Qualifications

AMSPAR and City & Guilds work together to provide qualifications recognised by Ofqual for the sector.

A range of qualifications are offered.

Medical Terminology

Medical terminology is at the heart of healthcare, whether NHS or private and is used in every specialty. If you are a secretary, receptionist, manager or, indeed, employed in any administrative grade, the chances are that you will need a good grasp of medical terminology to do your job effectively.

The AMSPAR Level 3 Certificate in Medical Terminology

This well-respected award is suitable for those working in health care who wish to add a medical terminology qualification to their skills and knowledge or for individuals thinking about changing career direction.

Since 1998 our medical terminology certificate has become increasingly popular and, with a pass mark of 75%, represents real ability in medical terminology. It is a widely recognised qualification and would be a rewarding addition to your skills and qualifications.

The AMSPAR Level 3 Certificate in Medical Terminology is accredited by Ofqual and is listed in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (14 credits). This means that it is eligible for public funding through the Learning and Skills Council.

Exams are held in February, May and November to allow candidates to sit them at a time most convenient to them.

Home Study

AMSPAR can provide a booklet (see FAQs) which contains a reading list and sample parts of examination questions. It also contains the aims and objectives of the qualification.

You will need to study the recommended books at home. This is not a distance learning course.
The length of study depends on your current level of knowledge.

Study at a Centre

If you would like to be taught the course you should contact a City & Guilds accredited centre.

The Syllabus

Knowledge Content

Origins of structure and medical terms
Prefixes, roots and suffixes - composition of medical words
Terminology of body structures, systems, diseases and conditions
Surgical and medical procedures and investigations
Terminology of pathology and x-ray investigations and procedures
Classification of drugs and prescription abbreviations
Eponyms, acronyms and abbreviations in common use
Titles, professional qualifications, professional bodies relevant to medicine and their abbreviations

Correct spelling of medical terminology is a requirement for this paper

Objectives

The candidate should be able to:

Demonstrate the correct use of medical prefixes, roots and suffixes
Give the meanings of medical terms and abbreviations in common use, including body structures and systems
Apply correct medical terms and abbreviations
Demonstrate the correct use of abbreviations used in prescriptions
Demonstrate the correct use of interpretation of titles, professional qualifications and professional bodies applicable to medicine

Please note: there is no fixed word list for this qualification.

The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists
Registered Charity Number 313310. Registered in England and Wales, Company Number 850300.
Tavistock House North, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9LN
Telephone: 020 7387 6005, Fax: 020 7388 2648