Knowledge of anatomy and physiology is essential for jobs in the medical industry. All the Latin and Greek phrases, with complex prefixes and suffixes, can be challenging even for someone with an incredible memory.

But memorization isn’t the only strategy that works for learning and remembering anatomy and physiology. Here are some tried and true study tips for anatomy and physiology classes.

• Break the word down. The most important thing to know about these Latin and Greek words is that each part has a meaning. Learning the meaning of the prefix at the beginning of the word or a suffix at the end will help you better understand the word as a whole. For example, learning that the suffix “angio” relates to blood vessels will help you recognize several words.

• Record yourself. Hearing anatomical words out loud will also help you better memorize and understand them. A great trick is to record yourself saying them. Audio clues, beyond simply reading these words on a page, will give you better recall. The initial exercise of recording them will aid in memorization as well.

• Use mnemonic devices. Do you remember the old memory tools you used in elementary school? Like ROYGBIV for colors of the rainbow. Memory tools can help with anatomy and physiology as well.

Connecting the part of the body or the function with the word itself is a great way to understand each part and how they work together. For example, this mnemonic device for the four abdominal muscles:

• T for transversus abdominis
• I for internal abdominal oblique
• R for rectus abdominis
• E for external abdominal oblique

• Rewrite definitions. The words and definitions in anatomy and physiology can be complicated and overly technical. But they don’t have to be. Another tool to learn concepts is to rewrite the definitions in your own words.

This layperson’s language will give you a better grasp on what is being discussed so you can follow along in your own way without getting caught up in the words used.

• Focus on concepts. When learning any new skill, it is always best to focus on the concepts rather than each specific component. For example, if you want to learn how to speak a language, just learning the nouns won’t help you put together sentences. You learn grammar, which is a concept that allows you to speak to someone else.

The same is true for anatomy and physiology. Learn the concepts that will help you understand the whole. For example, physiology is filled with what scientists call “causal mechanisms.” Learning the core ideas behind how the body works can apply to a variety of biological systems.

• Reach out to a study partner. Lastly, even though you may be training entirely online, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a tried and true study method, the study group.

Learning with others is a great way to help facilitate your experience. Reach out to a mentor or someone in the medical profession for anatomy and physiology study tips. Ask them to help you study regularly or when you are faced with a difficult concept to learn.

Are you thinking about expanding your professional experience by learning anatomy and physiology? Contact Corexcel today to learn about our online programs!

The New Year is always a good time to reassess your long-term career plans. For many, going back to school or pursuing new training opportunities is a good way to increase earning potential. One of the most popular industries is medical coding. If you’re considering this field, what are the benefits to training in medical coding and what is the next step to make it happen?

Benefits

1. Options to work from home. Medical coding is a career that often gives you the flexibility of working at home. Many healthcare providers are choosing to outsource this task rather than face the overhead of hiring permanent employees with medical coding and billing skills. This means working from home is not only possible, but preferred in many cases. You can work at your own pace and on your own terms as long as you meet the requirements of the contract.
2. Be your own boss. In this case, you wouldn’t just be working from home, but you would also be working for yourself. Most of the work-from-home medical coding professionals are hired as independent contractors. This means they are not an employee of the clinic or medical facility and are free to take on additional clients as well. You are responsible for your own marketing, production, and accounting, but you are also responsible for your own success.
3. Online education opportunities. Training for a career in medical coding is easier than ever. It’s no longer necessary to attend physical courses and pay higher tuition fees to colleges or tech schools. Online education programs, such as those offered by Corexcel, are available at the fraction of the cost. Learn at home online, so you can continue working your current job and learn without disrupting personal responsibilities.
4. Work in healthcare. Finally, the number one reason individuals choose to become medical coding professionals is to work within the growing and exciting medical industry without committing to the clinical side, such as working as a doctor or nurse. Medical coding will allow you to help patients even though you are not directly interacting with them.

How to Start

If you’re looking for a career that is medical related and gives you flexibility in your lifestyle, you can earn your certificate with the same self-paced flexibility online. Corexcel’s comprehensive ICD-10 Coding course is designed for individuals learning to code, as well as for healthcare professionals needing an update on current codes. For medical coding course details, visit https://www.healthceus.com/coding-courses/icd-10-online-training.php.

