Learning a new language can be a daunting task. In this resource, we offer a method for breaking down medical words that takes that daunting task and makes it manageable. What is required from you is a commitment to memorizing the word parts, learning the rules, and identifying the rebels. Once you meet that commitment we will show you how to apply the rules to the word parts you have memorized. As you memorize the language components of medical terminology it is important to support that learning with the context of anatomy and physiology.  Consider where in the body the medical term is referencing and then how it works within the body. This will build a medical terminology foundation that you can continue to grow in your future health-care courses.

How this open educational resource (OER) works.

Students: This OER is different than many traditional medical terminology textbooks. The interactive content is built into each chapter. In this resource, you will work through each body system that includes word parts, whole medical terms, and common abbreviations associated with that particular body system. Each body system chapter contains a vocabulary list of associated terms related to that body system. The interactive reinforcement activities require you to click, drag and drop, listen and repeat, flip, and test yourself as you work through the chapter content. This book includes a Printable Student Companion section suitable for printing, study, and review.

Faculty and teaching staff: This OER was curated and created for students entering Block 1 of MaricopaNursing. It is not a complete Medical Terminology textbook. Specifically, it excludes body systems and other concepts that MaricopaNursing students do not focus on during Block 1. Our hope is that you will take this OER, customize it for your program, and share again. If you need a more complete OER resource, please see the Medical Terminology OER textbook upon which this work is based.

Phoenix College Nursing Project Team

A small cross-functional team consisting of faculty, lab instructors, subject matter experts, and an instructional designer from Phoenix College collaborated to create a structured review for incoming Block 1 MaricopaNursing students using open educational resources. A smaller team focused on Medical Terminology adapted this textbook and printable student companion, and adapted a Canvas course shell with additional assessments. Work by the Wisconsin Technical College System was used as the basis for this resource; please see their introduction for further details. In the spirit of open education, we have licensed our OER resources under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License:

• Medical Terminology (OER Interactive Textbook and Printable Student Companion)
• Medical Terminology for Incoming Nursing Students (OER Canvas Course Shell in Canvas Commons)

Book Citations

Medical Terminology Book Citation (this book):

Hobbs, K., Casteel, J., and Colan, C. (2024). Medical Terminology. Maricopa Community Colleges. https://open.maricopa.edu/medicalterminology/

Cover adapted from an image by mohamed hassan from PxHere, CC0.

Medical Terminology Book Citation:

Grimm S., Allee, C., Belitz, H., Gotz, T., Randolph, M., Strachota, E., and Zielinski L. (2022). Medical Terminology. Wisconsin Technical College System. https://nicoletcollege.pressbooks.pub/ltcmedicalterminology/

Medical Terminology Student Companion Book Citation:

Grimm S., Allee, C., Belitz, H., Gotz, T., Randolph, M., Strachota, E., and Zielinski L. (2022). Medical Terminology Student Companion. Wisconsin Technical College System. https://nicoletcollege.pressbooks.pub/studentcompaniontobuildingamedicaltermfound/

Cover adapted from an image by mohamed hassan from PxHere, CC0.

Building a Medical Terminology Foundation Book Citation:

Carter K. & Rutherford M. (2020). Building a Medical Terminology Foundation. eCampusOntario. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/medicalterminology/

Anatomy and Physiology Book Citation:

Betts, J.G., Young, K.A., Wise, J.A., Johson, E., Poe, B., Kruse, D. H., Korol, O., Johnson, J.E., Womble, M. & DeSaix, P. (2013). Anatomy and Physiology. OpenStax. http://cnx.org/content/col11496/latest/