Medical Secretarial Courses

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

There are 3 different ways in which you can develop your medical terminology knowledge.

You can study this course through distance learning and is tutor led.

For those who are new to medical terminology then we would recommend you study the Intermediate Medical Secretarial Course first and then see how you feel about going onto the Advanced course, which is much more demanding.

You need to aim to study between 5-10 hours per week.

What do our Students say about us?  Read statements from current students or those who recently finished their course.

COURSE PROSPECTUS

Intermediate Medical Secretarial Level 2 Course

This is designed for those who would like to have a career as a Medical Secretary or work in an administrative position in any health care setting eg in a medical centre.

It consists of 20 modules which cover different parts of the body and body systems and will give you a good broad basic knowledge of medical terms in order to have a better understanding of the words seen and used everyday. It is based around learning the meaning of basic medical terms and some common disorders, diseases, investigative procedures and treatments. The course doesn’t require prior medical knowledge but does require the ability to study and tackle short answer questions.

You will be prepared for the AMSPAR Level 2 Certificate in Medical Terminology and you may also choose to study for the specialist OCR (RSA) Medical Word Processing and Medical Audio Transcription qualifications.

AMSPAR (Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists) is a professional body for non-clinicians working in healthcare and achievement of this certificate and Level 3 represents real ability in the knowledge and understanding of medical terminology.

Advanced Medical Secretarial Level 3 Course

For secretaries already in post, or those wishing to work at Consultant level, or students who have completed the intermediate course, we would recommend the more advanced course which will prepare you to take the AMSPAR Level 3 Certificate in Medical Terminology.

It is a specialised and unique qualification, a practical tool for secretaries and administrative staff, and many find it useful as part of their personal development plan to undertake this course.  It broadens knowledge, increases accuracy and efficiency and by making skills truly portable can improve promotional opportunities.

Individual candidates have enjoyed the challenge that this course gives them and for those who have been outside formal education for some time, it is an excellent reintroduction to study. 

Topics covered include

• Origins and structure of medical terms
• Terminology of body structures, systems, diseases and conditions
• Terminology of surgical and medical procedures, investigations and treatments
• Classification of drugs and prescription abbreviations
• Titles, professional qualifications and specialities and abbreviations in common use

The additional option of OCR Medical Word Processing and OCR Medical Audio Transcription provides a full suite of Medical Secretarial qualifications.

Teaching

As part of all our courses we give our students guidance in how to learn effectively to instil confidence in studying for a qualification and enjoy the challenge of learning again after perhaps a long break since school or college.


Students are taught by an experienced lecturer using email to send and receive work. Comprehensive teaching material is provided, as well as exercises and self-assessment tests. Students will be given individual feedback, guidance and preparation for examinations, where necessary.

Examination Details

There are three sittings a year for the AMSPAR examination. The AMSPAR Certificate in Medical Terminology is awarded to candidates achieving a pass mark of 75% or higher and successful candidates are invited to join AMSPAR as a member.

The OCR examinations can be taken at any time between January and August each year.

Recommended Books

AMSPAR recommend the following books.

Medical Terminology & Clinical Procedures by Mary Bird available from Magister Distribution (Tel. 01322 386958) or from the Amazon website.

It is also useful to have a medical or nurses’ dictionary and have access to a copy of an anatomy and physiology book and a drug information book but you don’t need these before you start the course as we supply reference notes along the way.

How does distance learning work?  Read our How We Teach page to find out more.