Because study habits vary from student to student, with an online course it often can take a period of trial and error to discover what type of studying works best for you.

Here at Corexcel, our Medical Terminology online class features a variety of interactive tools to enhance your studying and help individual styles of learners complete the course successfully. Below are a few of these interactive medical terminology tools:

Audio Playback

Medical terminology is the universal language within the healthcare industry. It’s the standard form of communication between all levels of medical professionals, from doctors and nurses to medical coders and billers.

With the audio playback feature, you can highlight specific text to be read back to you to help you become familiar with the pronunciation of key medical terminology. Correct pronunciation avoids errors and confusion, and can assist you with becoming an effective communicator within your profession.

Digital Flashcards

For many students, flashcards are considered a “go-to” study method. Although effective, creating flashcards can be a timely endeavor. Pre-made digital flashcards reduce time spent hand writing individual flashcards while increasing available study time.

Digital flashcards within our medical terminology course are grouped by chapter. Each card displays a vital term with its corresponding definition on the flip side. The cards also can serve as a study outline, putting an emphasis on what content you should focus on in each chapter.

Digital Glossary

Throughout the online course, you’ll come across hundreds of terms as you progress. Having a digital glossary as you work through your lessons keeps important information at your fingertips. Definitions and detailed information are instantly available as you study.

Time previously spent flipping through countless pages of a hard copy glossary helps you keep the pace and focus as you learn.

Self-Paced Format

To some, a medical terminology course may seem overwhelming – numerous definitions, countless medical abbreviations, etc. However, a self-paced course enables you to take your time to truly grasp each concept.

You have the flexibility to complete the course in both the manner and time frame that best suits you. You can even bounce around from chapter to chapter and take the tests when you determine you are comfortable with the material.

On the other hand, if your learning for the first time or need a refresher for an upcoming job promotion or new opportunity, you can adapt your schedule to solely focus on the material to complete the course within a shortened time frame.

The competitiveness of today’s job market often requires applicants to have more than just job experience. Employers want to see a master’s degree or certificate program on a resume. As a result, students are making the decision to continue learning later in life., often with online courses. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 40% of college students are 25 years and older. Online courses can be a viable option for adults interested in expanding their education.

Reducing the Stigma

In a traditional classroom setting, adult learners may feel self-conscious about their age. Since online learning limits face-to-face interactions, adult learners often find a comfort zone and actually increase their class participation. Not having to compare themselves with younger classmates can reduce anxiety and increase the level of focus needed to successfully complete coursework.

Flexibility

Adult learners are often juggling a plethora of responsibilities. From raising a family to working a fulltime job, there can be limited time for education. Online courses allow students to work at their own pace and create a study schedule that best fits their hectic lives. Since online coursework can be accessed when the time is right for students, there’s no chance of missing an important appointment or family obligation.

Motivation

Online courses can empower adults to take control over their own personal and professional goals. Acquiring a new skillset while balancing a hectic life will reinforce that they are in the driver’s seat of their education. Reaching long awaited ambitions can provide adult learners with a high level of personal satisfaction.

The Takeaway

Online learning provides a virtual classroom setting in which adult learners can thrive. From comfort and flexibility to personal accomplishment and career advancement, students can enjoy the journey of continuing education!

Here at Corexcel, our Professional Certificate Programs and individual online courses, such as Medical Terminology, give students the benefit of education through online learning.

Nowadays, the job market is highly competitive. To give yourself an edge, you need a skill set that is both distinguishable and adaptable. Taking a human anatomy and physiology course provides you with essential skills that apply to a number of health careers.

Career Options

Human anatomy and physiology is the basis for numerous jobs in allied health, emergency services, and the medical field. Typically, careers in these areas are in high demand throughout the country and offer stability and competitive salary.

Professions, including paramedics, anesthesiologists, medical billing specialists, physician assistants, and registered nurses, require different educational levels and training, but all share a common basis in anatomy and physiology. In some states, even tattoo artists are required to complete an accredited human anatomy and physiology course.

