SULLIVAN UNIVERSITY
Department
Course Syllabus
MSS104: Medical Terminology
Course Description: This course introduces the skills necessary for understanding and properly using medical
terminology by presenting a foundation of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Word building and definitions are related to
the body systems, anatomy and physiology, examinations, procedures, treatment, and abbreviations used in oral communications, written correspondence, and medical records.
Course Prerequisite: None
Required Text(s) and Resources:

Medical Terminology 350, 3rd edition. Dean Vaughn; Matthews Books, 2004.
ISBN: 9780914901129.
Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
 Demonstrate appropriate use and spelling of the medical language using the fundamentals of word analysis
by word roots, combining forms, prefixes and suffixes.
 Differentiate types of medical terms and the relationships among illness, procedures, treatments, diagnostic
terms, and abbreviations.
 Demonstrate proficiency in the use of physiological and anatomical terms related to medical documents.
 Differentiate medical terms and their synonyms use in words phrases and symbols used to describe the
various states of health and disease of the human body.
 Interpret medical communications used to document health care found in periodicals, medical reference
materials, and patient records.
Assessment of Outcomes:



350 Term Exam
Project
Final Exam
Grading System:
Letter Grade
A
B
C
D
F
W
WF
NF
Range
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
0-59
-------------
Definition
Excellent
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Failing
Withdrawal during 1st 7 weeks
Withdrawal failing after 7 weeks
Failing – not actively engaged
Please see the instructor’s separate course outline for how grades for the course will be determined,
assignments, exams, due dates, any late submission policy, etc.
Active Participation: Sullivan University cares that students attend their courses. Just as showing up for work is
critically important to job security and work effectiveness, showing up for class is critically important for mastering
the career skills and concepts necessary to obtain, maintain, and be promoted on a job. Every effort should be made
to attend and academically engage in every class and/or laboratory session. If it becomes necessary for a student to
drop a course, or to withdraw from school entirely, an official withdrawal form should be completed in Enrollment
Services at the Louisville campus, in Academic Services at the Lexington campus, in the Administrative Office at
the Fort Knox campus, and/or for online courses, by contacting the online academic services staff at
online@sullivan.edu. All students who withdraw or are withdrawn from the University are required to complete a
Financial Aid Exit Interview with the Financial Planning Department.
As of the winter, 2013 term, attendance will be recorded for each class meeting and absences that exceed the
standards of this policy will result in students being administratively dropped from the course(s) affected.
Attendance is taken and instructors are directed to report student attendance through the University’s student records
management system.
Students should be aware that credit hours associated with a course require a significant amount of work outside
formal instruction.
For more information about attendance and credit hours—including the variations that apply to labs, live, and online
courses—please see the current catalog online, accessible through the student portal.
Academic Integrity: Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses against the University’s Academic Integrity and
are consequently strictly prohibited. All students must familiarize themselves with the University policy on
Academic Integrity.
Penalties for cheating and plagiarism are described in the University policy on Academic Integrity in the current
catalog. They can include failure for the assignment, failure for the course, or dismissal from the University. For
the complete Cheating/Plagiarism policy, please see the current catalog.
Students with Disabilities: Students who have disabilities that may impact their performance in this course should
follow the process described under the heading Disabled Student Services in the current catalog.
NOTE: The items below do not apply to online courses.
Plus Friday: Plus Friday is one of Sullivan University’s unique approaches to assist students academically. This
academic “extra” is designed to provide more individualized help for students who are behind in their studies, miss
class during the week, or just want to get ahead for the next week. Full time faculty are on campus from 8:00 a.m. to
12:00 noon (part time faculty are available by appointment) to provide assistance. For more details about Plus
Friday, please see the catalog.
General Dress Standards: Students are expected to review and understand the dress guidelines under the heading
Dress Standards in the current catalog. Although these standards may not satisfy everyone’s desire for personal dress
freedom, we believe appropriate dress is important for the overall professional business image. Because we believe
this is a constructive and vital part of your professional development, students are asked to follow these dress
standards. These general dress standards will be enforced by the University faculty, staff and administration.
Professional Dress Wednesday: On Wednesdays, day students are to dress as if they were going on a job
interview. Students who are not appropriately and professionally dressed will not be permitted to attend class. This
particular dress requirement is not applicable to evening students.
Effective: January 2013
Version: 3.6