Should I take medical terminology (not req'd)?

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I am planning my courses for next quarter (A&P II and O Chem or Micro) and thinking about taking a medical terminology course. It is offered through the MA curriculum at my school and not required for any of the nursing programs I will be applying to. Do you think it would be worthwhile or do will I get enough terminology through my pre-reqs and nursing school? Thanks for any advice.

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I did, and I don't regret it. It wasn't required for me either.

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Honestly, I wish I took it. I feel so lost on the terms. It's really learning a new language.

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Omg I can't stress this enough! Please take it. I'm hopefully accepted to nursing program this spring and I know Med Term class will help me.

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Specializes in Emergency.

You can take it or leave it. After about a semester, you start looking at either prefixes or suffixes for root words and that generally will help you figure out what it is. My school doesn't have it, though I wish I did take it. Would have been nice. =P

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Give yourself the extra edge - go for it.

It certainly won't hurt you if you do.

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I vote no. I just don't think its necessary, especially while taking A&P and Chem. I never took one and I haven't yet thought "Gee, sure wish I took a medical terminology class!" But then, if you have an interest in it and the money and time, it certainly won't harm you.

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I also vote no. Maybe get a medical dictionary. As someone above said, you learn to notice root words, prefixes, and suffixes.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day:

It would be helpful if you can fit it in.

Thank you.

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No. Waste of time and gpa when it's something you can learn easily on your own.

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I would recommend it. I took it 9 years ago, and wish I would've taken it again because I don't remember a thing lol

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I say go for it. I took it as a way to help bump up my GPA a bit and I've found it helpful for trying to answer test questions that ask what a term means and it's one I didn't study too much. Had to do it on my most recent advanced patho test.

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