Course Syllabus

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BUS 063 | Medical Transcription

Fall 2023

Instructor Information

Instructor: Sarah Wright 

Email: swright2756@lakelandcollege.edu

Office location:  WH #007
Office phone:  217-234-5355
Fall Office Hours:

Tuesday: 10:45 – 11:45

Wednesday: 9 – 11

Thursday 10:45 – 11:45

Online every day Monday - Friday

Emails received after 12:00 on Friday may not be returned until Monday morning.  I will not be answering any emails on Saturday, Sunday or any college holidays.

 

Course Description

This course is designed to develop skill in transcribing recorded medical dictation in an efficient manner using proper formats, grammar, spelling, and medical terminology.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Transcribe a minimum of 7 medical dictations from doctors with various nationalities, and distractions, etc., with correct medical terminology, spelling, medical abbreviations, grammar and report format.
  2. Type medical dictation in correct report format using transcription software, foot pedal, and a word processing software package on a computer.
  3. Complete timed transcriptions using acceptable format, acceptable medical terminology and spelling.

Required Supplies

The book for this class is Hillcrest Medical Center Beginning Medical Transcription Course, 8th edition by Patricia A. Ireland and Carolyn Stein.

You will need reliable internet access to complete this course.  Plan to log on to Canvas at least three times a week.  When you are in canvas use the module section that I have created to access all of your assignments and dictation files.

  • Book.  Read and study the model report forms, the reference section, and each chapter’s glossary and figures.   (You will not use the CD in the back of the book)
  • Dictation Files.  When you open your assignment in Canvas you will see all of the dictation files needed for each weeks assignment.  Right click on the dictation file and save it to your flash drive.
  • Express Scribe software.  Install the software with the directions that are attached.  Once you get the software installed you will load the Hillcrest dictation files are located in the assignment in Canvas.  You should use the U: drive to do this on your hard drive of your computer.
  • Foot pedal.  You will use a foot pedal with Express Scribe software to transcribe reports.  A foot pedal is used to allow you to conveniently pause, play, rewind, and fast forward the dictation file.  Installation instructions are included in the Express Scribe instruction handout.  FYI—you can complete the homework by using the mouse or keyboard to control the playback; however, it’s not very efficient.
  • Speakers or headphones.  You will need one of these in order to listen to the audio files and transcribe your reports.
  • E-mail account.  Use as alternative communication in case Canvas becomes temporarily unavailable.
  • Discussions.  Use the discussion board in Canvas to ask classmates questions about words you do not understand in the dictation.  Do not ask for whole sentences, paragraphs, or whole documents.  I will respond to your discussions when appropriate.

Instructor Classroom Policies

Spell check is not a substitute for proofreading since it may not find all misspelled words, misused words, or words typed in all caps.  Please proofread your work carefully. 

Homework

Although you could complete your homework using Microsoft Word 2010, please be aware that all campus computers now have Word 2016.  Canvas will now accept either version of Word.

Multiple exercises from each chapter will be given; however, only one exercise may be graded.  In order to receive a grade for the homework, all exercises must be completed and submitted.  Incomplete homework will receive a grade of a zero. 

Homework should be saved as your last name, first initial, chapter number, and exercise number.  For example:  WrightS Exercise 1-1

Similarly, each homework assignment must contain a footer with your name, and exercise number.  An omission of the footer or an error in the footer deducts five points. 

Please use available resources such as your book, the web resources, the listing of doctors’ names, case hints, and the difficult words for each chapter to help you with your homework.  In addition, you may use the discussion board to post questions about the exercises and reply to your classmates.  Please refer to the report guidelines handout for additional formatting information.

Each assignment is worth 100 points.  Minor mistakes will deduct two points while major errors, such as typographical or formatting errors, will deduct five points.

Tests

Two timed tests will be given.  You will be taking your tests online.  You will need to see the attachment that says “testing instructions” to be able to complete the tests.  Remember you will only have 60 minutes to complete the tests and return the word document to me.  The midterm and final will be open Monday - Friday, you will also have an assignment due those weeks so pay close attention to your due dates.   I will email you instructions and case hints for each test a week before they are available.

Each test is worth 100 points. 

Late Work

Homework will be submitted through Canvas and is due at midnight.  Please refer to the course calendar for specific due dates.  Late work is not accepted. 

Grade Scheme

The following grading standards will be used in this class:

Grading Scheme
Grade Range
A 90% to 100%
B 80% to < 90%
C 70% to < 80%
D 60% to < 70%
F 0% to < 60%

Online Communication Guidelines

(e-mail etiquette)

  • Choose an appropriate subject line.
  • Update the subject line when the content of your message changes.
  • Use proper capitalization and punctuation. 
  • Write in complete sentences.
  • Proofread for correct spelling and grammar.
  • Create a new paragraph anytime the topic changes.
  • Avoid typing in all caps as this indicates you’re shouting.

Academic Integrity

At Lake Land College, it is assumed that students will honor the tradition of academic honesty. As such, students have the responsibility to be fully knowledgeable of the Academic Integrity Code, produce their own work, and encourage academic honesty among their fellow students.

