COURSE SYLLABUS
HPRS 1206
Essentials of Medical Terminology
Vocational Nursing Department
2-0–0-1
Lecture – Lab - External- Credit
Course Level
Beginning
Prerequisite/Co-requisites
BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, HPRS 1304, HPRS 1161 (or equivalents);
This syllabus has been reviewed and is current on the date indicated.
Prepared By
Trisha Otts, RN
Date
05/13/2013
Reviewed By
Date
Sherry Herrington, RN, BSN
Interim Director
05/24/2013
HPRS 1206
Essentials of Medical Terminology
Course Syllabus
I.
Page 2
Class Times, Location
Web course; online through https://mycourses.tstc.edu/
II.
WECM or ACGM/Course Description & Introduction
A study of medical terminology, word origin, structure and application.
Define, pronounce, and spell medical terms with the use of medical references as resource
tools; use terms in context; build and analyze medical terms; examine word origin and
structure through the introduction of prefixes, suffixes, root words, plurals, abbreviations
and symbols.
III.
Course Goals/Essence
Medical terminology concepts are applied to the real clinical world; combined with the
practical application of medical records, strengthens the ability to read and interpret
various types of records encountered in the health-care setting. This course promotes a
greater understanding of medical records and their legal implications.
IV.
Learning Outcomes
A.
Member of Profession
The student will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
B.
Identify the four component parts used to form medical words
Divide medical words into their component parts
Build and analyze Medical Terms
Use the guidelines to define and build medical words correctly
List and define examples of surgical, diagnostic and pathological suffixes
Build medical terms correctly using the summary of three rules
Form nouns and adjectives using the chart that summarizes the common
suffixes
Correctly pronounce selected key terms aloud
Assume responsibility and accountability for the quality of nursing care
provided to patients and their families.
Provider of Patient-Centered care
The student will:
1.
Identify patient care needs for variety of health conditions regarding care
planning, utilizing a systematic approach.
HPRS 1206
Essentials of Medical Terminology
Course Syllabus
2.
3.
4.
5.
C.
Page 3
Define and explain pathological conditions, diagnostic procedures and tests,
surgical and therapeutic procedures and tests related to each medical
specialty
Identify and relate pathological conditions, surgical and diagnostic
procedures and tests of each individual body systems/medical specialty
Apply critical thinking and problem solving to prioritize and organize.
Abstract pertinent data from existing medical chart notes
Patient Safety Advocate:
The student will:
1.
Identify and describe several medical specialties
D. Member of the Health Care Team
The student will:
1. Communicate and collaborate with patients, their families, and the
interdisciplinary health care team effectively, to assist in the coordination of
patient centered care.
E. 21st Century Skills Set/Essential Competencies
The student will:
1. Solve problems and building employability skills such as listening, attitude,
critical thinking, adaptability and work ethic
2. Use critical thinking skills to complete assignments correctly and on time
3. Exhibit professional principles to perform skills on time within due dates
4. Use adaptability skills to complete assignments and perform skills in a
timely manner along with other course work
5. Use listening skills to complete assignments correctly as per requirements
6. Exhibit a positive attitude in completing class work on time and correctly
7. Exhibit professional principles by coming to class on time and calling in as
required when absent
8. Use critical thinking skills to identify methods, requirements, and standards
to enhance and develop vocational nursing practice
Students may vary in their competency levels on these abilities. You can expect to
acquire these abilities only if you honor all course policies, attend classes
regularly, complete all assigned work in good faith and on time, and meet all other
course expectations of you as a student.
HPRS 1206
Essentials of Medical Terminology
Course Syllabus
V.
Page 4
Assessment Methods & Grading Policy
All exams are administered via TSTCMyCourses2 web site. The exams are opened to the
student each Wednesday and close each Saturday.
There will be six (6) Unit Exams weighted at 12.5% each, 1 comprehensive final exam
weighted at 25%.
NOTE: FINAL GRADES ARE NOT ROUNDED AND NO EXTRA CREDIT IS
GIVEN
The student must pass this course with a minimum of 80% (B) and the accompanying
clinical course for the appropriate level with a grade of satisfactory to progress in the
Vocational Nursing Program
90.00-100 = A
80.00-89.99 = B
70.00-79.99 = C
60.00-69.99 = D
BELOW 60 = F
Each student is expected to take exams on the days and times they are scheduled. If student
misses an exam, the student will be expected to make contact with the instructor prior to the
exam and make arrangements within 24 hours for a make-up exam. The exam given will not be
the same version the class was given and may be at least 50% short answer/alternate formats,
at the instructor’s discretion.
ONLY ONE (1) MAKE-UP EXAM PER COURSE IS ALLOWED. IF YOU MISS
MORE EXAMS YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO ( 0 ).
*There will be no class debates on exams questions, if you have a concern you must
contact the instructor within 1 week of the exam to arrange a time to meet with and
discuss your concerns.
B. Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) Competencies
The individual SCANS Foundation Skills and competencies have been identified
and are located on file in the nursing office. Demonstration of SCANS is
documented by the student’s ability to provide evidence that the skill has been
mastered.
C. Differentiated Essential Competencies (DEC) Competencies
The Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) are fully integrated throughout
the curriculum for the VN student. The DECs relate to the entry level skills each
student will acquire as they relate to the working world and the competencies
required by the Texas Board of Nursing.
HPRS 1206
Essentials of Medical Terminology
Course Syllabus
Page 5
VI.
Textbook/Reference Materials
 No textbook is required for this course.
VII.
Additional Resources & Supplies
1. Laptop or Desktop computer with high speed Internet access (Provided by Student)
2. Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Reader, and Power point (Provided by Student)
3. Headphones or speakers. (Provided by Student)
VIII. Class Participation Policy & Student Conduct
1. Students are expected to log-in to the course site (https://mycourses.tstc.edu/) and
monitor their email on a regular basis. If at all possible, these tasks should be completed
daily.
2. Students must communicate any difficulties, questions, or problems to their instructor in
a timely manner.
3. Students are expected to interact with the instructor and other students in a professional
manner.
4. All work turned in must be your own. Any work turned in represented as yours that is not
will be considered plagiarism. The punishment for plagiarism will be removal from the
course with a grade of F and possible removal from the program and/or college.
5. Cutting and pasting information from a website or other source is NOT acceptable and
will be treated as plagiarism.
IX.
Safety
1. Campus building occupants are required to evacuate buildings when a fire alarm
activates.
2. Alarm activation or announcement requires exiting and assembling outside.
3. Familiarize yourself with all exit doors of each classroom and building you may occupy
while receiving instructions. The nearest exit door may not be the door you used when
entering the building.
4. Students requiring evacuation assistance should inform the instructor during the first
week of class.
5. In the event of evacuation, follow the faculty’s or class instructor’s instructions.
6. Do Not re-enter a building unless given instructions by the Fire Department,
Campus/Local Police, or Fire Prevention Services.
X.
Special Needs
If you have a documented disability that will impact your work in this class, please contact the
ADA Coordinator, so that appropriate arrangements for your accommodations can be made. The
counselor on your campus can assist you in this process. In accordance with the federal law, a
student requesting accommodations must provide documentation of his/her disability to the ADA
Coordinator. For more information call (325) 236-8292 or email christie.shaw@tstc.edu.
HPRS 1206
Essentials of Medical Terminology
Course Syllabus
Page 6
XI. Essentials of Medical Terminology Course Schedule (Subject to change)
Weekly Learning Outcomes
Week
Lecture Content
Individual
Dates
(Topic)
Activities &
Assessment
1
Word Building Rules, Prefixes, Suffixes, Whole Body Terminology
Week 1 Lessons 
Week 1 Exam will open from Wednesday to Saturday 







