Medical school enrollment and applications hit an all-time high in 2021. So, more people than ever are dealing with the challenges of medical school curricula.
It's no secret that understanding and memorizing medical terms can be challenging. However, it's not as complicated as it seems.
We've put together a brief guide that outlines helpful ways you can improve how you learn medical terminology. Let's dive in!
1. Construct Your Own Flashcards
This is a tried-and-true way to learn just about anything, and medical terms are no exception.
It's in your best interest to make as many flashcards as possible as you progress through your curriculum. Once you've made your flashcards, go through them regularly — at least a few times a week — to keep the material fresh in your mind.
You could even store them as a note document on your smartphone or laptop if you don't feel like writing on physical notecards.
2. Take Advantage of Mnemonic Devices
Mnemonic devices can be a helpful way to remember medical terminology, especially if you struggle with memorization. There are various types of mnemonics, but one of the most popular is an acronym.
For example, you can use one to help remember a series of complex medical terms by turning them into a word or phrase.
3. Don't Try and Learn Everything All at Once
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when trying to learn medical terminology is trying to do too much at once. It's essential to be patient if you want to understand the information at hand fully. Start with a few terms and gradually add more as you go.
It would also help to set milestones for yourself. For instance, you could make a goal of memorizing 150 new terms each week until you have learned everything you need to.
To get started, consider how many terms you need to learn and figure out how many you can realistically memorize each week. This will help you establish a timeline.
4. Put Your Medical Terminology Workbook To Good Use
One of the most efficient ways to improve learning is by taking advantage of a medical terminology workbook. These are specifically written to test your knowledge of the medical language. When searching for one, it's essential to consider the previous feedback the book has.
This will help provide insight into the type of results that you can expect. You should also ensure that you choose a book from a reputable provider. This will go a long way toward ensuring you get a high-quality product to help you meet your goals.
It's also important to keep in mind that a medical terminology workbook differs from a medical textbook. For example, a workbook has questions to test your knowledge, while a textbook provides a more conventional learning experience.
However, when used together, you will vastly accelerate how quickly you learn. We recommend purchasing them as a bundle to get the best results.
5. Record Yourself Reading Definitions
Interestingly, many people overlook the fact that saying a definition aloud will help you remember it. A great way to do this is by recording yourself reading the definition and listening to the recordings on a regular basis.
This will help embed the information in your memory so you can recall it when needed. You can achieve a similar effect by explaining medical terms to other people — even if they aren't necessarily someone who would find that information relevant.
6. Don't Be Afraid to Test Yourself Often
It's essential that you regularly test yourself to ensure that you're sufficiently retaining information.
This can be done in several ways, but one of the most effective is by taking practice quizzes. One of the best ways to do so is by using a workbook.
It's up to you how often you test yourself. The ideal frequency will depend on various factors, such as your overall workload.
However, most people find that they achieve better results through more frequent testing instead of assessing themselves monthly.
7. Learn About Root Words, Suffixes, and Prefixes
This is one of the most important steps you can take when it comes to memorization. Once you understand root words, suffixes, and prefixes, it will be much easier to break down medical terms and understand their individual meanings.
This will help make the memorization process more streamlined in the long run.
8. Invest in the Services of a Tutor
Another great way to learn medical terminology is by getting a tutor. This is an excellent option if you're struggling to understand the material on your own.
A tutor can help clarify any problem areas and help you work through them. Keep this option in mind if you find yourself struggling during your study sessions.
9. Maintain a Regular Study Schedule
Sometimes, students make the mistake of having marathon study sessions and taking significant breaks between them. It's much better to study regularly.
This will help ensure that the information you're learning stays fresh in your mind.
Try to set aside a specific time each day to study medical terminology. This will make it easier to stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Learning Medical Terminology Is Easier Than It Seems
Learning medical terminology doesn't have to be complicated.
Following the tips and resources above can make the process much easier. From maintaining a regular study schedule to taking advantage of the best quality medical textbooks and workbooks on the market, you've got everything at your fingertips to succeed.
Do you want to learn more about what we can do? Then, reach out to us today and see how we can help you.
