Medical terminology courses can help you learn the language of healthcare, including anatomical terms, medical abbreviations, and diagnostic codes. You can build skills in understanding patient records, communicating effectively with healthcare professionals, and interpreting medical literature. Many courses introduce tools like electronic health record systems and coding software, that support applying your knowledge in clinical settings and ensuring accurate documentation and billing.

Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Medical History Documentation, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Electronic Medical Record System, Medical Records, Endocrinology, Human Musculoskeletal System, Orthopedics, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Neurology, Gynecology, Urology, Hematology, Anatomy, Immunology, Diagnostic Tests, Patient Treatment, Physiology, Communication
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Pathology, Medical Records, Physiology, Cell Biology, Biology, Vital Signs, Nutrition and Diet
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Human Musculoskeletal System, Orthopedics, Medical Records, Electronic Medical Record System, Urology, Anatomy, Physiology
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Pulmonology, Pathology, Endocrinology, Cardiology, Medical Records, Respiratory Therapy, Neurology, Obstetrics And Gynecology, General Medical Tests and Procedures, Diagnostic Tests, Urology, Gynecology, Anatomy, Human Musculoskeletal System, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Cell Biology, Orthopedics, Physiology, Immunology
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Pathology, Medical Records, Anatomy, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Cell Biology, Physiology, Vital Signs, Biology, Human Musculoskeletal System, Nutrition and Diet
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Pittsburgh
Skills you'll gain: Laboratory Testing, Diagnostic Tests, Medical Terminology, Vital Signs, Clinical Practices, Clinical Experience, Patient Communication, Hospital Medicine, Patient Safety, Medication Administration, Intravenous Therapy, Anatomy, English Language
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Skills you'll gain: Medical Terminology, Revenue Cycle Management, Healthcare Ethics, Medical Billing, Medical Billing and Coding, Conflict Management, Patient Communication, Anatomy, Pathology, Medical Coding, Cultural Responsiveness, Patient-centered Care, Electronic Medical Record, Professionalism, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Health Information Management and Medical Records, Professional Development, Medical Records, Physiology, Payment Processing
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: Medical Billing and Coding, Denial Management, Patient Registration, Care Management, Revenue Cycle Management, Practice Management, Organizational Change, Change Management, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Performance Review, Data Management, ICD Coding (ICD-9/ICD-10), Medical Terminology, Human Resource Policies, Payment Processing and Collection, Medical Billing, Patient Safety, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Data Analysis
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

AAPC
Skills you'll gain: Medical Billing, Denial Management, ICD Coding (ICD-9/ICD-10), Patient Registration, Billing, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Coding, CPT Coding, Accounts Receivable, Payment Processing and Collection, Medical Office Procedures, Utilization Management, Medical Records, Billing & Invoicing, Insurance, Medicare, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Health Systems, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Regulatory Compliance
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Medical History Documentation, Medical Terminology, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Electronic Medical Record System, Medical Records, Endocrinology, Hematology, Anatomy, Immunology, Patient Treatment, Diagnostic Tests
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Medical Privacy, Medical Records, Healthcare Ethics, Medical Office Procedures, Conflict Management, Health Information Management, Patient Communication, Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA) Compliance, Electronic Medical Record, Cultural Responsiveness, Patient Registration, Medical History Documentation, Care Coordination, Patient-centered Care, Professionalism, Professional Development, Verbal Communication Skills, Time Management, Emotional Intelligence, Teamwork
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Human Musculoskeletal System, Anatomy, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Cardiology, Respiration, Gynecology, Hematology, Obstetrics And Gynecology, Orthopedics, Neurology, Urology, Nephrology, Kinesiology, Physiology, Medical Imaging, Sports Medicine, Biology, Medical Terminology, Cell Biology
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Browse the medical terminology courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Medical terminology courses cover a range of topics essential for understanding and using medical language accurately. These include the basics of word structure, including prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Learners will explore terminology related to various body systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. Courses also cover medical abbreviations, terminology used in diagnostic procedures, and terms related to pathology. Practical exercises help learners apply these concepts in real-world healthcare settings.
Choosing the right medical terminology course depends on your current knowledge level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that introduce the fundamentals of medical terminology, including basic word structures and common terms used in healthcare. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on terminology specific to certain medical fields or advanced topics like medical coding and transcription. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on medical documentation or preparing for certification exams. Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.
A certificate in medical terminology can open up various career opportunities in the healthcare sector. Common roles include medical coder, medical transcriptionist, healthcare administrator, and medical assistant. These positions involve accurately interpreting and using medical terminology for documentation, coding medical records, and communicating with healthcare professionals. With the increasing demand for precise medical documentation and communication, earning a certificate in medical terminology can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as healthcare administration, medical billing, and clinical support.
Yes. You can start learning medical terminology on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in medical terminology, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.