2
Integumentary System Respiratory System Urinary System
Week 2 Lessons Week 2 Exam will open from Wednesday to Saturday 





3
Male Reproductive System Female Reproductive System
Week 3 Lessons 
Week 3 Exam will open from Wednesday to Saturday 

4
Obstetrics and Neonatology Cardiovascular, Immune & Lymphatic Systems and Blood
Week 4 Lessons Week 4 Exam will open from Wednesday to Saturday 

Identify and define the four word parts and combining forms. Analyze and define medical terms Build medical terms for given definitions Identify anatomical structures of the human body Define, pronounce, and spell medical terms related to body structure, color and oncology Identify and spell the four abdominopelvic quarters Define, pronounce, and spell the terms used to describe the anatomical planes Interpret meanings for the abbreviations presented in this section Using medical documents, interpret medical terminology contained in them
Identify organs and structures of the integumentary, respiratory, and urinary systems Define, pronounce, and spell the terms used to describe the integumentary, respiratory and urinary systems Build and analyze medical terms with the word parts presented in this section Interpret meanings for the abbreviations presented in this section Using medical documents, interpret medical terminology contained in them Identify organs and structures of the male and female reproductive systems Define, pronounce, and spell the terms used to describe the reproductive systems Build and analyze medical terms with the word parts presented in this section Interpret meanings for the abbreviations presented in this section Using medical documents, interpret medical terminology contained in them Identify organs and structures related to pregnancy, neonatology, cardiovascular, immune and lymphatic systems and blood. Define, pronounce, and spell the terms used to describe the disease/disorder, diagnostic, surgical, and complementary terms related to obstetrics, neonatology, cardiovascular, immune and lymphatic systems and blood. HPRS 1206
Essentials of Medical Terminology
Course Syllabus
Week
Dates
Lecture Content
(Topic)
Page 7
Individual
Activities &
Assessment
Weekly Learning Outcomes