Applicable Knowledge 

Online anatomy and physiology classes offer a foundation in the structures and functions of the human body. When students understand normal conditions for a body to achieve homeostasis, they can begin to identify abnormal functions. Since human anatomy and physiology is a prerequisite for most health education programs, and employers assume your knowledge in this area, passing anatomy and physiology is essential to your future success.

Getting Started 

At Corexcel, our Anatomy & Physiology course is online and self-paced. Whether you take it along with your current classes or study around a busy work schedule, you can begin today. To get started, register online or contact us for more information!

Online education is more popular than ever right now. It provides various benefits, with one of the most important ones being flexibility. While this flexibility makes it feasible for students from all walks of life to complete the courses at their own pace, being successful requires a bit of structure and motivation.

Below are a few tips on how to succeed in an online course.

1. Develop a sense of time management: The majority of online classes are designed for students to work at their own pace, potentially making it possible to fall behind. Time management is a key component in finding success with your online courses. Knowing how much time you have to complete a course from the start will enable you to keep a handle on your workload and ensure that you finish in the time given.
2. Create a study plan: A specific study schedule can help you manage your time wisely and stay on track. Blocking out a few non-negotiable hours a week for online learning is necessary to ensure that you can properly manage both your course workload and personal responsibilities. Keeping track of allotted time on a weekly calendar can make it easier to keep your study date.
3. Find a study environment that facilities learning: Yes, you can technically study from anywhere, but it’s important to choose a study environment with the least amount of distractions. When in at home, consider silencing your cell phone and turning off the television. If you prefer to study in public, try to choose a quiet space where you’ll be able to concentrate. The library is more conducive to learning than a busy coffee shop.
4. Eliminate distractions on your computer: When taking an online course, the Internet can be one of the biggest distractions. It’s advantageous to try and avoid any non-related web surfing. Consider closing out all tabs in your web browser and even shutting off email notifications during your study time. You’ll be surprised at how much more time you’ll have to allocate towards coursework.
5. Purchase course materials that you feel are necessary: The majority of online courses only require you to purchase just the online access to the course. However, if you know that hard copies of study materials help you learn, it may be beneficial to purchase the textbook, study guide job aids, etc.
6. Utilize all optional resources: Some students may feel detached from professors and classmates without the experience of face-to-face contact and group work. However, it’s important to take advantage of optional resources such as games, flash cards, or case studies that may be provided when taking an online course.. Utilizing these resources can give you the sense of a more traditional learning environment.

With online courses, you’re in the driver’s seat of your own learning. Trying out a few of the above tips can help you to discover how to set your cruise control to success!

Finding the time to balance life’s long list of responsibilities can be quite challenging. From working 40+ hours a week to daily chores, there’s little time for continuing education. To combat this issue, many people are turning to online learning. According to U.S. News & World Report, roughly six million students are taking at least one online course.

Whether you’re a working professional or a recent high school graduate, there are numerous advantages of taking online courses. Here just are a few:

1. Convenience and flexibility – Online courses provide you with the opportunity to plan your study time around the rest of your day. You can work a full-time job and complete coursework in the evenings or on the weekends. Need to pick up the kids? No problem, just pick up where you left off the next time you login.
2. Resume booster – When it comes to your career, you may be interested in getting ahead. Completing online courses can demonstrate to present and prospective employers that you are ambitious and prepared for new challenges. It also shows that you are staying current with new information and technology.
3. Credits that count – Online courses do not go unnoticed. Most online courses offer a certificate completion with some type of Continuing Education Unit (CEU), which is often required in certain professions.
4. Comfort of your own home – Online courses can be completed anywhere and at anytime. The atmosphere of your home can be much more relaxing and conducive for learning. Online learning eliminates time wasted commuting to campus and battling for a parking spot. And if you really want to feel like a college kid, you can “go to class” in your sweatpants!

Whether you’re interested in continuing your education or in the midst of a career change, online classes can be instrumental in helping you reach your goal. Ultimately, online courses allow you to be in control of your education.