Question 1

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Accepted Answer

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option: The course may not offer an audit option. 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.

Question 2

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

Accepted Answer

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.  If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Question 3

Is financial aid available?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Coursera provides financial aid to learners who would like to complete a course but cannot afford the course fee. To apply for aid, select "Learn more and apply" in the Financial Aid section below the "Enroll" button. You'll be prompted to complete a simple application; no other paperwork is required.

Question 4

Why do I need to learn these terms, abbreviations and acronyms?

Accepted Answer

Medical terms, abbreviations and acronyms are a large part of the verbal and written communication that occurs in clinical situations in the U.S. Abbreviations are used to increase efficiency by shortening the time to communicate. If you want to join in any conversation about clinical matters, you will need to understand terms, abbreviations and acronyms.

Question 5

Can I ask for clarification when someone uses a term or abbreviation?

Accepted Answer

You can      always ask for clarification. However, clinical settings in U.S. hospitals      are often very busy, noisy places with people hurrying to      meet patients' needs. There will be little time for explanation of word      meanings. The more emergent the situation,      the more likely it is      that abbreviations will be used. When you know a term or abbreviation      before hearing      it on the clinical unit, you will be a better communicator and more      effective healthcare team member.

Question 6

Will I learn all the medical or nursing abbreviations and acronyms?

Accepted Answer

No. This is a course for beginning students. A major advantage is that the course helps you to focus on terms that you are most likely to hear or see during your early clinical training.

Question 7

How will this course help me in my health care studies and clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

This course emphasizes learning to recognize and decipher common spoken and written clinical terms and abbreviations necessary for clear communication with patients and health care providers. Understanding and learning clinical language will help you to function more effectively and safely as a healthcare team member.

Clinical Terminology for International and U.S. Students

Course Features

Course Description

Module 1: Introduction to Clinical Terms and Abbreviations

Module 2: Decoding Complex Medical Terms

Module 3: Advanced Decoding Strategies for Clinical Terms

Module 4: Diseases of the Bodily Systems

Course FAQs