MCKINNEY NORTH HIGH SCHOOL
CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
INSTRUCTOR:
CLASSROOM:
CONTACT INFO:
CONFERENCE:
Dr. Juli Westcott, DC, ATC, LAT, EMT-B, NS, CKTP
F-109
Email: jwestcott@mckinneyisd.net
3rd Period
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Medical Terminology is a course designed to develop a working knowledge of the language
of medicine. Students acquire word-building skills by learning prefixes, suffixes, roots, and
abbreviations. By relating terms to body systems, students identify proper use of words in a
medical environment. Knowledge of medical terminology enhances the student’s ability to
successfully secure employment or pursue advanced education in health care.
SUPPLIES:
Please be sure to have the following items with you in class every day: All supplies will be
due in class by Friday, 8/28/15
 Pens/pencils
 Highlighter
 Index cards (approximately 300 to start – you may need more depending on your
learning style)
 Binder/notebook (optional – but you may benefit from taking additional notes from
the Powerpoints and textbook)
CLASSROOM RULES/EXPECTATIONS:
 Be Punctual:
Arrive to class on time and present assignments on or before
the due date.
 Be Prepared:
Come to class with all necessary materials, an open mind, and
a smile! 
 Be Respectful:
Honor your classmates, your teacher, your classroom, your
school and yourself.
 Be Cooperative:
Participate in class activities, maintain a positive attitude, and
be supportive of others.
 Be Successful:
Try your best! Work hard to master the course content and
set your personal goals high.
**All MNHS and MISD rules and policies will be strictly enforced.**
UNITS OF STUDY
1st 9 weeks =
 Introduction to Medical Terminology
 The Human Body in Health and Disease
 The Skeletal System
 The Muscular System
 The Cardiovascular System
 The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
2nd 9 weeks =
 The Respiratory System
 The Digestive System
 The Urinary System
 The Nervous System
 Special Senses
 The Integumentary System
 The Endocrine System
 The Reproductive System
 Diagnostic Procedures and Pharmacology
COURSE CALENDAR:
Students will be provided with a calendar for each quarter listing assignments and tests. In
addition, please check the white board on the side wall of the classroom for assignments and
important due dates.
CLASSWORK/HOMEWORK:
You will be expected to work “bell-to-bell” on Medical Terminology. There is a great deal
of information and repetition and practice are vital to mastery of this content. Staying on
task is very important in this class. Only the items you are using for the current activity
should be on your desk for the duration of class. Please keep all bags, backpacks, or purses
off your desk.
If you stay on task, most work can be completed in class, but if you fall behind, you will have
to work on assignments at home. Remember, you are also expected to review your
terminology flashcards daily.
If you finish your class work early, you can work on Medical Terminology homework
assignments/flashcards for the remainder of the class period. It is not acceptable to work
on assignments for another class during our class period. Cell phones and other modes of
technology may be used in class only when directed by the teacher for an activity.
If you miss a test, please see me immediately to schedule a day and time to make it up. It is
expected that all tests will be made up within 2 school days of returning. If there was an
extended absence or extenuating circumstances, more time can be given on a caseby-case basis.
EVALUATION:
Formative
30%
This will include daily work, discussion posts, flashcard checks, and quizzes.
Summative
70%
This will include tests and any special projects assigned.
Late work:
Late work will not be accepted. You are given a calendar at the beginning of each quarter
to allow you to prepare work ahead of time to meet due dates. If you have any questions
about this policy, please speak to me directly.
Retakes:
Retakes can be given on assessments/tests with below-passing grades. Students who
request retakes must adhere to the following time schedule:
1. Once the student receives the grade, he/she has one week to ask for a “Request to
Retest” form from the instructor.
2. The student then has one week after the tutoring date to retake the assessment.
NOTE: Students who elect to do retakes may have their test given in an alternate
format (e.g. oral, short answer or essay format) at the discretion of the instructor.
HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS COURSE:
1.
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR DAILY PREPARATION.
DO NOT procrastinate. There is a large amount of information, and the final exam is cumulative.
It is very hard to catch up if you fall far behind.
2.
USE YOUR FLASHCARDS.
Creating and reviewing your flashcards is vital to learning this material. This course is based in
memorization and repetition. Review al of your flashcards EVERY day.
3.
PARTICIPATE IN CLASS.
Use your time wisely in class. Work together with your classmates. Have fun with the material –
it will help you tremendously as you progress through the Health Science pathway and beyond.
4.
BE ON THE LOOK-OUT…
The information presented in this class can be found all around you. Listen for medical terms on
TV and in movies, look for them in print media, and pay close attention when you are at the
doctor’s office. Applying this vocabulary to real-life situations is essential to learning.
5.
READ YOUR TEXTBOOK
Your textbook is a valuable resource. There are many illustrations and explanations of the terms
and concepts presented in this course. I highly recommend reading the entire corresponding
textbook chapter as you progress through the unit; then refer back to specific topics as needed.
NOTE: Textbooks may NOT be removed from the classroom at any time! If you have questions or
need additional access to your textbook, please speak to your instructor.
6.
ASK FOR ASSISTANCE
Please let me know if you are having trouble or need further instruction. This is a primarily selfdirected course, but I am here to help you! Do not wait until it is too late, ask questions early to
ensure understanding.
.