University of Pittsburgh
Clinical Terminology for International and U.S. Students

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University of Pittsburgh

Clinical Terminology for International and U.S. Students

Valerie Swigart, Ph.D. R.N.
Michael Gold, Ph.D.

Instructors: Valerie Swigart, Ph.D. R.N.

125,085 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(3,107 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 33 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(3,107 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 33 hours
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Assessments

44 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 6 modules in this course

In the week 1 video lecture, Dr. Swigart introduces the course and strategies for understanding the structure of clinical abbreviations and complex terms. In week 1 readings, we focus on learning abbreviations related to vital signs. Understanding the structure of abbreviations will help you to identify the meaning of abbreviations presented in this course, as well as those you encounter in the future.

What's included

1 video12 readings6 assignments1 discussion prompt

In week 2, we expand our focus to learn about abbreviations and terms used in the hospital environment. You will tour a modern U.S. clinical unit and visit the bedside of three patients. These vicarious bedside experiences will help you to imagine the context in which the terms and abbreviations are used. Making associations of the terms or abbreviations to specific people, places or types of patients will help to “set” them in your memory. Begin Week 2 by previewing the complex medical terms you will find in this lesson and sharpening your skills for analyzing the structure of complex terms.

What's included

8 videos14 readings10 assignments

This week, Dr. Swigart shares more strategies toward discovering the meaning of complex medical/scientific words. It focuses on three essential clinical topics: abbreviations used in emergency situations, the timing and route of medications, and the administration of intravenous infusions. Learning about abbreviations related to medication and intravenous fluid administration requires that you pay close attention.

What's included

2 videos8 readings4 assignments

This week turns the focus to the acronyms commonly substituted for the name of diseases and conditions of the bodily systems. To help you relate the disease and its acronym, we have organized the diseases according to systems of the body. First letters of words or syllables usually form the acronym, and commonly at least one letter relates to a system of the body.

What's included

1 video13 readings9 assignments

This week, the lecture focuses on the important aspects of patient safety when using abbreviations. The readings focus on laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. A patient-case approach is used to help you make associations between diseases and the tests or procedures typically required.

What's included

1 video15 readings8 assignments

As you worked through Week 1-5 sessions you have learned about abbreviations and terms used every day in clinical practice. Now you are ready to use your new knowledge and test your comprehension skills. This week you see and hear clinical conversation in reality-based video simulations.

What's included

8 videos5 readings7 assignments

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.8 (1,069 ratings)
Valerie Swigart, Ph.D. R.N.
University of Pittsburgh
1 Course125,085 learners
Michael Gold, Ph.D.
University of Pittsburgh
1 Course125,085 learners

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4.8

3,107 reviews

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SH
5

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2017

TR
5

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2019

HM
5

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2021

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