course one

Medical Terminology Course

Build a Strong Foundation with Our Medical Terminology Course

Before you can become an expert in medical billing and coding, you need to understand the language of healthcare. Our Medical Terminology Course is the essential first step in your certification journey. This course introduces you to the words, abbreviations, and anatomical concepts you’ll encounter every day in the billing and coding profession.

Whether you’re new to healthcare or returning to the field, this beginner-friendly course helps you build the confidence and fluency needed to succeed in later stages of the program.

student feedback

“The Medical Terminology course has given me the confidence that making a huge career change into the medical field without any experience was the right choice for me.”

Shannon

Graduating Student

“I chose Foundation Billing & Medical Coding because it was a great program offered through the Colorado Workforce, providing a valuable opportunity to gain in-demand skills in a growing industry.

Lauren V.

Graduating Student

Why Medical Terminology Matters

Medical terminology is more than just jargon—it’s the foundation of clear, precise communication in all healthcare settings. Whether you’re interpreting a physician’s notes or submitting insurance claims, understanding medical vocabulary ensures accuracy and professionalism.

Mastering Medical Terminology Empowers You To:

Accurately identify anatomy and body systems
Understand clinical documentation
Communicate clearly with patients and providers
Build confidence as you begin your career in medical administration

In short, this course is your first critical step toward becoming a successful, confident billing and coding professional.

Who is This Course For?

Aspiring to enter the healthcare field

Aspiring medical billers or coders with no prior healthcare experience

Career changers

Career changers seeking a stable, flexible healthcare job

Healthcare professionals

Healthcare professionals looking to formalize their knowledge

Certification seekers

Students preparing to complete the full CPC certification path

This course is perfect for adult learners, parents reentering the workforce, and professionals looking to gain remote-ready skills in a growing industry.

How This Course Prepares You for Success

Medical terminology is used constantly in coding, billing, transcription, insurance claim processing, and patient interaction. When you master the terminology:

You can read clinical documentation with confidence
You’re less likely to make coding errors
You’re better equipped to succeed in Course 2 and Course 3

Course 2

Medical Billing and Coding Course

Apply what you’ve learned by mastering CPT, ICD, and HCPCS coding systems. Understand claims submission, reimbursement processes, and insurance workflows.

Duration: Approx. 3–4 months (self-paced)
Recommended Weekly Time Commitment: 2-4 hours

$1,600one time cost

Explore the course

Course 3

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Preparation Course

Get ready for the industry-standard CPC exam with advanced coding exercises, test-taking strategies, and mock exams.

Prepare for certification
Duration: Approx. 3–4 months (self-paced)
Recommended Weekly Time Commitment: 2-4 hours

$2,600one time cost

Explore the course

Together, these form the full Foundation BMC certification path.

What You’ll Learn

The Medical Terminology Course provides a thorough foundation in medical vocabulary, anatomy, and documentation. Core topics include:

Basic human anatomy and physiology
Root words, prefixes, and suffixes
Standard medical abbreviations and acronyms
Common terms for diseases, procedures, and body systems
Introductory concepts in pathophysiology
How to break down unfamiliar terms into understandable parts

This course is perfect for adult learners, parents reentering the workforce, and professionals looking to gain remote-ready skills in a growing industry.

Occupational Objectives

Completing the Medical Terminology Course helps prepare students for a variety of entry-level administrative roles in healthcare. Below are common career paths along with their estimated median salaries in the U.S.:

Referral Specialist

$41,644/yr — starting salary

Data Entry

$35,000/yr — estimated

Scheduler

$39,000/yr — estimated

Customer Service Representative

$36,000/yr — estimated

Medical Office Assistant/Receptionist

$40,284/yr — estimated

Sources:

Sources

Course Format & Materials

We understand that many of our students are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. That’s why our course is designed to be:

100% online and self-paced
Instructor-supported
Accessible on desktop, tablet, or mobile
Delivered through pre-recorded video lectures
Supplemented by downloadable PDF study guides
Supported by instructor Q&A via email or virtual office hours
Weekly check-ins and progress tracking

You can start at any time, pause as needed, and set your own pace.

Estimated Duration: 3–4 months (minimum 1 class each week)
Recommended Weekly Time Commitment: 1-2 hours
Tuition: $700

Begin Your Application

Course Outline

The Medical Terminology course includes 16 core lessons designed to gradually introduce and reinforce key terminology concepts used across the healthcare industry:

Class 1

Learn the skills needed to enter the field in under 18 months

Class 2

Body Structure, Oncology, and Laboratory Tests

Class 3

Directional Terms Positions, and Imaging

Class 4

Integumentary System

Class 5

Respiratory System

Class 6

Urinary System

Class 7

Male Reproductive System

Class 8

Female Reproductive System

Class 9

Obstetrics and Neonatology

Class 10

Cardiovascular, Immune, Lymphatic Systems and Blood

Class 11

Digestive System

Class 12

Eye

Class 13

Ear

Class 14

Musculoskeletal System

Class 15

Nervous System and Behavioral Health

Class 16

Endocrine System

This structured progression ensures you’re absorbing terminology related to each of the major body systems, preparing you for real-world documentation and coding scenarios.

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about medical billing and coding

Do I need to take this course if I’ve worked in healthcare before?
Yes — while you may be familiar with some terms, this course ensures full readiness for advanced billing and coding.
Do I need to purchase textbooks separately?
Yes — The textbook required for the Medical Terminology Course is Exploring Medical Language (11th Edition) by Myrna LaFleur Brooks. The cost of the textbook is $75.
Can I take this course without committing to the full program?
Absolutely. This course works great as a standalone option for anyone interested in learning medical vocabulary or exploring a career in healthcare administration.
What if I need help along the way?
Instructor support is available via email. You can ask questions, request clarification, or get feedback on assignments.
Is there a final exam or certificate?
Yes. You’ll complete a final assessment and receive a certificate of completion, which is required to move into the next course.

View Full FAQ

Get in Touch With Your Instructor

Don’t wait to start a flexible, rewarding career in healthcare administration. Whether you’re curious or ready to enroll, we’re here to help.

Apply below, and your instructor will reach out to discuss the course, answer questions, and guide you through enrollment.

Need More Info? Sign Up For Our Free Webinar!

We love meeting new students and guiding them in the right direction. Get access to our free webinar below where you can get a deeper understanding of the course curriculum and have a chance to speak to your instructor directly.