For a description of what is considered to be academic dishonesty, please review the Academic Integrity Code available in the online Student Handbook and Right to Know. If you have questions regarding the College’s policy specifically related to this course, please do not hesitate to ask.

Help Desk Support

The Information Systems and Services (Links to an external site.) department offers technical support. You can contact the helpdesk at 217-234-5261 or helpdesk@lakelandcollege.edu for any technical problems related to the courses you are taking at Lake Land College.

Information Systems and Services is located in Virgil Learning Resource Center/Library (See Maps for directions.) in the lower level. ISS welcomes walk-in campus support Monday - Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during the spring and fall semesters. During the summer the college is open from Monday - Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Personal WiFi hotspot devices called MiFis and computers can be checked out at the Circulation Desk of the Virgil H. Judge Learning Resource Center/Library (Links to an external site.). Contact 217-234-5367 or libcirc@lakelandcollege.edu to set up an appointment.

If you have any difficulties using Canvas, you can contact the Information Systems and Services (Links to an external site.) at information above or directly in Canvas click the Help link in the global navigation to the left. Choose Report a problem to create a ticket. Be prepared to give a detailed description of your problem when filling out the form for the ticket. Please don't hesitate to ask for help.

Accessibility Statement

Lake Land College is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the needs of its diverse student body. This means that all students, including students with disabilities, are provided equal and equitable access to all course and classroom materials.

As your instructor, I am dedicated to ensuring that my students have the resources and opportunities you need to succeed. My goal is to deliver course materials that are accessible for all students - including those using assistive technologies or with different learning needs. Please let me know if you find any of the course documents inaccessible or difficult to interact with so that we can work together to improve accessibility and usability for all.

I am always open to suggestions….

Canvas ADA Compliance Statement 

Canvas conforms to the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WAI WCAG) 2.0 AA and Section 508 guidelines.

Basic Needs

Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the Counseling Services for support. Students can also view Services & Resources page for more details. Furthermore, please notify me if you are comfortable in doing so. This will enable me to guide you to available resources.

College Policies & Procedures

Academic Standards and Policies

For more information on academic standards and policies, please view the student handbook. It is the student’s responsibility to understand when they need to consider dropping/withdrawing from a course. Refer to the Lake Land College website for dates and deadlines. Instructors may withdraw a student from class if the number of absences is detrimental to the student’s ability to meet the course objectives. Instructors can withdraw students from a course prior to five instructional days before the first day of the final exam period.

Responsible Use of Classroom Content

Class discussions, papers, pictures, video, and any other student-created work for a course are all considered official course content. Student work, including papers, discussions, quizzes, assignments, etc., must be confined to the classroom (either on-campus or virtual) and should not be shared outside the classroom without the express permission of the student who created it. Students should respect the privacy of person-to-person or person-to-class communication in all forms. Violating student privacy may result in removal from the course. Significant or repeated violations may result in disciplinary action. This standard is pursuant to Board Policies 07.28.01 (Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures) and 11.15 (Acceptable Technology Use).

Accessibility Statement

Lake Land College is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive and equitable experience designed for all students, staff, faculty and community members to thrive within the physical and digital campus. This commitment is designed to eliminate barriers, regardless of ability or technology and to cultivate an environment that fosters success and a sense of belonging for the Lake Land College community.

Canvas ADA Compliance Statement 

Canvas conforms to the W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WAI WCAG) 2.0 AA and Section 508 guidelines.

Accommodations

Lake Land College is committed to providing a quality educational experience to all students. As such, the College provides accommodations for students who have a documented disability to help them achieve their full potential. For additional information, please contact Student Accommodations within Counseling Services—(217) 234-5259.

Diversity at Lake Land College

Lake Land College is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that embraces and actively supports diversity. We aspire to be an institution where the quality of education is enhanced and enriched by an inclusive campus community. We strive to provide dynamic learning and working environments that encourage multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas. Additional information is available at diversity page on the Lake Land College website.

Health Services

Lake Land College is committed to ensuring the safety of the college community while providing the best possible learning experience for students. Students with health concerns should immediately notify their instructor(s). Students with prolonged illness should contact the college nurse, in accordance with Board Policy 07.43 (Health Services), at 217-234-5276 or healthservices@lakelandcollege.edu.     

Sexual Harassment and Misconduct (Title IX)

Lake Land College is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and employment environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and misconduct on the basis of sex, which includes sexual orientation or gender-related identity. Information about addressing sexual harassment and misconduct is found in the Student Handbook at Student Guide to Addressing Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct section.

College Closings

The responsibility for canceling classes or closing for a specific period of time rests with the President of the College. When weather conditions prevent the opening of the College or cause a delayed opening of the College, announcements will be made on local radio and TV stations, and with text messaging, email and all other technology mediums available by 6:00 a.m. for that day.

Cancellation of day classes is not an automatic closing of evening sessions. The decision to close classes that begin at 5:00 p.m. or later will be made close to 2:00 p.m. as possible.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due