When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 3 modules in this course
The Medical Assisting Foundations course is designed to provide beginner-level students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in the medical assisting field. This introductory course lays a strong foundation in key medical concepts and practices, preparing students for practical application in healthcare settings through three lessons.
In Lesson 1: Introduction to Medical Terminology, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of medical language, including prefixes, suffixes, root words, and abbreviations commonly used in healthcare. Students will also learn to communicate with medical professionals and accurately document patient information effectively. In Lesson 2: The Human Body, students explore the structure and function of the human body, including major organ systems, anatomy, and physiology. Lesson 3: Infection Control focuses on understanding the principles of infection control and the importance of maintaining a safe and sterile environment in healthcare settings.
By the end of this course, students will have a strong grasp of fundamental medical concepts, preparing them for further education or entry-level roles in the medical assisting profession.
In this module, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of medical language, including prefixes, suffixes, root words, and abbreviations commonly used in healthcare. Students will also learn to communicate with medical professionals and accurately document patient information effectively.
What's included
5 videos1 reading1 assignment3 plugins
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 33 minutes
Introduction, Objectives, and Vocabulary•7 minutes
Analyzing and Building Medical Terms•6 minutes
Prefixes•9 minutes
Suffixes•8 minutes
Additional Word Forms•4 minutes
1 reading•Total 30 minutes
Course Introduction•30 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Lesson 1 Quiz•30 minutes
3 plugins•Total 45 minutes
Review of Word Parts and Roots•15 minutes
Review of Prefixes•15 minutes
Review of Suffixes•15 minutes
Module 2 - The Human Body
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
In this module, students explore the structure and function of the human body, including major organ systems, anatomy, and physiology.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment2 plugins
Show info about module content
7 videos•Total 40 minutes
Introduction and Objectives•1 minute
Organs and Organ Systems•5 minutes
Homeostasis and Survival•4 minutes
Surface Anatomy, Regions, Quadrants, and Cavities•6 minutes
Pathology Related to Nutrition•9 minutes
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Pathology•5 minutes
Pathology Related to Hydration and Body Temperature•9 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Lesson 2 - Quiz•30 minutes
2 plugins•Total 30 minutes
Homeostasis•15 minutes
Review of Nutritional Disorders•15 minutes
Module 3 - Infection Control
Module 3•3 hours to complete
Module details
This module focuses on understanding the principles of infection control and the importance of maintaining a safe and sterile environment in healthcare settings.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment6 plugins
Show info about module content
9 videos•Total 40 minutes
Clinical Insight Scenario and Questions•2 minutes
Introduction and Objectives•3 minutes
Disease and the Chain of Infection•9 minutes
The Inflammatory Response and Infection•2 minutes
OSHA Standards for the Healthcare Setting•9 minutes
Since 2009, MedCerts has been helping individuals start new careers in the high-demand industries of healthcare and information technology through online certification training. These short-term, low-cost programs provide a flexible learning solution for busy adults seeking better careers, faster. As a Coursera student, you can get up to 20% OFF a full MedCerts program! Click our link to learn more and enroll today.
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Learner reviews
4.9
35 reviews
5 stars
88.57%
4 stars
11.42%
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Showing 3 of 35
K
KJ
5·
Reviewed on Sep 29, 2025
This course has helped tremendously in understanding the basics of Medical Assisting! Additionally, the videos are extremely detailed and the explanations are easy to follow.
R
RM
5·
Reviewed on Nov 27, 2025
Explained in simple terms and with engaging media.
A
AJ
5·
Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026
I did it to refresh my knowledge, and I am very satisfied. I would recommend it to anyone who needs to do the same.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.