5
6
7
Digestive System Eye Ear
Week 5 Lessons Week 5 Exam will open from Wednesday and Saturday Musculoskeletal System, Nervous System and Behavioral Health Endocrine System
Final Exam Week 6 Lessons Week 6 Exam will open from Wednesday and Saturday Review all lessons. Build and analyze medical terms with the word parts presented in this section 
Interpret meanings for the abbreviations presented in this section 
Using medical documents, interpret medical terminology contained in them 
Identify organs and structures of the digestive and sensory systems 
Define, pronounce, and spell the terms used to describe the digestive system 
Identify the anatomy of the ear and eye 
Define, pronounce, and spell the terms used to describe the disease/disorder, diagnostic, surgical, and complementary terms related to the digestive system, ear and eye 
Build and analyze medical terms with the word parts presented in this section 
Interpret meanings for the abbreviations presented in this section 
Using medical documents, interpret medical terminology contained in them 
Identify organs and structures of the musculoskeletal, nervous, and endocrine systems 
Identify common behavioral terms used 
Define, pronounce, and spell the terms used to describe the musculoskeletal , nervous and endocrine systems 
Define, pronounce and spell common behavioral terms 
Build and analyze medical terms with the word parts presented in this section 
Interpret meanings for the abbreviations presented in this section 
Using medical documents, interpret medical terminology contained in them All of the above Final Exam will open from Wednesday to Saturday XII. Instructor Curriculum Vitae
Education:
Sharon E. Zetzman-Sparks, RN
Sweetwater, Texas
sharon.zetzman-sparks@sweetwater.tstc.edu
HPRS 1206
Essentials of Medical Terminology
Course Syllabus
1978
1978-1978
1980-1990
1980-1981
1986-1987
1986-2009
2008-2009
Page 8
TSTI-Sweetwater/Certified Emergency Care Attendant
TSTI-Sweetwater/Certified Emergency Medical Technician
TSTI-Sweetwater/Certified Dental Assistant
Aladdin Beauty College/Licensed Cosmetologist
Cisco Jr. College/Licensed Vocational Nurse
Western Texas College/Prerequisite Courses for RN Degree
Texas State Technical College/Associate of Applied Science
Additional Certification/Training:
1986-1990
American Heart Association CPR Instructor/CPR Certified
1986-1995
Certified Seizure Management
1988-1994
Breastfeeding Coordinator for Nolan County
Employment:
July 2001-Present (2011) Texas State Technical College LVN Instructor
2008 – Present
Kinder Hearts Childrens Home Health Agency
June 2010 – Aug 2010
Rivercrest Psychiatric Hospital
1996-2001 Care Inn of Abilene/ADON, Medication Nurse, Staff Development, NEO Nurse,
Immunization, Infection Control Nurse Charge Nurse, and Restorative
Nurse.
1989 – 1996
Abilene State School/Sweetwater/HCS/ICF Charge LVN II
Charge LVN II, Piloted with the RN the ICF Home in Nolan County
Taught Seizure Management Classes ,First Aide, CPR, and Peg Tube
Feedings to home care staff.
1990-1996
Women Infant and Children Program Coordinator (WIC)-Nolan County
1982-1990
Cut Above/Licensed Cosmetologist
1978-1982
TSTI Emergency Medical Technician Instructor
Professional Affiliations and Honors:
2001- 2012
Member of Texas Association of Vocational Nurse Educators
HPRS 1206
Essentials of Medical Terminology
Course Syllabus
Page 9
TSTC Nursing Program Course Guide Acknowledgment Form
I have read and understand the information, evaluation and testing methods, and schedule in the Course Guide
Accompaniment and Syllabus written by the Nursing department and agree to abide by the rules and
requirements contained within for HPRS 1206; _________(semester) __________ (year).
I understand that it is my responsibility to read and understand the syllabus and to abide by the guidelines
presented therein.
I acknowledge that I was provided an opportunity to ask questions and agree that any
answered to my satisfaction.
Student Signature
Faculty Signature
Date
questions asked were