5 Ways to Better Memorize Medical Terms

They say an elephant never forgets, but what about the rest of us? If you’re a medical coding student, you might have trouble learning all of these new medical terms, much less committing them to memory. But it’s important to know these terms like the back of your hand if you want to pass the certification exam and do well on the job.

Here are some tips for better memorizing medical terms you’ll use in medical coding:

1. Practice, Practice Practice

Repetition is key when it comes to memorizing medical terms. Just like you would practice a sport, you need to practice medical terms regularly. Try to schedule some time every day or two to memorize medical terms and test yourself at the end of the week. You’ll be a master of medical terminology in no time!

2. Invest in Medical Coding Flashcards or Flipbooks

Flashcards have been a relied-upon way for students to learn new terms for decades. With medical coding flashcards or medical coding flipbooks, you can learn things like medical terminology, modifiers, codes, abbreviations, guidelines and medications with ease.

3. Watch Videos or Listen to Audio Recordings

Some people are readers and can absorb information easily just by reviewing it in a book. Others are more visual or auditory learners. So whatever learning style fits you best, look into memorizing medical terms that way. It could be watching medical coding basics videos on YouTube. Or it could be listening to a podcast. Pursue the option that’s best for you.

4. Make It a Game

Have you ever played games to memorize Bible verses or vocabulary? You can do the same thing with medical terminology. Play medical term bingo, charades or another game and have fun with it! Here’s an article with vocabulary game ideas that you can use for inspiration.

5. Get to the Root of It

Many medical terms have roots in Latin or Greek, so if you start learning the roots of common words you see, it will be easier to remember them. For example the root “neur/o” means nerve, the root “pulmon/o” means lung and the root “gastr/o” means stomach.

Be sure to sign up for Medical Coding Online if you haven’t already, and contact us if you have any questions. Good luck memorizing your medical terms!