical Records, Anatomy and Ethics
After learning the role of medical records and basics of electronic records, students will be introduced to the basics of anatomy, learning terms and definitions along the way. Students will discover the anatomy and function of cells and tissues, and then learn the basics of organs and organ systems while expanding and applying their knowledge of medical terms and abbreviations. Students explore disease processes and the language of the pharmacy and clinical laboratory. Finally, students explore medical ethics and legal issues, as well as the laws and rules related to releasing information and consent.
Instruction Pack III: Transcribing and Editing Skills I
In Pack 3, students begin by exploring computer privacy, security and ethical issues. After learning the about the various types of medical reports and speech recognition technology, students will practice deciphering dictation errors, correct transcription errors and explore artifacts and tricks for understanding unfamiliar accents. After learning the fine art of proofreading, students explore the integumentary, neurological and musculoskeletal systems from the perspective of the medical transcriptionist or editor—anatomy and physiology terms, medications, tests and procedures used to treat these disorders. Then students transcribe and edit chart notes, H&P reports and consultation reports for these systems. This pack wraps up with transcribing and editing chart notes and Big Four reports for cardiovascular, immune, respiratory gastrointestinal diseases.
Instruction Pack IV: Transcribing and Editing Skills II
In this pack, students discover the anatomical and physiological terms related to genitourinary, reproductive and endocrine systems from the perspective of the medical transcriptionist or editor, as well as medications, tests and procedures used to treat these disorders. Students also explore pediatrics and neuropsychiatry terminology, equipment, pharmaceuticals and tests. Students work with actual surgeons’ dictation to transcribe and edit operative reports. Operative reports state findings, actions taken, technical data and the results of surgical operations. Students study pathology and diagnostic imaging, as well as create medical correspondence for healthcare professionals. Finally, student examine the organizations and certifications available to the medical transcriptionist and editor before taking the final exam for the course.
